About Rye

Rye, one of England’s most enchanting medieval towns, rises above the Romney Marshes with sweeping views, cobbled streets, and centuries-old charm. This storybook setting is matched by its hotels—cozy inns steeped in history, chic boutiques tucked into Tudor buildings, and family-friendly stays just steps from galleries and tearooms. For luxury, the heart of town offers atmospheric heritage properties, while budget-friendly and contemporary options lie on the edges, giving you a peaceful base without missing Rye’s irresistible character.

Rye is a charming little town with a fishing heritage, though it now sits slightly inland, framed by marshes and big skies. From Ypres Tower or the tower of St. Mary’s Church, you can spot the sea in the distance, and even some of Rye’s garden balconies come with sweeping water views on clear days. It’s the kind of place where you’ll happily lose a few hours wandering antique shops, pausing for excellent hot chocolate, or enjoying dinner in an historic setting. Beaches lie in both directions, and nearby you’ll find the surreal landscape of Dungeness with its tiny steam railway. The area has long inspired artists like Paul Nash, Norman Ackroyd, and Fred Cuming — and between vineyards, National Trust properties, and the ever-present sea breeze, Rye makes for an unforgettable escape.

The Best Places to Stay in Rye

For a special occasion

  • Mermaid Street, Rye’s cobbled Tudor showpiece, is crowned by the 13th-century Mermaid Inn. Its black-and-white, lopsided facade begs for photos, while inside 31 historic rooms boast four-posters, stained glass, and fireplaces. Expect smugglers’ lore, timeless charm, and standout dining with Romney Marsh lamb and Rye Bay cod.
  • Rye Windmill B&B, a Grade II-listed white smock windmill, offers ten delightful rooms—two in the tower, the rest in the ‘skirt’. Tower suites promise sweeping views, but all guests enjoy hearty breakfasts, free parking, and a prime spot near Rye’s restaurants and bars.

For a quirky stay

  • Opposite The Mermaid Inn, Jeake's House offers 11 eccentric rooms and suites with four-posters, antiques, and moody corners. Theatrical and memorable, it’s not for minimalists—but hearty breakfasts of salmon, kippers, kidneys, and more make this quirky Rye stay unforgettable.

For a beach break

  • Ten minutes from Rye at Camber Sands, The Gallivant transforms a 1960s motel into a chic New England–style retreat. Expect 18 breezy rooms with stripes and white floorboards, a stylish restaurant, and laid-back spaces just steps from windswept golden beaches.

For a mini-break

  • A 16th-century gem turned stylish inn, The George in Rye blends bold decor, vintage finds, and statement wallpaper across 34 unique rooms. Highlights include copper bathtubs and family-friendly Haystack suites. Its lively gastropub and restaurant make it as much a local hotspot as a stay.
  • Above a buzzing bakery on Rye’s main street, Whitehouse is a fresh, light-filled B&B. Whitewashed beams, exposed tiles, fireplaces, and a cleverly reimagined attic keep heritage intact while adding architectural flair—perfect for design lovers seeking charm with their morning pastries. 

For great value

  • Once a 16th-century warehouse—likely tied to smuggling—The Ship Inn is now a pub-with-rooms full of beams, nooks, and cellars. Ten airy, fuss-free rooms sit above a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Child-friendly, characterful and affordable, it’s a Rye stay with stories to tell. 
  • In Rye’s heart, The Standard Inn (c.15th century) offers five characterful rooms with deep baths, beams, and brick walls. Its pub and restaurant glow with open hearths, wood floors, and a welcoming atmosphere—ideal for soaking up the town’s historic charm. An affordable base.

Prefer a private apartment or cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

  • London’s airports are the closest for Rye: Heathrow is on the right side of London, though if you’re traveling the rest of your route by train you still have to go via one of the central London stations, and Rye is an hour and a half but train from London St. Pancras. Rye is also about an hour and a half away from Heathrow by taxi or car. Gatwick Airport or London City Airport offer similar convenience, because if you’re using rail for your onwards journey they all pass through central London.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • This is the UK, so expect changeable weather whatever the season. Rye is popular in summer, of course, when the average maximum temperatures are around 20°C. But it’s also beautiful in spring and autumn — if you don’t mind a chill and a bit of a shower or two. Winter is wonderful if you like things to be ‘bracing’. Rye’s charms run past the historic architecture to relaxed shopping, and restaurants, the nearby beach, spectacular views, and the wonderful atmosphere, all of which make it a year-round favorite.

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The best hotels in Rye

The Ship Inn, Rye

Rye

A charming and historic pub with rooms, nestled in the center of the idyllic town of Rye. Rooms are chic, comfortable and filled with lots of natural light. The traditional pub prides itself in its love for English wine. Enjoy deliciously simple yet artisan locally sourced food at the restaurant.

  • Beach Life - Spend the day on Camber Sands, with over 2 miles of stretch of beach to explore
  • Local exploring - The B&B is the perfect spot for discovering the wonders of Rye and beyond
  • Sights nearby - Visit Rye Castle, less than 10 minutes away from the B&B
  • Restaurant - The restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal food
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Standard Inn

Rye (Rye)

This 15th C inn in the center of Rye is cozy and intimate. Rooms are full of character with beamed ceilings and pretty fabrics. Enjoy the warmth of the open fireplace after dining in the restaurant from a locally-inspired menu. There is lots to see and do in this Area of Natural Beauty.

  • Local exploring - A great establishment from which to explore the local area.
  • Great walks - There are several circular walks in and near Rye, as well as the 31-mile 1066 Country Walk.
  • Restaurant
  • Quirky
from $134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Whitehouse

Rye (Rye)

A small hotel set above a popular bakery on historic Rye's main street. Charming rooms are all named after a baked good. Expect wonky whitewashed walls, exposed beams, and simple modern furniture. Breakfasts are (unsurprisingly) a real treat. A friendly and laidback base.

  • Local exploring - Well positioned on Rye's main street meaning that independent stores, restaurants, and attractions are nearby
  • Sights nearby - Visit the nearby 13th-century Rye Castle or Lamb House (the former home of Henry James)
  • Great walks - Take long walks along the coast and through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
  • Traditional
from $154 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Jeake's House

Rye

An old favorite; quirky, old-fashioned and slightly theatrical B&B bang in the center of Rye. Full of character, in a wonderful town for weekending.

  • Sights nearby - Situated bang in the centre of town.
  • Quirky
  • Traditional
  • Four poster beds
from $161 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Rye Windmill B&B

Rye

Charming and unusual B&B - two rooms in the mill itself (one of Rye's most famous landmarks) the rest attached. Next to the river and within walking distance of Rye town center.

  • Landmark
  • Traditional
from $167 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Gallivant

East Sussex (Camber)

1960s motel reborn as stylish New England beach hotel with good cafe and bistro dining, on Camber Beach. Driftwood style, retro detailing and a magnificent sandy beach.

  • Views - Fantastic views over Camber Sands
  • Cooking classes - Overnight packages available
  • Restaurant
  • On the beach
from $181 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The George in Rye

Rye (Rye)

A 16th-century inn turned into a chic gastropub & hotel in historic Rye. Designer owners have given the place a truly individual touch. Expect vintage finds, patterned wallpapers, copper bathtubs & plenty of character. The bar is popular locally and the pub offers good British fare. A stylish stay.

  • Boutique - A 16th-century inn with a twist — expect cool vintage finds, a gastro pub, and added luxuries like copper bathtubs
  • Chic - A favourite of Clooney, Costner and other Hollywood movie stars — this is an undeniably chic British inn
  • Short break - Trains to London take around an hour, making this an ideal choice for a quick weekend getaway
  • Romantic Break - For a romantic getaway pick one of the rooms with an in-room bathtub
from $201 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Mermaid Inn

Rye

Historic inn in the center of Rye which dates back to the 13th Century. Rooms ooze period charm with carved four poster beds, sloping beamed ceilings and gorgeous original features including a vast fireplace in the bar. Delicious 2 AA Rosette dining. A perfect weekend getaway.

  • Historic - The cellars date from 1156 and the building was rebuilt in 1420. It's a genuine piece of Tudor architecture
  • Restaurant - 2 AA Rosette dining featuring local produce, such as Winchelses Beef, Rye Bay Cod and Romney Marsh Lamb.
  • Sights nearby
  • Traditional
from $201 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia