A Weekend Escape to Rye, East Sussex: Travel Guide from London

Looking for the perfect weekend escape from London? On my visits to see my daughter, I love planning little getaways out of the city for fresh air, beautiful walks, and delicious food.

This time, we discovered the charming town of Rye in East Sussex — a historic gem filled with cobbled streets, Tudor houses, cozy cafes, and plenty of countryside walks.

How to Get to Rye from London (Without a Car)

Getting to Rye is easy and makes for a perfect day trip or weekend away from London. If you don’t have a car, the train is the best option.

Take the Southeastern train from London St Pancras International to Ashford International
Then change onto the Southern train towards Eastbourne, stopping at Rye Station

I recommend booking via Trainline, which makes it easy to compare times, prices, and save your tickets all in one app.

Where to Stay in Rye: Aviemore Guest House

For our trip, we stayed at the delightful Aviemore Guest House. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family. The guesthouse sits just outside the village, but a short walk through their pretty garden takes you right into the heart of Rye.

We stayed in a bright top-floor room overlooking the garden, and breakfast was hands-down one of the best we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a cozy and welcoming stay, this is a fantastic choice.

28-30 Fishmarket Rd, Rye TN31 7LP, United Kingdom

Things to Do in Rye

Explore the Village

Rye is one of the prettiest towns in England, full of cobblestone streets, medieval half-timbered houses, and charming shops. Don’t miss:

Mermaid Street – famously one of the most photographed streets in England, lined with storybook-like cottages.
Rye Castle Museum (Ypres Tower) – climb the tower for sweeping views across the valley.
Independent shops & antique stores – perfect for unique finds.

Walks Around Rye

One of the highlights of our trip was a walk recommended by our guesthouse:

The 1066 Country Walk – we followed the trail from Rye to Camber Castle, then on to Winchelsea, a village rich with history and beautiful National Trust buildings.
From there, we stopped at Charles Palmer Vineyards for a glass of wine and cheese (you can also book a wine tasting).
We continued to the village of Icklesham, before heading back to Rye by train.

The full 1066 Country Walk stretches 31 miles, but you can pick sections depending on your energy and time.

Best Restaurants in Rye

Rye has an excellent food scene, with plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from.

The Union Rye

We had an incredible dinner here — highlights included Cornish mussels, fried polenta, heritage tomatoes, and a perfectly cooked pork chop. The dark chocolate mousse with salted hazelnuts for dessert was unforgettable. Service was outstanding, and we even kept the menu as a souvenir.

8 East St, Rye TN31 7JY, United Kingdom

Marco’s Restaurant

A welcoming, neighbourhood spot serving hearty Mediterranean-style dishes. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, making it a perfect place for a relaxed evening meal.

6 High St, Rye TN31 7JE, United Kingdom

Why Visit Rye?

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a foodie weekend, or simply a break from London’s bustle, Rye offers the perfect mix of history, charm, and countryside walks. With its cobbled lanes, cozy guesthouses, and excellent restaurants, it’s one of the best weekend getaways in England.