Open Skies | Rye Getaway
A blue horizon, sand gritting underfoot, sun sparkling off an expanse of water...
Studies have proven that taking time out to go somewhere new, even for a few days, is greatly beneficial to your health and happiness. The simple pleasure of being outside in nature brings us back to the essentials, reducing stress and increasing emotional wellbeing. And it need not be that far afield. We went to Rye in East Sussex, the medieval town steeped in history and cobbled streets, and wanted to share our finds with you.
Where to stay
It was delightful to stay in this gorgeous sixteenth century inn with original Georgian ballroom - so luxurious and peaceful. Even if you didn't make it out of the room, it would be a greatly satisfying retreat from city life!
98 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JT
Where to Eat
This fish bar in Rye is an institution, serving great local seafood daily. We had the classic fish and chips that people rave is the best in the UK - why not taste for yourself?
Open Mon-Sun
37 The Mint, Rye, TN31 7EN
Wandering About
We spent time browsing Merchant and Mills, the cloth specialists who offer fabric, sewing patterns and classes, with a range of natural fabrics designed both in house and sourced elsewhere. Think check linen, Japanese navy washed canvas, Oxblood wool and so on.
Merchant and Mills, 14A Tower Street, Rye, TN31 7AT
Next up is McCully & Crane Art and Interiors. Having moved to the Rye countryside from East London, the pair took over a 19th century merchant's warehouse on Cinque Ports Street, which they have turned into an emporium of interior furnishings and objet d'art. Showing a mix of antique objects and 'emerging' talent, they can find you the perfect piece for your interior.
McCully & Crane, 27 Cinque Ports Street, Rye, TN31 7AD
Run by two former designers, Soap and Salvation is a lovely shop housed within a number of old buildings, selling all kinds of beautiful vintage and antique interior decor pieces. Each item is hand picked and curated in evolving displays. From 1920's handcrafted Alpine chairs; 1950's mirrors; Kilim rugs; handmade quilts, each object exudes character and charm and is truly unique.
There is also an arts, photography, design and architecture library and bookshop to peruse on the mezzanine. This is open to use both as a creative resource and meeting place via scheduled appointments. See more on their website here
Soap and Salvation, 20-22 Rope Walk, Rye, TN31 7NA
Sailors of Rye offer 'design icons or future classics for a slow living lifestyle' focusing on unisex clothing and homewares. T-shirts, hoodies, and some very fetching knitted wrist warmers and organic socks. Think heritage knits, sailors smocks and Falcon enamel ware. Not to forget the 'apothecary' of candles and soaps, salts and oils.
Sailors of Rye, 97 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JN
Slightly further afield and well worth it
A little outside of Rye in rolling fields lies a winery called Tillingham. This lovely working farm offers a hotel stay, wine-bar, delicious restaurant, tastings and tours - all sat amongst vineyard and farm (special shout out to the pigs with curly hair :-).
Dew Farm, Dew Lane, Peasmarsh, Rye TN31 6XD
After some delicious artisanal pizza, we headed to Camber Sands - famed for its fine white sand - the best in England some would say.
If you're feeling brave, go for a dip. Temperatures in these waters are some of the warmest in the UK, and out of season there is plenty of space on the beach to get your steps in.
