Information

The pretty, medieval town of Rye rises from the flat Romney Marshes to reveal itself in all its glory! Once a bustling port, its history harks back to times when smugglers walked the streets and secrets and tales were a constant whisper. As you wander the cobbled streets you will discover beautiful listed buildings, secret passages and monuments that date back to times when the town had to defend itself against attacks from the sea. To get your bearing visit the Heritage Centre, and watch the ‘Sound and Light’ show, which details the history and the colourful past of the town and its inhabitants or purchase one of the audio walking tours. Thankfully the town has moved into the modern era whilst still retaining its old school charms. Today you will find a vibrant creative community, with many galleries, art and photographic outlets. The High Street boasts an array of independent boutiques, antiques, artisan goods, delicatessen, traditional sweet shop, home wares and some of the well known high street brands. Spolit for choice with many eateries to suit all tastes and budgets and ample pubs, most with welcoming open fires and serving a choice of locally sourced ingredients throughout the year.

Ten minutes from the town you will find the stunning, sandy beach of Camber Sands, which stretches for nearly three miles, with its unique sand dunes and shallow water at low tide. Just over two miles away and easily accessed by car, bus, bicycle or on foot along the safe Sustrans trail. Rye Nature Reserve is close by and is a haven for wildlife and is the perfect place to walk and enjoy sea views, wetlands and big open wide spaces. You can choose to walk out to Camber Castle, originally located on a shingle spit and where once, it protected the towns of Rye and Winchelsea, before the sea receded.

The town of Winchelsea, has a rich history and like Rye a rich smuggling past. One of the many cellar tours that take place during the year, is a worthy visit and a chance to see parts of the town that are not normally on show. With far reaching views over the marshes and out to sea, it really is a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

 Hastings Old Town is an eclectic mix of bric a brac shops, galleries, independent boutiques, restaurants, pubs and coffee stops. It is hard to pass the window of the award winning Judges Bakery, without being tempted to go in, you have been warned. If you are looking for evening entertainment then take in a film at the Electric Palace Cinema, an independent community based cinema which aims to bring you a wide choice of alternative films and film related events. Sign up for a Foyle’s War trail and visit all the locations used in the Old Town for the popular tv series. Looking to explore the Country Park then why not take the venicular up to the top or, if feeling fit, the many steps. The view is worth the effort and you can walk for miles taking in the cliff views. Hastings Pier is located a pleasant walk along the seafront and throughout the year holds music events, so worth seeing if there is something that takes your fancy and tickets sell fast. The town is famous for the biggest fishing fleet in Europe and much of the tradition has been kept. The net drying huts and fishing fleet can be found on the beach today, along with the many fresh fish stalls. The Jerwood Gallery is found close by and The Shipwreck and Coastal Heritage Museum is worth a visit. An absolute must, is to visit during the 'Jack in Green' festival over May Bank Holiday weekend, a colourful festival and parade and fun for all the family.

 St Leonards on Sea, is a growing vibrant community favoured by artists and musicians. You will find a thriving cafe culture, galleries, antique and bric brac shops to browse. The Independent cinema on Normans Road is a favourite and a must visit by locals, so be sure to stop by. The town is a popular spot for live music and acts can be found performing in local bars or just along the road at the Del La Warr Pavilion, in Bexhill. The seafront is well liked by walkers, runners and cyclists and you can wander as far as the Country Park at Hastings or the sea front at Bexhill without venturing onto the road.

Rules

Please read our terms and conditions before booking.