Rye Harbour in East Sussex Village Guide

What to do in Rye Harbour

15 Best Things to Do and See in Rye Harbour 2025

Last updated: Mar 31, 2025

Each month we take a look at the most popular attractions and activities in and around Rye Harbour and here are the latest top 15 things to do according to our visitors in ...

#2

St Mary's Church Tower

Rye 1.4 miles from Rye Harbour
01797 222 318
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Climb the Church Tower for amazing views of Rye and the surrounding countryside! View the mechanism of the oldest working church turret clock in the UK. Gift Aiding your donation gives you free access for one year as many times as you like. Terms and Conditions apply. The Tower is open almost every day of … more

#3

Rye Harbour Beach

In Rye Harbour

The beach at Rye Harbour is a picturesque and unspoiled coastal stretch situated at the mouth of the river Rother at Rye Harbour along to Winchelsea Beach to the west. Generally a pebble beach (although there are sandy areas to be found), the beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot … more

#4

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

In Rye Harbour
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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 from Rye and Winchelsea on foot. Within the reserve there are five hides (with wheelchair … more

#5

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

Rye 1.4 miles from Rye Harbour
01797 222 318
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For almost 900 years the Parish Church of Rye, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, has dominated the hill on which the old town stands. It has stood through good times and bad. In 1377 when the town was looted and set on fire by French invaders the church was extensively damaged. The roof fell … more

#6

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

In Rye Harbour
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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 a poignant reminder of the brave crew of the Mary Stanford lifeboat, who lost their … more

#7

Lamb House

Rye 1.4 miles from Rye Harbour
01797 222 909
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Lamb House was built in 1723 by James Lamb. Henry James leased the property and later purchased in 1899. It was here he wrote the Awkward Age, The Wings of the Dove, the Ambassadors and The Golden Bowl. In the Summer months James liked to use the Garden Room to dictate to his secretary. Sadly … more

#8

Rye Bay

Rye 1.3 miles from Rye Harbour

Rye Bay is nestled in the scenic county of East Sussex. Covering some 91 square kilometres of fantastic views, there is more than ample reason to visit Rye Bay. Miles of unspoilt coastline adjoin Rye Bay (visit Camber Sands; the only sand dunes in the county for a proper Sussex sea-side day out!) but there … more

#9

Rye Museum: Ypres Tower

Rye 1.3 miles from Rye Harbour
01797 226 728
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The Rye Museum has two sites, the Ypres Tower (early 14th century) and the East Street site. The Tower has had many roles in its history from a fortification to protect the town, to a private dwelling, a prison and a mortuary. It is the oldest building–except for St Mary’s church–open to the public in … more

#10

Rye Museum: East Street

Rye 1.4 miles from Rye Harbour
01797 226 728
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Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The latest of these features Ryes connections to Royal Weddings. A major exhibit features Captain Pugwash, … more

#11

E. F. Benson

Rye 1.4 miles from Rye Harbour

Novelist, biographer, and benefactor of Rye. On mappandluciarye.uk there is a marvellous online tour of the various locations of Tilling shot in and around Rye. Edward Frederic Benson was born July 24, 1867 at Wellington College in Berkshire, where his father was the Master. He was the fifth of six children born to Mary Sidgwick … more

#12

Harbour Cycles

In Rye Harbour
01797 227 667
07719 914 506
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We are based in Rye Harbour opposite the Lifeboat station, and next to Rye Harbour nature reserve. Take a bicycle and ride through the 1150 acres of the nature reserve via the designated trails, see map. or stay on the tarmac private road through to Pett Level along the beach. Discover the wildlife in a … more

#13

Kino Rye

Rye 1.4 miles from Rye Harbour
01797 226 293

Kino Rye occupies a former Victorian library and has three stylish cinemas, a private function space, a large café-bar with a mezzanine lounge and a delightful sunny terrace. Kino is open from 10:30am daily with cinema screenings from 11:00am.

#14

Gun Gardens

Rye 1.3 miles from Rye Harbour

The Gun Gardens are set in-front of the Ypres (Wipers) Tower and has a battery of cannons facing out to sea. The views over the river Rother and across to the sea and Romney Marsh are well worth a visit.

#15

Sarah Cox Ceramics

Rye 0.6 miles from Rye Harbour

Ceramics courses & taster days at my studio, Teak House, Jempsons Moorings, on Rye Harbour Road. Classes currently running on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings 6.30pm till 8.30pm, & Wednesday afternoon 2-5pm. With enough interest I may start others, please enquire! The 2 hour classes are £22.50 each, & the 3 hour class £30. Classes are … more

What's new?

Rye Bay Ebikes
Rye Bay Ebikes

Ebike Hire, Tour, Sales and Servicing shop in Rye, East Sussex. Great fun for all the family and furry friends. … more

Listed in: Cycling

What's on?

Rough & Smooth Collie and Sheltie Meet
Rough & Smooth Collie and Sheltie Meet

11:30am
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

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