The East Sussex town of Rye has been named the UK's best destination for bibliophiles, thanks to its independent bookshops, and is home to what has frequently been called the 'prettiest street in the UK'.
Situated just an hour from London and nestled along the coast of East Sussex, Rye sits atop a hilltop and is known for its fairy-tale scenes and for having one of the most photographed streets in the country.
Mermaid Street's storybook charm
Mermaid Street is where beautifully preserved medieval homes from the Tudor and Georgian eras can be found around every corner, with ivy creeping across half-timbered frontages and wall-mounted lanterns casting a warm glow over the storybook scene. The street has frequently been named the 'prettiest street in the UK', making it one of the most photographed thoroughfares.
One eye-catching dwelling along the famed street is a quirky white, lopsided house that has been named 'the house with the two front doors'. While many venture along the cobbled lanes to marvel at the unique cottage and grab a photo, visitors can actually book a stay in what has been described as a 'hidden gem' with an 'amazing atmosphere' on TripAdvisor.
A haven for literature lovers
The Lonely Planet named Rye as one of 'England's best places for literature lovers', noting that the town has "a creative, bohemian charm, courtesy its indie bookshops, vintage markets and the lively annual Rye Arts Festival".
The National Trust property, Lamb House, which serves as a writers' museum today, was once the residence of celebrated authors including Henry James, E. F. Benson, and Rumer Godden. Visitors can stroll through the very streets where E. F. Benson's series, the Mapp and Lucia, was set.
Pubs, shops and historic sights
There is a collection of inviting pubs, including Rye Waterworks Micropub, as well as boutique hotels, independent galleries, boutique shops, cafés and tearooms. Highlights include The Cobbles Tea Room for afternoon tea, The Fig for brunch, or The Old Grain Store, situated close to the River Brede.
Rye Chocolates has become a favourite among tourists, while Rye Pottery and Grammar School Records is widely regarded as one of the UK's finest second-hand music shops. For those keen to delve into the town's rich past, it's worth visiting the Rye Castle Museum, while those wishing to admire Rye from above can climb the steps to the bell tower at St Mary's Church.
Elsewhere in Rye is the 600-year-old The Mermaid Inn with exposed wooden beams, a grand open fireplace and wonderfully traditional interiors. Guests can stay in one of their cosy rooms, dine in the Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, which holds a two AA Rosette status, grab a drink at the Giants Fireplace Bar and the Tudor Bar, or soak up the warmer evenings on the walled patio outside.
This 12th-century inn has long been regarded as one of the most haunted hotels in the UK, even earning a feature on the TV series Most Haunted. A stop by the ancient pub is an absolute must, even just to feel as though you've wandered into another era off the cobbled street that once welcomed horse-drawn carriages.
