Rye Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Rye Guide

Rye's cottages with hot tubs offer a perfect base for exploring this ancient East Sussex town. The medieval citadel sits just two miles from Camber Sands beach, with its striking dunes and wide golden shoreline.

Most hot tub cottages in Rye are within walking distance of Mermaid Street - voted one of Britain's prettiest streets. The cobbled lane features in countless Instagram posts and leads up to the 12th-century Ypres Tower and St Mary's Church with its famous clock.

Trip Advisor's top attractions include Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (4.5/5), Camber Castle (4/5) and the Rye Heritage Centre (4/5). Many cottages accommodate groups of 6-10 people, while others offer romantic retreats for couples.

Rye has a dark smuggling past - the infamous Hawkhurst Gang used the Mermaid Inn as their headquarters in the 1730s and 40s. More recently, Paul McCartney owned a farm nearby and recorded songs for his 1982 album "Tug of War" in Rye.

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Sightseeing

Rye packs a lot into its small size. The town centre is mostly pedestrianised, making it easy to explore on foot. Start at Landgate Arch, one of the original medieval gateways to the town, then head to Mermaid Street with its tilting houses and secret passages.

St Mary's Church (TN31 7HF, open 9am-5pm daily) offers spectacular views from its tower. For £4 per adult, you can climb the narrow steps for panoramic views across Romney Marsh and out to sea. The church's famous quarter boys strike the quarters of each hour on the clock.

Lamb House (TN31 7EN) was home to American author Henry James and later E.F. Benson. Now managed by the National Trust, it scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. The walled garden is particularly lovely in summer.

Rye Castle Museum (TN31 7LD) houses fascinating exhibits about the town's maritime and smuggling history. It's small but packed with interesting artefacts and costs just £4 for adults.

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love the wide open spaces around Rye. Camber Sands allows dogs on certain sections year-round, with the whole beach open to pets from October to April. The eastern end (by the kite surfing school) is best for dog walkers even in summer.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has miles of flat paths perfect for dog walking. The salt marshes and lagoons attract huge numbers of birds, so keep excitable dogs on leads in sensitive areas.

Many pubs in Rye welcome dogs. The Ship Inn (TN31 7LS) has water bowls and treats at the bar. The Ypres Castle Inn (TN31 7DY) has a garden with stunning views and is very dog-friendly.

For supplies, Rye Pets (TN31 7JF) on Cinque Ports Street stocks emergency leads, treats and food if you forget anything. The staff can also recommend local dog-friendly beaches and walks.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Rye

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (TN31 7TX) spans over 800 hectares of coastal landscapes including saltmarsh, saline lagoons and shingle beach. The new Discovery Centre provides information about wildlife and history. Five bird-watching hides offer chances to spot avocets, terns and many wading birds. A visitor last month wrote: "Fantastic place for a walk whatever the weather. The new visitor centre is excellent with great coffee and cake."

Camber Castle sits between Rye and Winchelsea. Built by Henry VIII as an artillery fort to protect the coast, it's now managed by English Heritage. Open on the first Saturday of each month (May-September) for guided tours at 2pm (£5 adults). The 30-minute walk from Rye takes you through beautiful countryside. A recent visitor commented: "Hidden gem with fascinating Tudor history. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable."

The School of Wizards and Witches (TN31 7JG) on High Street is a must for Harry Potter fans. This quirky shop sells wands, potions and magical items. They run wand-making workshops for children (£15 per child, booking essential). Even if you're not buying, it's worth popping in to see the atmospheric interior. Kids absolutely love it - "My 9-year-old said this was better than our London trip!"

Is Rye good for a weekend break with a hot tub?

Yes! Rye is perfect for weekends as the compact town centre means you can see most sights in a couple of days. After exploring, your hot tub offers the ideal way to unwind. Most cottages are within walking distance of restaurants and pubs, so no driving needed.

When is the best time to visit Rye?

September is ideal - the summer crowds have gone but the weather's still good. The Rye Arts Festival happens mid-September with music, literature and theatre events. December is magical too, with Christmas lights and the famous Rye Christmas Festival on the second Saturday.

Can you walk from Rye to Camber Sands?

Yes, but it's about 3 miles each way. The route follows the River Rother then crosses golf courses to reach the beach. Alternatively, the 102 bus runs regularly from Rye station to Camber (15 minutes, £3.50 return).

Where's the best place to eat in Rye?

The Landgate Bistro (TN31 7LH) consistently wins awards for its locally-sourced menu. For seafood, try Webbe's at the Fish Café (TN31 7AN) where the catch comes in daily from Rye fishing boats. The Fig (TN31 7JF) is excellent for vegetarians and vegans.

Is Rye suitable for children?

Absolutely. Kids love the castle, smugglers' tales and ghost stories. Camber Sands provides endless beach fun, while Rye Harbour Nature Reserve runs regular family activities. Many hot tub cottages have enclosed gardens, making them safe for children.

What's parking like in Rye?

Limited. Most cottages don't have private parking. The main car parks are at Gibbet Marsh (TN31 7ER, £2 all day) with a 5-minute walk to town, or Rope Walk (TN31 7NA, £1.50/hour). Some streets have restricted parking for residents only, so check signs carefully.