Rye Harbour
Rye Harbour in East Sussex Village Guide
About Rye Harbour in East Sussex
Rye Harbour is a picturesque village and moorings near the Kent and Sussex border. The unique and interesting harbour, which runs along the river Rother offers much to the visitor. It has a busy yachting centre, a fishing fleet and some commercial shipping. The village has a lifeboat station with a long and noble history, two public houses and a village shop. There is also a holiday village for those who wish to explore the area.
A Martello Tower (No 28) was built at Rye Harbour to defend the area against possible invasion during the Napoleonic wars. Today, lying unoccupied, it provides a picturesque setting.
The church of the Holy Spirit at Rye Harbour stands in a beautiful location with a memorial to all those who lost their lives in the Mary Stanford Lifeboat Disaster in 1928.
The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and entry is free. It has a network of footpaths which provide fascinating walks along the sea shore, across fields and large areas of shingle. There is the opportunity to observe wildlife from several excellent bird hides.
Camber Castle, built by Henry VIII, lies to the west close to Rye Harbour. It can be reached on foot from a footpath at the Rye end of the Rye Harbour Road, or from a footpath through the Rye Nature Reserve or from a footpath at Winchelsea Beach.
What’s new?
Harbour Cycles
We are based in Rye Harbour opposite the Lifeboat station, and next to Rye Harbour nature reserve. Take a bicycle … more
Listed in: Cycling
What’s 🔥?
Rye Bay Scallop Week
to Sun, 2nd Mar
Rye
Next event
Talk: How to Make your Garden more Bird-friendly
, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye Harbour
Message Board
Rye Harbour Fete
Hello I want to contact the event Rye Harbour 18th Aug as I should like to have a table there. … more
Seal Spotting
Hi, I am going to Rye next week. Does anyone know where and what time is best to watch seals? … more
Attractions and Activities
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is approximately 1.4 miles south east of Rye, signposted off the A259. There is a free car park at Rye Harbour. There is a network of foot paths that allow the reserve to be visited … more
Church of the Holy Spirit
In the churchyard stands the memorial to the men of Rye Harbour who died when the Mary Stanford lifeboat sank in 1928. The annual memorial service is on the 3rd Sunday of November at 3pm. Services at Rye Harbour Church … more
Rye Bay Ebikes
Ebike Hire, Tour, Sales and Servicing shop in Rye, East Sussex. Great fun for all the family and furry friends. Electric bikes are available to hire from age 14. Hourly, half day and full day and longer rentals available. A … more
Accommodation
Coldharbour Cottage
Coldharbour Cottage won the National Silver Award for the best Self Catering Cottage in 2010. The cottage itself has been renovated to a high standard whilst retaining many original features. The original oak beams, inglenook fireplace, old bakers oven and … more
The Hope Anchor
This mid-18th century former inn offers unique rooms, free Wi-Fi, and excellent views of Rye. Built around 1750 for local sailors and ship builders, The Hope Anchor is thought to have once sheltered the Tenterden Gang, who used its old … more
Mermaid Cottage
Mermaid Cottage is a cosy, 18th century cottage situated on the historic cobbled Mermaid Street in Rye, perfect for a relaxing break. Situated at the top of Mermaid Street, you are centrally based in the Citadel for exploring Rye and … more
Restaurants
Globe Inn Marsh
A traditional but modern country inn located in the heart of Rye, just a couple of miles from the coast. Specialises in using fresh and local produce to create good innovative home cooked food from Field Farm Sea and offer … more
The Ship Inn
In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more
The Mermaid Inn
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more