Rye Things to Do

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The Ypres Tower (pronounced 'wipers' and not the correct way to say Ypres the Belgian town!) looks just like what you would imagine a sand castle to look like. It offres superb views over what was once the harbour it was built to protect in the 14th century, but where there was once sea, there is now farmland.
The Tower also has been used as a prison and the current museum shows off one of the dank cells previously used for inmates.
The basement shows off a display of swords and other weapons and mainly seems to appeal to children. Other exhibits include maps showing the development and changing coastline of this part of the south east of England and a still room which shows how medicinal plants and other herbs were used.
Outside there is also a small and attractive walled garden which is now the medieval herb garden. When we visited this was equiped with a lady in medieval dress eager to tell us all about teh different plants and how they may have been used.

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Along Strand Quay are the black half timbered buildings which were once the warehouses of the thriving Cinque Port. Now these have been converted into shops, offices and restaurants alongside the Tillingham River. On a summer day the area is buzzing with life and there are many tempting restaurants (usually serving seafood) ready to welcome you to sit down and rest and refresh. I'd suggest you find one you like and do just that. Take a seat outside and watch the world go by.

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The tower of this church still sticks out above the rest of Rye's skline when seen from a far, just as it has for 900 years now. The church also has the oldest church turret clock which is still functioning in all of England (dating from 1561). You can see the pendulum mechanism from within the church if you climb the tower. You'll also see the church bells and get a brilliant view across Rye and the surrounding countryside from up here.

The church seems to be a bit of a hotch-potch of various styles from over the centuries and this helps to add to it's charm. The stained glass windows are attractive but not that old being late Victorian.

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This little church in pretty Watchbell Street in Rye has something of a Spanish look about it from outside. Inside it's a charming and small catholic church. It doesn't take long to visit but is worth popping in for a look.

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Camber castle is an old Tudor artillery fort located outside Rye in the fields of the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It's a property owned by English Heritage but has fairly limited opening hours and these do change so see the english heritage website for details before going.

You can't get here by car. You also can't get here by public transport. You just have to walk across the fields. I have found that it is nice to walk across the Rye Harbour nature reserve from Rye train station on a fine summer day. East Sussex county council have a suggested walk on their website

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/walks/circular/Walk02.htm

The castle when open is staffed by volunteers of the nature reserve and when I have visited the gentleman on duty has offered guided tours of the castle. These are worth doing. Without this you might leave just thinking that you've seen a pile of rubble and old crumbling walls. The guided tour brings the history of the place to life and you get to see things that you would otherwise probably miss - such as the Tudor graffiti mocking Henry VIII.

The Ypres Tower and the East Street Castle Museum are on separate sites but both the same establishment.

Don't bother coming here in winter, it isn't open (but if you do make it on a day when it is open, it looks really interesting!)

Check the website for opening times etc.

This church has such an amazing history spanning 900 years! - including murder amongst the grave stones and French invasions! It is possible to climb the Clock Tower for stunning views over the town and surrounding marshes.

Do check the website for opening times and more info... it's a definite MUST SEE if you are visiting this lovely town!

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Located just down from the eastern corner of Church Square is the Ypres Tower. The tower was part of the original 13th century fortifications that surrounded the town, and it is the oldest remaining section.

The tower was used as a prison for a few centuries, but these days is home to the Rye Castle Museum.

Take a wander to the front of the tower, have your photo taken sitting on one of the canons, and enjoy the view over the marsh.