I am starting a UK Staycation series as we got to explore more of the UK in 2021. First up is quintessentially English medieval town, Rye along the south-east coast of England. We had been in lockdown number 2 since last Christmas when the government announced that we would be freed in May, my friend and I immediately booked in a long weekend for our birthday getaway.
After many research and contemplations, we land on a weekend staycation in Rye. This is possibly the one of the most charming towns in England. The medieval buildings and cobble stoned streets coupled with our freedom-at-last attitude, it literally felt like we arrived at fairytale land. We were like birds out of our cages. Feeling the warmth from May sunshine touching my skin and thrill of being somewhere outside the four walls of your home.
Rye is just over an hour journey from London
We took a direct train from London Kings Cross. Get the super off-peak tickets. Make sure you travel ON the day you booked, unlike us, which turned out to be an expensive lesson! Rye is a small town and the station is just a few minutes walk away the town centre. We booked a self contained two bedroom house right in the heart of the town, just to be safe, in case the covid and social distancing rules change.
Quinessential medieval town Rye, EnglandRye is one of the best preserved medieval towns in England
This quintessentially English medieval town is the smallest town I’ve visit in England. But of course I haven’t been to every town here… yet! You can basically do the whole town less 15 minutes. BUT you won’t be able to resist not stopping for photos. Every corner is a photo opportunity. So get your camera ready and follow me! I suggest leaving your heels at home though. 😉
Wandering along the cobble stone streets is definitely not conducive to heels… just saying.
The Old Bell – a historic English pub that dates back to 15th century in the heart of Rye town. The interior still has the original oak beams and wooden floors as well as a front terrace surrounded by an 80-year old wisteria tree (sadly I don’t have a photo of it!)One of the most ‘Instagrammable’ streets in the UK
Mermaid street, the main Street in Rye, which is seriously charming and so instagrammable! Walking along here was like a step back to the medieval times and just like something out of a fairytale. If you’re a wisteria chaser, May is the perfect time to visit. So many beautiful houses dressed in dashing purple wisterias. Not to mention witnessing some of the most gorgeous sunsets in then UK!!
An instagrammable Sunset at the most famous Mermaid street in Rye.
A quintessential English sunset from Rye
One of many fairytale house on the ‘wisteria lane’ of Rye
As I mentioned, Rye is a pretty small town. But it has a good number of nice restaurants and pubs that dates back to the 15th century that is worth checking out. It is not overly populated. Just the perfect place for a slow weekend away, unwind, and experience the English history in person. Also, a trip to Rye is not complete without a mouth-watering-choose-your-own-perfect-rich-and-smooth chocolate milkshake from Knoops!! You’re welcome! 🙂
Next up… Camber Sands, countryside hike and sheep turds…
