Rye Harbour Tourist Information

The fishing village Rye Harbour sits near the mouth of the river Rother, in East Sussex and still has small boats moored along the river.

Links with the sea are strong and the large blue Lifeboat House dominates the village frontage and there is also the Sailing Club.

The character changes at high water when there is a rush of boating activity, which sometimes includes enormous ships passing just a few metres from the village and a variety of colourful fishing boats coming and going.

The village is built on old shingle ridges dating back over 200 years; there are many curious buildings, including the old black Watch House with a large flagpole nearby.

The village has two excellent pubs serving good food and beer; there is also a small shop.

The churchyard has a memorial to the 17 men lost in the lifeboat disaster of 15th November 1928 when the lifeboat "Mary Stanford" capsized and all crew lost their lives in a storm.

Several artists make Rye Harbour their home and throughout the summer there are regular open studio events.

Right next to the village is the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, which has many fine walks to help you explore a variety of wetlands full of birds and plants. There are 5 birdwatching hides that are accessible to some wheelchairs.

The village is popular with visitors and some stay at the local Frenchman's Beach Caravan Site or rent one of the local houses. The local beach is stony, but at low tide offers tranquil walking.

There are many signs of military defences. World War II blockhouses and concrete defences, a Martello Tower was part of a defensive network built during the Napoleonic war over 200 years ago and in the fields nearby Henry III's Camber Castle now lies a mile inland.

For further information on Rye Harbour visit www.ryeharbour.net

Description by Barry Yates