Rye for the Day: Coffee, Coast & a Pint by the River

A slow, well-fed day in East Sussex’s most photogenic town.

A day in East Sussex’s most photogenic town should start with the sea. Camber Sands is five minutes from Rye, and if you hit it early, you’ll miss the crowds. Wide, windy, and a little wild — it feels like an arrival. From there, drift into Rye itself: a hilltop town of cobbled lanes, medieval buildings, and viewpoints that feel lifted from a postcard.

Wander past half-timbered inns and crooked cottages, with glimpses of the marshes stretching to the horizon. It’s small, but full of character - the kind of place you can happily lose a few hours in, between coffee stops, antique shops, and historic corners.

Back in town, Whitehouse is the place for brunch. Turkish eggs, flaky pastries, coffee that delivers — and the ‘Halloumi Hash’ is our go-to.

Rye is compact, so wandering is part of the appeal. Stop in at Sailers for slow fashion and curated homeware, Rae for ceramics and textiles, and The Rye Chocolate Shop for bars that taste as good as they look. Then dip into the antiques, bookshops, and vintage finds that line the cobbled streets.

When you’re ready for a pause, Ypres Castle Inn is tucked just a short walk off the high street. A characterful pub with a garden overlooking the Rother Estuary, serving a reliable selection of local pints.

For dinner, The Globe leans into coastal-cosy - mismatched nautical charm, warm light, and a seasonal menu that’s thoughtful without trying too hard.

End the day with a drink that suits your mood: The Waterworks for a no-nonsense microbrew, The Winery for local Walgate wines in a tucked-away industrial space, or, if you’ve got a driver, Tillingham for natural wine and vineyard views just outside town.

Rye is small and full of character - best enjoyed at your own pace, with a quiet charm that lingers long after you leave.