Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>East Sussex can often be unfairly overlooked but Rye nestled near the Kent border changes any preconceptions about that side of the county. It can claim to be one of the best preserved medieval towns in England – we know, impressive! It ticks the coastal and countryside boxes with nearby beaches Camber Sands, Winchelsea and Pett Level as well as the High Weald. A victim of its prettiness, it is a popular tourist destination, but the crowds are usually confined to summer. Not just a pretty face, character comes in the form of half-timbered houses, ancient passageways as well as vintage shops, cafés and nearby vineyards.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-10.jpg" alt="The Gallivant restaurant Rye Sussex" class="wp-image-60988" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Gallivant</figcaption></figure>



<p>Possibly the most luxurious destination in Rye is <a href="https://thegallivant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gallivant</a>, it’s a hotel but the restaurant is on the beach with a menu serving local delights from the land and sea. For Champagne and jazz (what a combo) head to <a href="https://thegrapevinerye.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grapevine Champagne and Jazz Bar</a> hidden on a cobbled street for additional atmosphere. More relaxed dining is found at <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-union-rye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Union Rye</a> &#8211; a modern restaurant housed in an ancient 15th century building that specialises in small dishes and local produce. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.mermaidinn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mermaid Inn</a> has endless character although be prepared, there are rumours it&#8217;s haunted. If it&#8217;s a cosy country pub you&#8217;re after <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-plough-rye-east-sussex/">The Plough Rye</a> comes with all the trimmings from a beautiful beer garden and views over the Brede valley. Other options include modern dining at <a href="http://thehoof.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hoof</a> and <a href="https://www.cafedesfleurs.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Café Des Fleur</a> sells flowers but also you can pick up a coffee and pastries too and <a href="https://thefigrye.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fig Rye</a> is another firm favourite. For dining at home <a href="https://www.ryedeli.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye Deli</a> offers everything your pantry and fridge desires – salads, cheeses, olives et al and then <a href="https://ryechocolates.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye&nbsp;Chocolates</a> has your sweet tooth covered.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1068" height="784" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/618e73_33ffadd741c34e8bab1d38d90cebc93bmv2.jpg" alt="Simply Rye homeware fashion and gifts Rye Sussex" class="wp-image-70391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/618e73_33ffadd741c34e8bab1d38d90cebc93bmv2.jpg 1068w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/618e73_33ffadd741c34e8bab1d38d90cebc93bmv2-800x587.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/618e73_33ffadd741c34e8bab1d38d90cebc93bmv2-1000x734.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/618e73_33ffadd741c34e8bab1d38d90cebc93bmv2-768x564.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px" /></figure>



<p>Gift and interior shops aka (catnip for tourists) dominate in Rye but that’s no bad thing, window shopping is practically a sport here! Muddy’s top pick is <a href="https://www.simplyrye.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simply Rye</a> offering homeware, fashion, accessories and gifts. And for homeware head to <a href="https://www.alexmacarthur.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Macarthur Interiors</a> and national Muddy Award winner 2024 <a href="https://www.hunterjonesstore.co.uk/">Hunter Jones</a>, which specialises in classic French interiors and antique garden furniture. Speaking of antiques, your one-stop shop is <a href="https://ryesussex.uk/directory/shopping/antique-shops/listing/strand-quay-antiques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Strand Quay</a>.&nbsp;Local favourites also include <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theryebookshop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rye Bookshop</a> and <a href="https://www.ryepottery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye Pottery</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://theryeretreat.co.uk/spa">Rye Retreat</a> is an Aveda spa offering everything from massage to reflexology, and little serenity in this beautiful town.&nbsp;<a href="https://thegallivant.co.uk/spa/">The Gallivant</a> also have a treatment cabin, Muddy recommends a massage there. Medically you&#8217;ll be covered at <a href="https://www.ferryroadhealthcentre.net/">Ferry Road Healthcare Centre</a> and <a href="https://www.ryemedicalcentre.com/">Rye Medical Centre</a>. Meanwhile, the best local gym is, the health club at <a href="https://www.flackleyashhotel.co.uk/relax/health-club-facilities">Flackley Ash Hotel</a> and for classes try <a href="https://www.theviewpilates.co.uk/">View Pilates </a>and <a href="https://www.ryebayfitness.co.uk/">Rye Bay Fitness</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There’s a strong music scene in Rye but things are taken to the next level at the <a href="https://box-office.ryeartsfestival.org.uk/sales">Arts Festival</a>. Taking place in September each year it showcases music, drama and film and hosts talks, walks and tours. <a href="https://thegallivant.co.uk/whats-on/">The Gallivant</a> host regular events including community beach cleans. While on Sundays the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RyeWaterworks/?locale=en_GB">Rye Waterworks Micropub</a> hosts cheese club for fromage fans where you max out your diary quota for the month. Every year, on the first bank holiday in May the Rye New Mayor Making Ceremony takes place, a traditional event that brings locals together to witness the &#8216;throwing of the hot pennies&#8217;. After a church service, the newly appointed Mayor throws hot pennies from a window in the Town Hall. Shame it&#8217;s not a winning lottery ticket but it&#8217;s the thought that counts!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-10.jpg" alt="Rye Castle Rye Sussex" class="wp-image-61317" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rye Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>Award-winning vineyards <a href="https://oxneyestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxney Organic</a> and <a href="https://tillingham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tillingham Wines</a> are both close by so that tasting days can be a regular experience. But you can go wild &#8211; in an entirely different way at <a href="https://rye.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye&nbsp;Nature Reserve</a> part of The Wildlife Trust. Meanwhile <a href="http://ryemuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye Castle</a> (pictured) and its museum guards over the town, and is just two miles from the beach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-nbsp">CULTURE<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Novelist, EF Benson’s former home, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamb House (now owned by the National Trust)</a> sits on West Street in all its Georgian glory.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>A respectable<strong> </strong>£430,833. The majority of sales in Rye during the past year were semi-detached houses,(£440,900). Terraced homes sold for £471,558, with flats fetching £242,458.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg" alt="Bond baddie base? This 24 acre plot has planning permission to build a unique luxury home. On the market with Knight Frank for £2.15m. Rye Sussex" class="wp-image-69470" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/Untitled-design-3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/Untitled-design-3-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/Untitled-design-3-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Bond baddie base? This 24 acre plot has planning permission to build a unique luxury home. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com/properties/residential/for-sale/starvecrow-lane-peasmarsh-rye-east-sussex-tn31/tnw012486898" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £2.15m</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.ryeprimary.e-sussex.sch.uk/" target="_blank">Pugwash Nursery</a> is part of Rye Community school and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.castle-nurseries.co.uk/rye-hill" target="_blank">Rye Hill</a> has extensive outdoor play ares. Independents, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/claremont-school-east-sussex-early-years-pre-prep-and-prep/" target="_blank">Claremont School</a> and <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/national-school-reviews/vinehall-school-review-robertsbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinehall</a> have nurseries.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Good state schools in the locale – <a href="http://www.ryeprimary.e-sussex.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye Community</a>&nbsp;and nearby&nbsp;<a href="http://st-michaels-playden.e-sussex.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Michael’s CofE</a>&nbsp;primary schools both have a solid rep. While secondary <a href="http://www.ryecollege.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye College</a>&nbsp;was also rated Good.</p>



<p>Looking at independent schools,&nbsp;<a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/vinehall-school-robertsbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinehall School</a> is a co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 2 – 13 yrs, with excellent facilities, including an outside classroom. All-through co-ed <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/claremont-school-east-sussex-early-years-pre-prep-and-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claremont School</a> has a sprawling country site and a get-stuck-in ethos. There’s also <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/marlborough-house-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marlborough House School</a> for ages 2 – 13 yrs and <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/marlborough-house-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawkhurst</a> with a focus on nature.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret-nbsp">BEST KEPT SECRET&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.kinodigital.co.uk/rye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kino Digital Cinema</a> resides in a beautiful former Victorian library&nbsp;in the town showing a section of art house and indie films as well as a few mainstream movies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>You can be at London St Pancras in 80 mins changing at Ashford, London Bridge trains go from Winchelsea and take 2hrs. There are direct trains to Brighton in 80 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Rye

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