A seaside staycation in Rye, East Sussex

The tide keeps changing on this medieval magnet, a pretty hilltop hub that’s been luring in East London creatives and interesting interior designers for years. And now, there’s a strong batch of smart spots to bed down, a cool natural wine vineyard just outside of town, and an endless supply of antique shops to mosey around in. Here is where to eat, sleep, drink and play in the England’s coolest seaside town.

SLEEP

The Gallivant

Not technically in Rye, but just down the road in cosy Camber – the site of one of England’s best beaches, completely lined with frilly dunes and fine sand. You might even question whether this pocket of Sussex really is the UK, rather it feels more like a seaside motel in the Hamptons or Nantucket. And The Gallivant is a beachy beauty – a shacky (but incredibly well designed) 20 room hotel-meets-members-space. Inside, pastel panelling is decked out with retro swimsuits and old-fashioned posters and cigarette cards.

But this is a place to settle down with a good book after a blustery day at the beach. The ethos here? Reuse, reduce, recycle – from the kitchen oil waste that’s used as biofuel, the rugs made from recycled plastic, and ingredients from tomatoes to wines that are sourced nearby (they also host regular beach cleans and their refillable water campaign puts money towards Blood Cancer UK).

Spot young Londoners here sipping Sussex sparkling wine, or stretching out in morning yoga classes in the studio, as well as mother-and-daughter duos feasting on freshly-grown greens and just-caught oysters on the outside deck. Nab a garden room – with terraced tables amidst dancing blooms of wild grass, curly lavender, and bright purple verbena bonariensis – then, sling those French doors open for some salty sea air.

SHOP

McCully & Crane

Another gallery-meets-interiors-shop from two ex-Londonders – this time, it’s more Picasso and papier-mâché than pastel and pebble. It’s the place to splurge – an Yves Klein coloured vase, Edwardian barley twist chairs, or salvaged plaster lamps from Hertfordshire.

SEE

Ypres Tower

History buffs flock to this 13th century port overlooking Romney Marsh and along the Sussex coast. Once an important defensive outlook (then transformed into a prison, court hall, fort and now museum) is a pretty view point to perch with some fish and chips (from Marino’s in town) before heading in. An impressive example of Rye’s smuggling past – but no pirates welcome.

Camber Sands

Dunes, dunes and more dunes. This wind-swept beach is a sandy haven for locals and sun-seeking out-of-towners in the summer. Bring your dog, they’ll love running from end to end.

Photographs by Katharine Sohn

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