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?
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
Wittersham Community Market
, 9:00am - 11:00am
Wittersham Village Hall, Wittersham
Post Office services, coffee shop and a wide range of produce stalls including vegetables, fresh bread bacon, sausages and cheese, … more
Category: Shopping Fairs and Markets
Message Board
Seal Spotting
Hi, I am going to Rye next week. Does anyone know where and what time is best to watch seals? … more
Fishing Trip
Can anyone recommend a fishing trip from either Rye harbour or nearby, for the last week of July. We are … more
Attractions and Activities
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. Services at Rye Harbour Church are usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 5pm for Evening … more
Rye Bay Ebikes
Ebike Hire, Tour, Sales and Servicing shop in Rye, East Sussex. Great fun for kids from 14yrs. Hourly, half day and full day rentals available. A great way to explore Rye and the surrounding area with ease and style.
Full Throttle Boat Charters
New for 2022 we offer the 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 Seals. … more
Accommodation
Rye Windmill B&B
Rye’s white smock windmill is a grade II listed building and one of its most famous landmarks. Tucked away in one of England’s quaintest coastal towns, our welcoming Bed and Breakfast is ideally located with the High Street and the … more
Landgate Cottage
15th century cottage opposite the medieval Landgate arch. Refurbished with to modern standard, retaining period features. Landgate Cottage has a cosy woodfire, pretty courtyard and WIFI. Close to galleries, restaurants, National Trust properties and wonderful beaches.
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
Restaurants
Haydens Coffee Shop
Fair trade and organic tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and cakes served in a warm friendly atmosphere every day. Fully licensed.
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
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