Pretty ‘seaside’ town 1 hour from London named best half term day trip – with popular fish and chips & 800-year-old pub
Date: 2024-10-29ENGLAND isn’t short of beautiful little towns – and one is surging in popularity this month.
The tiny town of Rye has seen a boost in train ticket sales, according to a new study.
Conducted by Trainline, Rye has seen a rise of 167 per cent in ticket sales,
Just over an hour from London (when changing at Ashford) the small ‘seaside’ town isn’t on the beach, although has its own harbour on the coast.
Also called one of England‘s quaintest towns, the main Mermaid Street feels like going back in time.
Many of the Tudor buildings remain, with hidden lanes and paths between each of them.
Originally a fishing port, it was a famous pirate port in the 13th century – although this was sanctioned by the crown, who took a cut of the profits.
Now it is a popular staycation spot with tiny hotels, restaurants and cafes to explore.
Some of the popular attractions include Lamb House, a Georgian house owned by National Trust and once the home of a number of writers.
Or there is the retro independent Kino Cinema, built in a former Victorian library.
Shopping is a must – especially for chocoholics.
The first Knoops store opened in Rye, which is often considered as having the best hot chocolates in the country.
Otherwise there is also the nearby Rye Chocolates shop, all handmade at the harbour.
Interior lovers will enjoy both Sailors and Rae, with beautiful home goods and gifts, as well as Rye Art Gallery for some new prints.
Grammar School Records has more than 20,000 vinyls on sale (the name coming from its location, being built in a former 17th century school) while sweets can be found at the Rye Candy store.
When you need a food break, The Fig cafe is the highest rated, serving both lunch and dinner.
One of the UK’s top chef‘s Ben Tish told Conde Nast Traveller it was where “all the locals” go, and raved about the aubergine shawarma.
Or head to the burger shack Frankie’s At The Beach, named the best place in the UK for a quick bite by Tripadvisor.
If you want to stay longer than a day trip, there are some stunning boutique hotels to choose from.
There is The Mermaid Inn, with parts of the hotel built back in 1156 and rooms from £90 a night, or the smaller hotel The Regent with rooms from £95 a night,
The fanciest hotel is The George in Rye, right on the high street and named one of the best places to stay in the UK by the Sunday Times.
It’s loved by by celebs too, with previous guests being George Clooney and Helene Bonham-Carter.
Or there is the nearby hotel The Gallivant in Camber, which was named mall Hotel of the Year 2024 by Visit England.
The Sun's Head of Travel on why she loves Rye
The Sun’s Head of Travel Caroline McGuire weighs in…
“I grew up near Rye and since my teen years, it has been the destination for many day trips and weekend breaks.
“Thanks to its untouched charm, location, pubs and shops, the historic town has something to please almost anyone.
“The 800-year-old Mermaid Inn is the perfect way to spend a winter’s afternoon, sipping red wine next to the huge inglenook fire.
“Down the road, the George hotel has an excellent restaurant and does a mean cocktail, in chic modern surroundings that bely its 400 years as an inn.
“Kids (and adult-sized kids) will love the Knoops hot chocolate shop, with its endless variations on the cocoa drink, and if that’s not enough of a sugar hit, there’s the delightfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop, where they still measure out orders from huge plastic tubs.
“For some quintessential seaside fish and chips – ok it’s not quite on the sea but it’s not far off – there’s Marino’s Fish Bar, which plenty of people have argued is the best chippy in the UK.
“It’s delicious and you can do takeaway or dine in on proper plates.
“Then there’s always the option of a walk to Camber Sands or the beautiful village of Winchelsea is a short drive.
“If that still isn’t enough, Tillingham winery, with its great wood-fired pizzas and wine tastings is also 10 minutes in the car. “
A visit to the nearby Camber Sands is one to do in spring – as it was named the UK beach that gets the warmest then hitting highs of 19C.
There is even a Parkdean Resort there, for a cheap family staycation.
