The area surrounding Rye has something special about it. Perhaps it’s the changing landscape: undulating woodland and countryside to the west, flat marshes to the east and, of course, the ever-present sea to the south. It’s also almost certainly due to the area’s rich history with its changing coastline and ghostly figures from the past who must have trundled the many paths here. But whatever it is, there is no denying the fact that when you pull up by car, train or bus, there’s an evocative atmosphere in this part of the world that is almost addictive for the Sussex explorer. Luckily, there is plenty to explore, and so here is our pick of the top places to visit or things to do near Rye.
The church on the marsh
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-track things to do in Rye, this one is well worth the hike (even though it’s actually just over the border in Kent, but only by a few feet). A short drive from the tiny village of Fairfield, just outside Rye, and in the middle of Romney Marsh, the church dates back to the 12th century and stands on a tiny island that you can only approach by bridge.
Unsurprisingly, it’s been used in various films and TV dramas, but more surprisingly, they still hold services here, which must involve a long and at times muddy walk in the winter. It was refurbished inside in the 18th century and has white box pews, a vaulted wooden ceiling, and a puritanical feel. If you don’t mind getting wet or muddy, this is one to visit on a stormy day because it feels broody, remote, and evocative under dark, threatening skies. The church is kept locked, but the key can be obtained from Becket, Fairfield, TN29 9RZ.
Walk Romney Marsh, East Guldeford Level and Camber Sands
The marshes to the east of Rye have a very distinct sense of place. In winter, they feel wild and untamed and there is a great network of footpaths across the marshes, which are usually (if not always) well signed. The lanes that criss-cross this area are also quiet and ideal for cycling (although if you have to cross the A259, take care as traffic along this is extremely fast). We walked through the East Guldeford windfarm, with the footpath taking us right past the foot of the turbines and with views of the power cables stretching all the way to Dungeness. Perhaps not pretty, but remarkable!
You can hire bikes locally (head towards Rye Harbour and you’ll see the sign) and for longer walks, incorporate the Royal Military Canal or walk to Camber Sands and join the Coastal Path. From Camber Sands, a walk east along the beach will take you all the way to Jury’s Gap and the military enclosure south of Lydd. It’s another extraordinary area.
West from Camber Sands takes you to Rye Harbour. You can’t cross the harbour at the beach (you have to walk inland a little), but you can walk across the footpaths of the golf course. Rye Golf Course is ranked among the top 100 in the British Isles and has a long membership waiting list.
Explore Rye Harbour
Rye Harbour is a stunning nature reserve which also has a discovery centre. It’s worth a visit as they have a café and exhibition area with lots of resources. They also have details of different activity trails you can do. Beyond the discovery centre, look out for Martello towers, WWII pillboxes, old lifeboat stations, fishing huts and lots of nature. You can also walk all the way to Fairlight and beyond, looking for shipwrecks and dinosaurs!
If you visit the Ypres Tower, there is an illuminated map that shows the changing coastline of this area, and it’s incredible to think that a lot of the marshy mass east of Rye was underwater when the Romans arrived.
Rye Watersports
In between Rye and Camber Sands is a family-run watersports centre. In 2025, they launched an Aquaglide Aquapark, but there are plenty of other activities to try there, like windfoil, windsurfing and paddleboarding. And on the way back into Rye, stop at Rye Fish Market and Seaford Bar!
Head to the hills
Down a long and winding country lane and looking over some gentle hills, about five miles outside Rye is the Tillingham Vineyard. This venue has got a wonderful mixture of industrial and rural charm. With a restaurant, tasting room and 11 bedrooms, it has been developed with a quietly sophisticated sense of style. An absolute hidden gem in amongst the vineyards and definitely a place to linger.
Great Dixter
North west of Rye, is Northiam, another place worth a visit. Here you’ll find Great Dixter House and Gardens. These are sumptuous gardens with water features, classically English corners, exotic courtyards and lots of intrigue. The house is Grade I listed and has quite a backstory. It manages to combine Medieval with Edwardian style in a truly unique way, but it is closed in the winter month,s so check opening times before planning a visit.
Camber Castle
Camber Castle is just to the east of Rye Harbour and stands solitary yet proud on the flatlands. It was built by Henry VIII and although it is closed to the public at the moment, it remains a fascinating place to visit.
Winchelsea
A visit to Winchelsea is always a must. Look out for Spike Milligan’s grave, visit the central church and museum, as well as the old gates. Head out of the town a little and you might just spot the famous windmill used by Paul McCartney as a recording studio just off Wickham Rock Lane.
Last stop
The other stop-off point in Northiam is the Kent and East Sussex Railway which runs regular steam trains between Tenterden and Bodiam. Time your visit to see them go by or just hop aboard!
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