AN OUT OF SEASON ESCAPE TO KENT AND EAST SUSSEX - VOLUME III
Journey with me to the cobbled streets of Rye and discover The Playhouse, set at the centre of this charming town
Volume III | 24 hours in Rye – staying at The Playhouse
For the last leg of our journey, we drove just over half-an-hour to the charming town of Rye, a pretty and quaint spot with rich history in the heart of East Sussex.
We stayed at the Playhouse - a gorgeous lofty, open-plan space, flooded with light with exposed brickwork, timber beams, and a mezzanine level with lots of unique character. Playful local and vintage artwork adds a quirky vibe and there’s the cutest courtyard set up for sunny days. The bathroom is in an inviting space with earthier tones, combined with terrazzo tiles on the wall and floor.
It's a brilliantly located hub and a complete home-from-home, just off Rye High Street, perfect for exploring the town with its cobbled streets and red-brickwork buildings, with masses of history, some renowned eateries and great independents. There are some lovely walks from the doorstep including Rye Harbour and Nature Reserve and just a short drive takes you to the beach at Camber and gardens at Great Dixter. It’s a superb location from which to explore the surrounding countryside of East Sussex and Kent, including local vineyards – such as Tillingham Winery for tours and tastings – a natural and biodynamic wine producer and holistically-managed farmstead, rooted in the east Sussex countryside.
We loved wandering around the oldest part of Rye, with its cobbles and winding street, in particular, Mermaid Street is a must – one of the most Instagrammable streets - winding down a steep hill, lined with boutiques, galleries and antiques. We headed up towards St Mary’s Church with its beautiful churchyard, and climbed the bell tower which offers spectacular views across the town but also to the sea. There are also some spectacular views from the ramparts of Rye Castle
If you’re after history, then head to Lamb House – a National Trust property - home to author Henry James. The outside is absolutely gorgeous and worth stopping to take in.
If as we did, you’d like to stay with your dog in tow, it’s a super dog-friendly spot with two dogs welcome for a charge of £30 per dog per stay. It’s a really great base for dog owners, close to great dog-friendly beaches, as well as Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with a host of restaurants and pubs welcome dogs too.
Fun, stylish and central, The Playhouse offered us the perfect base to explore the area, and Rye was an instant hit – with its curio of antiques and independents, cool café hangouts, history and proximity to the sea, it offers the perfect weekend escape.
The striking entrance to The Playhouse, situated just off Rye’s thriving High Street
Must do’s when visiting Rye
EAT
Supper at The Union | British, seasonal, creative dishes created by head chef Maz Cogo
Rye is home to The Union – a gorgeous low-lit restaurant and bar set in a 15th century building in the heart of the town, serving delicious small plates. This delightfully cosy and contemporary eatery is relaxed and comfortable, featuring lots of wood and an open fire, showcasing a seasonal menu with a host of ingredients that are local to Rye and the East Sussex region.
A small, curated menu that is guided by the seasons changes daily, depending on what ingredients are in their prime, and what is available on the day - using British produce and working with local Sussex and Kent farmers and suppliers.
Staple dishes to the menu include oysters and a large whole fish such as Brill or Seabass to share, along with something like a pork chop of bavette cut of steak.
I was blown away by all of the ingredients-led small plates we devoured throughout the evening - from freshest Rye Bay scallops and ham knuckle croquettes to charred hispi cabbage, layered potatoes with red pepper and garlic and Lazy Bakery sourdough.
The baked Alaska in particular stole my heart – with roast pear and coffee ice-cream that worked its magic on my tastebuds! I am pretty sure I’d travel the four-plus hours back to The Union to relive the moment!
If you love a good coffee, served alongside a flaky pastry then The White House Bakery is worth a visit. Just a few minutes stroll from The Playhouse, this is a wonderful spot for delicious cakes and pastries, specialty coffee or a wholesome brunch. It’s also super dog-friendly, a complete win, win!
The Globe Inn – With its iconic frontage, this pub is not to be missed, a popular spot with a core menu that is carefully crafted to showcase the best of the local and seasonal produce from the region, alongside a carefully curated wine menu and a selection of classic and innovative cocktails. A hearty Sunday roast here is a must!
The Fig is an independently-owned, lively café - the perfect spot for a healthy lunch or brunch, with a focus on fresh, vibrant and healthy food and cocktails. There are also four individually designed boutique bedrooms above.
Knoops - This is the original store of the chocolatier, and perfect if you love hot chocolate. It’s positioned near The Landgate, with a pretty view nearby.
SHOP
Merchant & Mills – Browse the incredible fabrics and haberdashery. A selection of workshops are also bookable in advance. It’s a lovely spot fora wander and super-inspiring from an interiors perspective.
Soap & Salvation – A favourite find of mine for fabulous antiques, vintage finds, one-off delights and Scandi-inspired interiors.
Ferry Road Store – A carefully curated edit of fashion, lifestyle, homewares and furniture that is co-owned by Francesca Rowan-Plowden who designed the interiors at Elmley Nature.
Rae Lifestyle – A beautiful concept store, but so much more - think vintage jewellery, stationery, beauty products and a small range of gorgeous dog accessories, alongside specialty coffee!
Ethel Loves Me - Part gallery and part gift shop, this curio of characterful delights is on the edge of the old town and close to The Fig – think original pieces, limited editions and collectables, working with local makers, artists, artisans, craftspeople and creatives, with some regular inspiring exhibitions and workshops.
McCully & Crane – A brilliant spot to source one-off artworks and interior items.
GENERAL EXPLORING
The George is a sixteenth-century, grade II-listed coaching inn that has been thoughtfully renovated and creatively re-imagined as a luxurious retreat in the centre of Rye. It’s an intriguing bolthole with lashings of history, offering a welcoming retreat for design lovers, foodies and creatives.
There are also some wonderful antiques shops at the bottom of Mermaid Street – pick up vintage signs, gilt mirrors, decorative china and terracotta pots, amongst a host of vintage treasures.
Head for a jaunt at Camber Sands, followed up with a refuel at Camber Landing – Deli | Bottle Shop | Cocktails - where you will find Beach Beer for all seasons, alongside great coffee!
Below are some brilliant dog-friendly spots in Rye for those visiting with their four-legged friends in tow.
The Globe Inn, The Ship Inn, White House Bakery, and the bar area at The Gallivant for those heading to the beach at Camber.
My takeaway
Rye is a special place to visit in or out-of-season; with its ever-growing foodie scene, captivating cobbled streets, quirks of history, curio of antiques and vintage stores, along with vast open spaces, including great beaches nearby - just 24 hours has sold me on this cute East Sussex town that ticks all the boxes for a brilliant stay.
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