Rye campsites

A wander around Rye’s quaint little streets and lanes is the first thing you should do in Rye. This will instantly transport you into its story-book charm. Start at the Landgate. For centuries Rye was an island and at high tide the old stone gate was the only land connection to the mainland.

Learn about Rye’s history at Ypres Tower. Known as Wipers Tower to locals it’s home to Rye Castle Museum. Discover the Tower’s roles through nine centuries of history; defence, private home, prison, mortuary and now museum. Climb the tower to check out views over the town and out to the river Rother estuary. There are various exhibits in the tower from Rye’s past including a model showing how the shoreline has changed, a rare smuggler’s lamp and a medieval herb garden. The prisoner cells can also be explored.

If you’re looking for beautiful buildings, the town features plenty, start with 11^th century Mermaid Inn, stop for a drink at the Giants Fireplace Bar, see if you can spot the entrance to the secret passage.

St Mary’s has the oldest functioning church turret clock in the country but there’s another reason to visit... the views. The tower can be climbed to see the clock mechanism, the bells and out onto the turret itself for a wonderful view of Rye and the surrounding countryside.

For over 40 years, the ‘Story of Rye’ Town Model Sound and Light show has brought pleasure to thousands of visitors, bringing seven hundred years of Rye’s rich history to life, centred on the beautifully crafted town model. As the stories unfold, the commentary is enhanced by dramatic sound and light effects, all of which combine to capture the imagination in a way that is sure to echo in your mind as you explore the cobbled streets and passages of Rye.

Head over to Rye Harbour, which runs alongside the river Rother, and if you’re lucky you might spot a seal. Drive or take the bus from Rye train station. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is just a few minutes’ walk from the harbour where over 280 species of bird have been recorded in the conservation area and offer a number of excellent walking trails. In addition, walkers can also see the sights on foot with the superb long-distance 1066 Country Walk which runs between Rye and Pevensey.

Looking for high-speed thrills on the water? Full Throttle Boat Charters offer trips out of Rye Harbour. The Rye Bay boat trip is a 30 min high-speed tour on their RIB which takes up to nine people.

Put your family on your broomstick, your potions and wands in your backpack, and whizz on down to the School of Wizards and Witches in Rye! Make your kids dreams come true at this fantastically magical day out. Treat your child to a real-life wizarding experience where they can become the wizard or witch they’ve always wanted to be.

If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air pack up a picnic and head to the beach. Camber Sands is a glorious stretch of pale sand with a backdrop of massive dunes. Take buckets and spades for epic sandcastle-making opportunities or just chill out on the beach.

Nearby Bodiam Castle, a beautiful moated castle and National Trust property is a short drive from Rye.