Bodiam Castle
Iconic moated 14th-century castle on the River Rother — open year-round, 25 minutes drive from Rye and reachable by steam train.
Out and about in Rye and East Sussex
Rye's medieval centre and the wider East Sussex coast pack in castles, gardens, sandy beaches, heritage railways, a safari park and one of the country's most important nature reserves.
Pick the one attraction you've been meaning to visit, or make a long weekend of it. Stay at The River Haven Hotel and you're a couple of minutes' walk from Rye's town centre, with the rest a short drive away — and with a large car park on site, coming and going is straightforward.
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Camber Sands
Miles of sandy beach and the only sand dune system in East Sussex — unspoilt views and easy parking, just down the road from the hotel.
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Great Dixter House and Gardens
Stunning gardens, historic architecture and seasonal blooms — a quintessentially English day out a short drive from Rye.
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Guided Walks Around Rye
A 90-minute walking tour through Rye's cobbled lanes — Cinque Port history, French raids, smuggling and the writers who made the town their home, told by knowledgeable local guides.
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Kent & East Sussex Railway
Heritage steam railway running ten and a half miles between Tenterden Town and Bodiam through the Rother Valley.
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Port Lympne Reserve
A truly incredible safari experience just 30 minutes from Rye — hundreds of acres of Kentish savannah and one of the country's great wildlife parks.
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Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
A miniature steam railway running across Romney Marsh since 1927 — a firm favourite with families.
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RSPB Dungeness
A dramatic sweep of shingle alive with marsh harriers, bitterns and flocks of seabirds and waders.
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Rye After Dark
A 45-minute sensory show in the Heritage Centre's old sail loft — witches, ghosts and curses brought to life on the Rye Town Model with projection mapping, light and sound.
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Rye Castle (Ypres Tower)
Built in 1249 to defend the town, the Ypres Tower has served as fort, dwelling, prison, court hall and now museum.
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Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
An important wildlife site home to over 4,355 species of plants and animals — including 300 that are rare or endangered.
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Rye Harbour Wednesday Walks
Free volunteer-led walks every Wednesday at 9.45am through the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, no booking needed.
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Rye Heritage Centre
Over 750 years of Rye's history on the famous Town Model — plus a WWII show, the Old Penny Arcade, and the starting point for guided walks of the town.
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Rye Thursday Market
Every Thursday from 7am, the Cattle Market Car Park hosts a friendly mixed-stall market in the heart of Rye.
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Seal Safari
A high-speed RIB adventure from Rye Harbour to Seal Bay, eight miles up the coast — twenty minutes face-to-face with the seal colony.
Book Your Stay With Us
22 ensuite bedrooms, each with TV, hospitality tray, hairdryer and a breakfast of your choice.
Call 01797 227982 for the best rates.
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