Its cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and picturesque views make the town a must-visit08:00, 27 May 2026Once encircled by sea, this hilltop town formerly served a crucial role in protecting England's south coast. Today, the mile-and-a-half river from Rye to the coastline is where the local fishing fleet calls home.‌Rye, in East Sussex, also boasts historic buildings, cobbled lanes, and hidden passages, which consistently draw tourists and film crews seeking authentic period settings for productions. Numerous authors, musicians, artists, and celebrities have settled in the town, but it's equally brilliant for a day out or as a starting point for discovering the surrounding region.‌I recently made the trip to Rye after spotting certain streets on TikTok and questioning whether they were real, since they looked like something straight out of a storybook.‌The journey from London took roughly an hour and a half, and finding parking was incredibly straightforward, though we arrived fairly early.Following a brief climb up a steep incline, we reached the main cobbled thoroughfare, lined with independent shops, cafes, and eateries.‌It was picturesque and simple to get around, with beautiful views at every turn.Mermaid Street, the legendary cobbled lane renowned for its delightful half-timbered houses, was my primary motivation for visiting Rye.It was straightforward to locate and utterly breathtaking, though it was rather crowded with visitors, even at around 9am.‌It's among England's most photographed streets and houses the renowned Mermaid Inn, a historic establishment with a fascinating history. Dating back to the 12th century, this former smugglers' hideout has since become one of the area's most recognisable landmarks.Nearby, visitors can also explore Rye Castle, Lamb House, Rye Heritage Centre and St. Mary's Parish Church.‌When it comes to food and drink, the options are plentiful, with standout spots including The Fig, The Union Rye and Hoof.Walk-in tables can be tricky to come by, so it's well worth doing your homework and booking ahead.Don't miss Knoops either — a wonderful shop specialising in milkshakes, hot chocolates and iced chocolate drinks.Article continues belowFor those looking to make a night of it, there's no shortage of cosy hotels, charming guest houses and welcoming inns to choose from.If you're on the hunt for a great day trip this spring, Rye comes highly recommended — it's a beautiful spot with plenty to keep everyone entertained, kids included.