Rye Harbour
Rye Harbour in East Sussex Village Guide
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?
Rye Bay Ebikes
Ebike Hire, Tour, Sales and Servicing shop in Rye, East Sussex. Great fun for kids from 14yrs. Hourly, half day … more
Listed in: Cycling
What's on in Rye Harbour
Shopping Evening
, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Icklesham Memorial Hall & Pavilion, Icklesham
Category: Shopping Fairs and Markets
Message Board
Fishing Trip
Can anyone recommend a fishing trip from either Rye harbour or nearby, for the last week of July. We are … more
Beach Access
Can anyone tell me if you can currently access the beach from the end of the path through the nature … more
Attractions and Activities
Rye Bay Ebikes
Ebike Hire, Tour, Sales and Servicing shop in Rye, East Sussex. Great fun for kids from 14yrs. Hourly, half day … more
Full Throttle Boat Charters
New for 2022 we offer the 1 hour Seal Safari boat trip from Rye Harbour. The trip takes you 8 … more
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 … more
Accommodation
The Highlands
This large secluded Victorian house sleeps 11 and has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside towards Rye. Inside the rooms … more
Haydens
Haydens is a small, family-run, environmentally friendly B&B right in the heart of the ancient market town of Rye, an … more
Coldharbour Cottage
Coldharbour Cottage won the National Silver Award for the best Self Catering Cottage in 2010. The cottage itself has been … more
Restaurants
The Mermaid Inn
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition … more
Flackley Ash Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Located in the Sussex countryside 4 miles from the historic town of Rye, Flackley Ash is a delightful Grade II … more
The Ship Inn
In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English … more