A day trip to Rye from London is a must do experience, it’s only a short train ride and you can be in one of the most beautiful towns in the English countryside.
You do need a plan to fit in everything the town has to offer in just one day and this Rye day trip itinerary has you covered with the best activities, walks, and of course food!
While Rye is most popular as a day trip from London, similar to Salisbury, you could also add it to a longer England or UK itinerary including places like York and Newcastle.
Getting to Rye
The easiest way to get to Rye is by train, either from London or elsewhere in the southeastern UK. The train trip from London to Rye takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct train so you will need to change trains along the way, typically at Ashford, but this is quick and easy and doesn’t add much to the journey time.
Train tickets typically cost around 20 pounds each way for an adult but can be pricier on the day of travel and there are lots of discounts available if you book ahead, wait for a sale or have a Railcard.
Once there, you can walk everywhere you need to go which saves the hassle of trying to drive the narrow cobbled streets or find parking.
If you do prefer to drive, the trip from central London to Rye is about 80 miles (130 km) and takes around 2 hours.
Rye Visitor Map
To help you visually plan your day in Rye, here’s a map of Rye tourist attractions.
As you can see everything is pretty close together but you could easily end up wandering the alleyways and missing stuff so it’s best to work outside in or north to south like in our itinerary below.
Rye Day Trip Itinerary
Stroll Down Mermaid Street
Begin your exploration on the iconic Mermaid Street. This is the most photographed spot in Rye and if you come on a busy weekend you’ll find lots of other day trippers getting their Instagram content.
Mermaid Street is justifiably famous though, it feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard of rural England and gone back in time. It’s hard to believe normal people really do live here.
The medieval architecture here has been impeccably maintained so you can see what the town looked like in its heyday in the 1400s when it was a big smuggling base with secret tunnels through the town including going into the 600+ year old Mermaid Inn.
Discover the Church of Saint Mary
A short walk from Mermaid Street, the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin has origins dating back to the 12th century. You can choose to go inside or check it out from the outside.
Its tower, offering panoramic views of Rye and the surrounding countryside, is a must-visit. Visitors are allowed to cline the tower, in good weather, for a small fee and its definitely worth it for the views.
The church’s clock, one of the oldest functioning church turret clocks in the country, installed in 1561, has been marking time for over four centuries. The church bell itself is quite famous as it was once stolen by the French and then the townspeople went to France to steal it back.
Uncover the Secrets of Rye Castle and the Gun Garden
Next, make your way to Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Tower, which was originally built in the 14th century as part of Rye’s defenses.
Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts that narrate the town’s maritime and smuggling history. You can pay to go inside and have a guide show you around. We chose to skip this but it would be a good extra activity for history buffs.
Adjacent to the castle, the Gun Garden offers a serene spot to enjoy views over the marshes and the river. It’s named for the cannons displayed here, pointing towards a history of defense and vigilance against invaders and smugglers alike.
When we visited someone had placed a Pret cup inside the barrel to… fire bad coffee at any invaders?
Fill up with lunch at The Mermaid Inn
After a morning steeped in history, The Mermaid Inn on Mermaid Street provides a welcoming setting for lunch. With its labyrinth of hidden passages used by smugglers, the inn has hosted guests since the 12th century.
Its traditional English menu, infused with contemporary touches, complements the historical ambiance perfectly.
Wander through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
In the afternoon, find a peaceful retreat at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. This important conservation area is a mosaic of habitats, home to a wealth of wildlife.
The reserve’s trails offer tranquil walks with stunning vistas of the coastline and wetlands, making it a perfect place for bird watching and photography.
Alternatively, if you have more time and want a proper hike, you can walk to the nearby town of Winchelsea and back. The loop is about 6,5 miles or 10km and has a few hills.
Shop on High Street
Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along High Street, the vibrant heart of Rye’s shopping district. Here, antique shops nestle alongside contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and local produce markets. I particularly like 4th bookshop and chocolate shop.
High Street is an embodiment of Rye’s community spirit, where the past and present merge through commerce and art. The street’s eclectic mix of shops offers the perfect opportunity to find unique souvenirs, from handcrafted jewelry to vintage books and local artisanal foods, encapsulating the essence of Rye.
You can also check out the Rye Market which is in the carpark by the train station. This pops up on a few Rye things to do lists but we found it highly underwhelming. It’s more of a car boot sale with very random goods from butchers to car tyres. Not really a thing for tourists in my opinion.
Where to eat on a Rye day trip
Rye has a surprisingly good food scene for a random country town.
There are some really cute cafes that are good for taking a break from your exploration of the town. There’s Jempson’s near the train station that has a good-looking selection of cabinet cakes or the ‘smallest cafe in the world’ 8Note (picture below) that’s tucked into a laneway between shops.
Don’t miss a hot chocolate at Knoops on the east side of town where you can select your specific chocolate type to be melted down and add homemade marshmallows.
There are also lots of historic pubs that are good for a more substantial meal. The Mermaid Inn is obviously the most famous but there are other well-rated options like The Ship Inn and Ypres Castle Inn. If you go on a Sunday you can get a traditional pub roast at a decent price.
Best Rye Tours
Unfortunately there aren’t any tour companies running guided day trips to Rye so you will have to get there under your own steam.
However, once you’re in Rye there are a couple of walking tour options that will give you some extra insight into the history of the town. These aren’t commercial tour companies, more like passionate locals who want to teach visitors about their home so moderate your expectations.
There is a 2 hour history walk with a town crier that leaves from the Heritage Centre most weekends costing 15 pounds, check times here.
Then you have a ghost walk that leaves from the Town Hall every other Saturday night and costs the same 15 pounds, times and booking here.
Frequently asked questions about a Rye day trip
Do you need a car to see Rye?
No, Rye is super walkable so even though there’s no real public transport you can easily get around on foot. Plus it would be a nightmare trying to drive the narrow cobbled streets and find parking so save yourself the hassle.
Can you see Rye in a day?
Absolutely yes. A day trip is a great way to see Rye as it’s enough time to explore the main attractions and enjoy some of the great food plus catch the train back to London.
How long does it take to get to Rye from London?
The train trip from London to Rye takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes including a quick change, typically at Ashford.
How much does the train to Rye cost?
Train tickets typically cost 20 pounds each way but can be pricier on the day of travel and there are lots of discounts available with Railcard.
What station do trains to Rye leave from?
The quickest trains leave from London Victoria and London St Pancras although you can connect via other London stations.
Where to stay overnight on Rye
If you have more time, consider staying the night oin Rye. There are no hotels but there are some super cute bed and breakfasts and some Airbnbs as well as campsites further out.
Here are some options for each budget range:
In Short: Rye In One Day
Hopefully, you found this Rye Day Trip Guide helpful. From its historic streets to the tranquil nature reserve, Rye really does offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Rye welcomes you with open arms and promises a day to remember.
Happy travelling!
UK Travel Resources
- Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
- Find awesome day tours on Get Your Guide
- Book train tickets and buy a discount Railcard from Trainline
- Save on attractions with a city pass from Go City (including London and Edinburgh)
- Sort your pounds and other currencies with a Wise multi-currency card
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