We love taking day trips from London on warm, sunny days, and when the weather finally plays along, we don’t waste the chance. This time, we headed to Rye and Camber Sands.
Rye is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England, with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a fascinating history. Just a short drive away, Camber Sands offers miles of golden sand and rolling dunes, a rare sight in this part of the country.
The fact that both are only about 1.5 hours from London makes this trip even better. You can explore a charming historic town in the morning and enjoy the beach in the afternoon, all in one easy day out.
In this blog post, I’ll share more about Rye and Camber Sands, the best things to do in each, how to get there, and tips to help you plan your own day trip from London.
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The best things to do in Rye
Rye is one of the most beautiful towns in England, and stepping into its cobbled streets feels like travelling back in time. Once a busy port and a member of the historic Cinque Ports, Rye was surrounded by water until changes to the coastline left it slightly inland. Today, it’s a charming mix of half-timbered houses, independent shops, cosy cafes, and centuries-old buildings.
With so much character packed into such a small area, Rye is definitely worth visiting, whether you’re planning a full weekend getaway or just stopping for a few hours as part of a day trip.
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Stroll in Mermaid Street
The most famous street in Rye is Mermaid Street, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most photographed streets in England. Lined with half-timbered houses, flower-filled window boxes, and cobblestones that have seen centuries of footsteps, it feels like something straight out of a storybook.
This street is also home to the historic Mermaid Inn, which dates back to the 12th century. It was rebuilt in 1420 and became notorious as a meeting place for smugglers in the 18th century. Even today, it’s said to be one of the most haunted inns in England, and the best part is that you can actually stay here.
Don’t wear heels here. It can be dangerous. The cobbles are uneven and tricky to walk on, so comfortable shoes are the best choice. Stroll slowly, take in the details, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping every few steps for photos.
Climb St Mary’s Church Tower
At the end of Mermaid Street, you’ll find St Mary’s Church, which has been standing for more than 900 years. It’s the oldest building in Rye still in use and is sometimes called the “Cathedral of East Sussex” because of its size and importance.
For just £4, you can climb to the top of the church tower. The climb is narrow and winding, at one point, you even pass the church bells, but once you step out onto the platform, the views are incredible. On a clear day, you can see the rooftops of Rye, the surrounding countryside, and even as far as the sea.
The church clock is another point of interest. Installed in 1561, it’s one of the oldest functioning church clocks in the country, and you can spot its large golden face from the street below.
Walk along the canal
Rye isn’t just about cobbled streets and historic buildings. A short walk from the town centre will bring you to the canal and riverside, where life feels slower and quieter. On a sunny day, it’s a lovely spot to sit outside with a coffee or ice cream and watch the boats drift by.
The area around the canal is also a great place for photography, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. If you have more time, you can follow the path along the River Rother towards Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, a protected area that’s home to a variety of bird species and beautiful coastal views.
Walk Through the Landgate
One of Rye’s most iconic landmarks is the Landgate, the only surviving gateway from the town’s medieval walls. Built in 1329 during the reign of Edward III, it once formed part of the fortifications that protected Rye from French attacks.
Today, it stands proudly at the edge of the town centre and is a popular photo spot. You can walk through it as you enter or leave Rye, and if you take a moment to look closely, you’ll notice the impressive stonework and the old clock added in the 19th century.
It’s worth stopping here for a few pictures. The combination of the gate, cobbled street, and historic buildings makes for a perfect Rye postcard scene.
Where to Eat in Rye
Rye has plenty of great places to eat, whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a cosy pub meal, or a relaxed brunch.
For seafood lovers, Webbe’s at The Fish Café is a great choice, especially during Rye’s annual Scallop Week. If you’re after a stylish spot for seasonal British dishes, The Union won’t disappoint.
The Globe Inn Marsh is perfect for a hearty meal in a quirky, cosy setting, while The Fig serves fresh, colourful plates and tasty brunch options. For something a little more special, Landgate Bistro is known for its excellent local produce and friendly service.
Relax at Camber Sands
After exploring Rye, it’s only a short 10-minute drive to Camber Sands, one of the most beautiful beaches in East Sussex. Unlike many UK beaches, which are covered in pebbles, Camber Sands offers miles of soft golden sand and impressive dunes. It’s a rare sight in this part of the country and a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
The beach stretches for nearly three miles, so even on busy summer days, you can usually find a quieter spot if you walk a little further. At low tide, the water retreats far out, revealing even more sandy space to explore.
On warm days, you’ll see families, kite surfers, and dog walkers making the most of the wide-open space. The water can be chilly, of course, you are in the UK, but it’s perfect for paddling. If you’re planning a swim, check the tide times and be mindful of the currents.
Camber Sands has good facilities, including toilets, showers, and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. There are also a few cafés and kiosks near the main car parks serving snacks, fish and chips, and ice cream, so you won’t go hungry if you didn’t pack a picnic.
Parking is available right by the beach, but it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so it’s worth arriving early. If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, the golden light here is beautiful and perfect for photos.
Where to Stay in Rye and Camber Sands
Earlier, I mentioned the historic Mermaid Inn on Mermaid Street, a 12th-century inn rebuilt in 1420, once a haunt for smugglers, and now one of the most atmospheric places to stay in England. If you love history (and don’t mind a possible ghost story or two), it’s a unique choice right in the heart of Rye.
Other highly rated places to stay in and around Rye include:
The George in Rye: A stylish boutique hotel in a beautifully restored 16th-century building, with individually designed rooms and a great restaurant.
Jeake’s House: A charming guesthouse with antique furnishings and plenty of character, located just off Mermaid Street.
The Gallivant: Situated right across the road from Camber Sands, this coastal-chic hotel is perfect if you want to wake up and be on the beach within minutes.
How to Get to Rye
By Car:
Driving is the easiest way to visit Rye and Camber Sands in one day. From London, it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on where you start. You can park in Rye town centre and then drive 10 minutes to Camber Sands, where there are several pay-and-display car parks close to the beach.
By Train:
If you don’t drive, you can still do this trip by train. Take the high-speed service from London St Pancras to Ashford International (about 38 minutes), then change to a local train to Rye, which takes around 20 minutes. From Rye station, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to Camber Sands. Check train tickets here.
If you enjoy exploring more places like this by train, check out my guide to the 28 Best Day Trips from London.
Tips and Final Thoughts
Wear comfortable shoes in Rye, especially if you plan to walk along Mermaid Street.
Arrive early on sunny weekends, especially if you’re driving, as parking in both Rye and Camber Sands can fill up quickly.
Check the tide times before visiting Camber Sands, especially if you plan to swim or walk far out on the sand at low tide.
Pack for the UK coast, even on a warm day, bring an extra layer, as it can get breezy by the sea.
Stay overnight if you can. Rye is charming in the evening when the day-trippers leave, and you can enjoy a quieter side of the town.
Rye and Camber Sands are the perfect combination for a day trip from London — history, charm, and one of the best sandy beaches in the southeast, all within easy reach.
If you love adventure and exploring beautiful places like this, check out my Etsy store, Adventure for All Ages for travel-inspired items you can take on your next trip.