Just one week in Rye

Rye is unique in so many ways: the setting, the history, the beautiful streets. And remarkably, in addition to this, is the fact that there is so much else going on. There really cannot be many small towns with a population of less than 5,000 that have so much to offer, and all within walking distance.

As a taster, this is what was possible in just one week:-

A circular walk from Brede lock to Camber Castle and Castle Water, organised by the Sussex Wildlife Trust and led by one of their rangers, James. A lovely walk across the fields with James pointing out the flora and fauna along the way and a stop-off at the Halpin hide and Castle Water where godwits, great crested grebes, avocets, ruffs, and numerous cormorants and ducks were observed. An absolute surprise was to see the small raptor, the hobby, chasing dragonfly over the water but abruptly changing direction and grabbing a sand martin instead. There was no booking necessary, and no fee, only a donation requested.

An evening at the Waterworks with the Rye Bay Crew for the monthly sea shanties singalong led by Chris Fisher, Andi Rivett, Rebekah Gilbert and Jonathan Breeds (a very Rye-ish collection of the present mayor and two former ones). The friendly and enthusiastic crowd, energetically organised by David Roder, joined in the choruses with increasing gusto, as more of the award-winning craft beer was consumed.

A walk from Winchelsea Beach along to the Mary Stanford lifeboat shed in the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and back for a swim on a near-empty part of the beach.

A walk around the town, a visit to the National Trust’s Lamb House to sit in the garden and take in the views from its many windows, a shady rest in St Mary’s church followed by a visit to the Kino for a coffee and a bit of The Railway Children Return nostalgia.

A visit to Rye Art Gallery’s En Plein Air exhibition which had local artists (Karl Terry, Georgie Watson, Clare Mitchell, Brian Oxley, Sally Cole, Tom Marsh) painting around and outside the gallery. It was fascinating to watch them paint the buildings and landscape around and to talk to them about their work as well as to see examples in the exhibition.

Spectating at Rye Lawn Tennis and Squash Club closed tournament to watch some of the local players battle it out on the well-kept, smooth, green grass courts and on the newly laid clay courts.

A lively Friday night at The Queen’s Head with a friendly, mixed crowd listening, and dancing, to the cool reggae and danceable ska of The Liberators – a four-piece band from Folkestone. Their version of the Harry J All Stars classic, Liquidator, was brilliant and got many of the crowd to their feet.

Many of life’s pleasures – art, walking, nature, swimming, music, film and friends – all in one small town.

Image Credits: Juliet Duff .