Clear skies, the sun is shining and in front of me are bottles, jugs full of gin. I was drinking gin in Rye town during the last summer weekend. In case you are wondering what are things to do in Rye.
Travel
Travel to Rye was very pleasant and relatively quick. Maybe except London underground part of my journey. Personally I try to avoid to travel by tube as much as possible. It’s dirty, hot, loud and unpleasant.
It is totally my subjective opinion, which most likely is linked to my daily commute habits. I am a biker, hence I ride every day when the weather allows.
Anyway, our budget travel to Rye was a three-leg journey. Tube to London Bridge train station was the first unpleasant part. Between London Bridge to Rye in East Sussex, I had to change once in Hastings. The same platform and five minutes wait, not bad. Actually it was part of my budget travel experience on how to save money on a train journey. Eventually, I will put together some tips and tricks on how to save money on travel.
The old fishing town of Rye, Sussex
Two hours train journey for me finally to Rye town. It is a lovely little town right at the south-east coast of England. The architecture in Rye is amazing. Victorian-style cottages and houses are thatched with straw and covered in moss. Rye shops selling vintage staff can keep you busy for hours. Brick and stone mixed together, cobbled streets, check out Mermaid street, gave me holiday feeling I was hoping for. Rye’s town history goes back to the 14th century, hence defence structures, Rye castle, towers etc. Plenty of things to do in Rye!
A real gem located in East Sussex
Pub or guesthouse?
I was trying to decide between a pub or guesthouse accommodation. Both were within my budget, however, Rye old pubs and hotels, kept in Victorian style, were really expensive! Nevertheless, the decision had to be made and I was getting a little bit anxious. Everything was fully booked. The best locations within my budget were old gone. To be honest, I had two days to organise everything. True spontaneous, adventure weekend without much planning. Eventually, small guesthouse appeared on my computer screen with an available room. It was an ideal compromise between cost and location, which was brilliant as it turned out. Check out Little Saltcote in Rye!
Gentlemen who greeted us was really kind and helpful. Room was waiting for us and we had a quick chat about our weekend plans. I didn’t catch his name, but the man helped me a lot. Owner, as it turned out, was a bit moody older British, but the room and breakfast was truly an amazing experience.
Camber Sands
We, myself and my beloved life partner Karolina, arrived on Saturday morning and Camber Sands, Rye beach was our main destination. After a few hours faffing around, enjoying Italian coffee in the morning sun, we had to move. I found a footpath along a river. Having our supplies sorted, some wine, nibbles and water, we took a walk and within an hour, avoiding crowds and public transport. Probably you can already tell, that I am not keen to use public transport. Adventure Clinic Travel Blog is all about exploring and getting off the beaten track.
It is always a good call to get lost a bit before you find a destination you are looking for.
This time was no different and rewarded me and Karolina with a Rye beach pretty much only for ourselves. Jackpot! Main, tourist beach could be seen far in the distance. Rarely couples with dogs were passing by. I enjoyed the cold sea breeze a lot. The day was getting hotter, we both compared it to the Mediterranean climate. You couldn’t ask for more. The sand was really warm and unique, at least for us, as it had a ‘crust’ that was giving way under our weight. A satisfying feeling which made us smile. You should already have a full picture of things to do in Rye.
I was observing tide coming in during the day and low tide starting the late afternoon. Camber Sands was transforming from the wide beach to narrow stretch of sand in some areas. Right next to our spot was a canal entrance. Boats were going in and out and we were making politically inappropriate jokes. I will not repeat them here.
When a bottle of wine was empty and all nibbles gone, it was time to head back to Rye for dinner.
The finest wine and dine in Rye
The Globe pub, in my opinion, was the finest wine and dine option in Rye. Undoubtedly location was important as it is located two-minute walk from Little Saltcote guesthouse. I have never seen a pub without a bar in it. Quite unique! Instead of a bar we found a wide selection of gin, snacks, microbrewery’s beers etc. We have spent the whole evening there, testing gin combinations and tasting locally brewed pints. I nearly forgot about wood oven baked pizza! Exceptional and affordable wine and dine option.
We headed to our room, slightly tipsy looking forward to good long sleep. Indeed we slept like babies. Early morning, at 9.30 am, breakfast has been served. Selection of continental breakfast or choice of full English breakfast. Both with local, fresh products. Eggs, bacon and sausage. You can clearly taste the quality of locally sourced food.
Check out was until 11am, hence we handed the keys to our room back to the owners. Not sure if it was me or the owner had a bad day or some politics came into play. There was some confusion with the room payment which had been resolved within a minute, however, I did not feel welcome anymore. A bit bitter aftertaste remained.
Way home, back to London.
We were officially on our way home, back to London. It was 11am and I booked train tickets for 4.50pm. Sunday was rather cold with patchy rain and occasional showers. It is starting to rain again and The Globe pub is an obvious answer. Pot of tea, hot coffee and we just sat there enjoying peaceful, rainy day. We even managed to have an early lunch before a sightseeing tour.
It was time to say goodbye to the Globe, but we will definitely come back.
Cobbled narrow streets among old wooden cottages took us to a 14th-century church and castle. We both felt like travelling in time. Especially Mermaid street in Rye town is a charming place to visit. It was a very quiet day. We didn’t want to leave.
We will have to board a train in an hour. Three leg journey again and I decided that farewell pint is required. Close to the train station I have found a tiny pub serving a decent selection of microbrewery beer that I haven’t seen for a while. Each beer type cooled to a specific temperature with an extensive description attached.
That was the ender to a fabulous adventure weekend I was looking for.