IF you’re looking for a staycation with all the beauty of the Cotswolds but fancy somewhere different – maybe head to East Sussex this summer.
Rye has all the charm of the region and even better – it’s just 10 minutes away from the seaside.
Country lifestyle experts at Welligogs say that Rye is one of the UK’s most beautiful small towns and even dubbed it the “new Cotswolds”.
While it might be miles away from Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, Rye actually shares lots of the same qualities as towns found in the Cotswolds.
Some of the most famous spots near the Cotswolds include Castle Combe, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water which have honey-coloured stone buildings and pretty streets.
In East Sussex, Rye has a similar look with cobbled streets lined with cottages and plenty of independent shops.
Tess Annan, manager at Welligogs said: “Part of Rye’s appeal is its storybook atmosphere.
“For those who love culture, you can spend the morning exploring antique shops and independent boutiques, before wandering up to Mermaid Street for some of the most photographed views in the UK.
“The 14th century Ypres Tower (Rye Castle) is also always worth a trip. Then head towards the nearby beaches for sea air and treat yourself to freshly-caught fish and chips.”
While the Cotswolds has plenty of rivers running through the villages, Rye offers a beach escape for those who want the delights of the seaside instead.
Camber Sands is just 10-minutes away in the car to get from the village to the dunes.
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire named Rye one of her favourite UK seaside towns.
Caroline said: “The medieval town of Rye in East Sussex isn’t strictly seaside, but you can see the sea from its cobble streets and it has a harbour where boats sail out to the English Channel.
“Plus, if you go back as far as the 15th century, the sea came much closer to the foot of the hill the town is built on.
“It’s the perfect place to spend a day out – taking an hour and six minutes on the train from Kings Cross St Pancras.
“If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Camber Sands beach – a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.
“Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Winchelsea beach.
Back in the town after lunch, there are plenty of fantastic pubs to choose from, my favourites being the 12th century Mermaid Inn and the George In Rye, as well as the Globe Inn Marsh on the outskirts of the town.
“Equally, you could book a taxi and check out Tillingham vineyard in nearby Peasmarsh, with its Michelin Green Star wine tours and excellent pizzas.
“Make sure to save some time to rummage through the many, many antiques shops, as well as Knoops hot chocolate shop and the wonderfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop.”