Timeout Tuesday – sandy beaches & smugglers

If you’ve never been to the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex you might want to consider a day trip. Perched on a hill overlooking the Romney Marshes this ancient town has been an important Tax free trading port, a naval base, a fishing port and a market town.  Whilst from the late 12^th century it was part of the Cinque Ports Confederation by the time the 18th and 19th centuries rolled around smuggling gangs were notorious in Rye.  It might be harder to imagine today as the town now sits approximately two miles from the open sea.

The sleepy little town (although in reality it’s the size of a small village) has some unique historic building, the oldest of which was built in the mid 12^th Century. There is a handful of fun flea markets and antiques shops and a couple of miles away the breath taking Camber Sands – a 7 mile sandy beach with fantastic sand dunes.  I’m personal a fan of the George in Rye, its Bar allows dogs and the food always hits the spot. A great place to visit after a long walk on the beach.