The pretty English town of Rye makes the perfect weekend escape, whether you’re heading to the coast in summer or hunkering down next to a fire in the winter.
A hodge-podge of medieval buildings and historic townhouses line the quaint cobbled streets, winding their way down to the harbour and river mouth before it makes its way out to the nearby sea. It looks like something straight out of a British rom com. The small town was once a small fishing community, almost entirely surrounded by water, before becoming a protected port for trading, and later smuggling. Once home to Henry James and visited often by Rudyard Kipling, today you’ll find a thriving creative scene, with independent cafes, stylish restaurants with rooms and antique shops aplenty.
I’ve been a couple of times before, and this guide is largely an update from a 2023 travel guide on my blog. It couldn’t be easier to get to Rye from London, with trains taking just over an hour. This time I stayed right in the centre of the old town with family at The George, an old coaching inn brought back to life with bold colourful hues and luxurious modern touches. My sunny yellow room was just what the doctor ordered for an Easter mini break; we wandered the cobbled streets, breathed in fresh sea air down at the harbour, and stuffed ourselves with fish and chips, before washing it down with English sparkling wine from Chapel Down.
In this Rye travel guide, I’ve gathered together my favourite places and local finds if you fancy a leisurely potter around this charming, quintessentially British town. A slower pace, a little mooch around the shops, and some good food, what more could you want from a seaside escape.
WHERE TO SHOP
Soap & Salvation – soapandsalvation.com – A stunning, light-filled store housed in an old Salvation Army chapel dating back to 1903, selling a selection of antiques, vintage artwork, handmade baskets, books and more.
Sailors – sailorsofrye.com – A beautifully curated store offering sustainable unisex clothing and homeware geared towards a slow living lifestyle.
HOUSE by Merchant and Mills – @merchantandmillshouse – Beautifully tactile textiles and throws in earthy colours and tones from local fabric shop Merchant & Mills, recently opened in November 2025.
Rae – raelifestyle.com – Founded by Alexa and Eduardo in 2020 with a focus on rustic vintage homewares and modern independent makers. There’s a coffee stand if you need a caffeinated pick-me-up!
Puckhaber – puckhaberdecorativeantiques.com – An airy, double-fronted shop with unusual antiques, handmade ceramics, cosy blankets and my favourite FRAMA fragrances. You’ll spot Wilfred the dog keeping guard at the door.
Duck and Dog – @duck__and__dog – A home and lifestyle shop with a pared-back and effortlessly elegant aesthetic.
Hunter Jones – hunterjonesstore.co.uk – A tiny shop with a lovely selection of home fragrances and handmade ceramics.
Rye chocolates – ryechocolates.co.uk – Handmade chocolates made in small batches right in Rye; we stocked up on Easter eggs and dark chocolate buttons here.
WHERE TO STAY
I love finding unique places to stay that feel like a home away from home. I have high standards now and I can tell when somewhere goes above and beyond. These are my favourite recommendations for cosy stays that feel stylish yet cosy and heartwarming.
The George in Rye - thegeorgeinrye.com – Perfectly placed on the High Street, this old sixteenth-century coaching inn boasts charmingly eclectic interiors, with no room quite the same. I stayed with my family and we had four rooms, and each one was wonderfully unique, from a quaint, sunshine yellow room to a soothing green bedroom with William Morris wallpaper. Quiet luxury awaits, with soft, crisp white sheets, VERDEN products in the bathroom and a fresh cafetiere of coffee to wake up to. The staff are lovely and the food in the restaurant is worthy of note too – choose from the dimly lit pub-like bar or the slightly smarter George Grill restaurant with modern European fare with a Latino twist.
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