Location

Nestled between the rolling hills of the Sussex Weald and windswept Romney Marsh, Medieval Rye is a perfectly preserved mix of half-timbered houses, hidden passageways and cobbled streets. The surrounding area offers a wealth of diversions: award winning beaches at Camber Sands, sunken forests at Pett Level, views of France from the Fire hills and the national nature reserve at Rye Harbour.

Crown Stables is ideally located in central Rye just 5 minutes walk from the railway station and convenient for all the town's amenities. Look out for the 'twitten' (local vernacular for alley) on Cinque Ports street which offers a handy shortcut to the High street.

London is just 1 hour 20 minutes by car, or an hour by train via High Speed 1.

The Eurotunnel and Port of Dover are less than an hour's drive away.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Rye:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the nature reserve. Follow the path to the end to find a shingled beach with stunning views over Camber Sands and the ancient town of Winchelsea. At high tide watch the local fishing fleet chug downriver in search of the day's catch, much of which can be purchased at the local fishmongers.

Stop for a mug of Jens' world-beating Hot Chocolate at Knoops, coffee and cake at White House or the Fig (all great for veggies and a vegans). Explore Rye's many independent shops and galleries, and wander the cobbled pathways to Mermaid street. Keep an eye out for Lamb House (former home of Henry James) and the Mermaid Inn an historic smugglers haunt built in 1165. 

Grab lunch at one of the local pubs. We recommend the Standard (amazing burgers, traditional Roasts), the Globe Inn (for Pizza and fresh seafood) or the Ypres (known as the 'Wipers'). For something lighter, try a Poke Bowl to go from Ono​ or a salad from the Deli.

Enjoy a pint of local ale, or a glass of wine from one of the many nearby vineyards such as Chapel Down, Gusbourne or Tillingham.

Take a trip to Camber Sands with its miles of Golden beaches and rolling dunes. Try your hand at kitesurfing, or enjoy a picnic and a dip in the sea before retiring to the Owl for refreshments.

You're spoilt for restaurant choices. The award-winning Gallivant offers a locally sourced menu while the Landgate Bistro is a chefs favourite. For the best fish and Chips head to Marinos.

Retire to the Grapevine for relaxed drink, or the Waterworks - Rye's micropub where all the beer and Cider is brewed no more than 20 miles away.