Rye is a charming town in East Sussex with plenty of activities to enjoy. It is one of the most complete medieval towns in the UK , its streets packed with pretty medieval and Georgian houses lining ancient cobbled streets. Here are some of our highlights which we think make Rye a fun place to holiday with teens:

A weekend in Rye with teenagers

St. Mary’s Parish Church: Marvel at this twelfth-century church and climb the bell tower for stunning views across Rye.

Camber Sands: Visit this beautiful beach with golden sands and shallow, warm waters. Perfect for dog walks, sandcastle building and seasonal water sports

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve: Explore diverse birdlife and scenic walks through well-maintained footpaths. Features educational displays, a cozy cafe, multiple bird hides and Second World War defences

Knoops stop for a hot chocolate at Knoops, home of expertly crafted chocolate drinks

Kino Cinema this sweet independent cinema shows the latest film releases on 2 screens

Mermaid Street Step back in time at this ancient street in the heart of Rye, stop for a drink at the Mermaid Inn, a 600-year-old pub with low ceilings, beams, cozy nooks, and a cellar dating back to 1156

Kiko’s Cat Café is a great place to meet cats looking for their forever home – see our review here

Lamb house was once home to Henry James and E.F. Benson

Rye Castle: explore ancient history at Rye Castle’s Ypres Tower and climb the tower for views over the river

Visit the old-fashioned sweet shop and buy your sweets by the 100g in a paper bag

Antiquing go bargain hunting in one of the many antique or charity shops dotted around the town

Explore the lost town of Winchelsea and the re-built town which is the smallest town in England

 

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, history, or outdoor adventures, Rye has something for everyone! Our teens enjoyed exploring, aided by hot chocolate, a little geocaching and a trip to the cat cafe!