Cottages in Rye

Travel back in time to Rye, an unspoilt medieval harbour town on the coast of East Sussex. Cobbled streets, half-timber buildings with thatched roofs and centuries-old historic monuments will welcome you into picturesque Rye and we have some amazing holiday cottages to welcome you too. Our collection of Rye holiday homes span from two-guest flats, perfect for a romantic getaway, to three-bed properties that can host up to six guests, but they all have one thing in common: they’re simply beautiful. 

Aside from the fact that our Rye cottages showcase the preserved period architecture of the town, they also have a selection of amenities that you would expect from a modern holiday home. From enclosed gardens, pet-friendly and luxury homes, to the fact that all our properties are just a stone's throw from pubs and shops, our Rye self-catering homes are truly special. 

Mermaid Street is undoubtedly the epicentre of Rye. As the most photographed street in the UK, this hilly lane is always abuzz with visitors taking in the ivy-covered, black and white buildings that date back to the fifteenth century. Visit the Mermaid Inn, a pub famous for being the meeting place of infamous smugglers in the 1700s to imagine the bygone days when Rye was at the heart of England’s maritime adventures. There are some lovely shops and cafes surrounding Mermaid Street for you to happily while away a few hours, including Mermaid Street Cafe (which does a cracking cream tea) and The Confit Pot antique shop. 

Other fascinating historic attractions in Rye include Rye Castle Museum and Ypres Tower (the old jail). Although the tower and museum are separate attractions, it is highly recommended to visit both, as each gives a different insight into the extensive history of Rye, from its position as one of the original Cinque Ports in Sussex in medieval times, up until the town’s involvement in World War Two. The tower was built in 1249 and also boasts a fantastic view of Rye from its roof. 

Further afield, Rye is a stone's throw from the historic towns of Hastings and Battle, famous for the great war in 1066. Here you can visit Battle Abbey, the walled gardens and battlefields. For the keen hikers and cyclists, follow the footsteps of the Normans, by taking a 31-mile walk known as the 1066 country walk, beginning in Pevensey, passing through Battle and ending back in Rye. 

Of course, we can’t talk about a holiday to Rye without discussing the coast. The sandy shores of Camber Sands are just three miles away, while Winchelsea Beach is a 15-minute drive away, or an hours’ coastal walk for those who prefer to travel on foot. Rye harbour is also well-worth visiting and is home to a nature reserve with over 90 species of bird. There are reed beds, a salt marsh and saline lagoons, protected rare plants and shingle flowers, grazing sheep and wonderful trails all waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a history-nut, nature-lover or coastal fanatic, Rye offers a bit of everything and is definitely nice on the eye, which is always a bonus. Browse through our bespoke Rye holiday cottages, or discover our wider range of Sussex Coastal Cottages today.