Rye Harbour, East Sussex

Rye Harbour in East Sussex Village Guide

About Rye Harbour, 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?

Full Throttle Boat Charters
Full Throttle Boat Charters

Now in its third year our popular 1 hour Seal Safari boat trip from Rye Harbour. The trip takes you … more

Listed in: Boat Charters

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

Full Throttle Boat Charters

Full Throttle Boat Charters

Now in its third year our popular 1 hour Seal Safari boat trip from Rye Harbour. The trip takes you 8 miles up the coast towards Hastings. When we arrive at Seal bay you have 15-20 mins floating amongst the … more

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

The Mary Stanford Lifeboat House is a historic building located in Rye Harbour, East Sussex, England. This iconic structure serves as a memorial to the tragic events that unfolded during a daring rescue attempt in 1928. The lifeboat house is … more

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

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

Accommodation

The Artist's Cottage

The Artist's Cottage

The Artist’s Cottage is a beautiful Grade II listed building built in 1483. Located in the heart of Rye’s historic citadel area, this newly renovated cottage is ideally situated for exploring the town and accessing the surrounding coast and countryside. … more

The Coach House

The Coach House

The Coach House is the newest addition to Cadborough holiday cottages. It is recently converted and offers luxury accommodation for two people. The large spacious open plan living area is light and airy and offers everything for a comfortable, relaxing … more

The Regent, Rye

The Regent, Rye

Family run business since opening in 1984. Located in Town Centre. 2 mins from Train/Bus station. All rooms have en-suite newly refurbished shower rooms, tea/coffee trays, freeview televisions, hairdryers & Dressing gown’s. Limited parking on a first in basis or … more

Restaurants

The Mermaid Inn

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

Big Guys French Fries

Big Guys French Fries

We’re an independent small restaurant located steps from the centre of town. We’re proud to be the favourite for locals to meet friends for a beer or call for a fresh “big guy burger”. We serve juicy big burgers and … more

No. 50

No. 50

No. 50 is a distinguished restaurant located on Cinque Ports Street in the historic town of Rye, East Sussex. This venue prides itself on utilising fresh, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the natural bounty of the region’s farmlands and coastline. The … more

Towns and villages near Rye Harbour …