Once surrounded by sea, the hilltop town of Rye is a great vantage point for some picturesque views, and is full of ancient buildings and cobbled streets.
Here’s a few pointers for a day (and evening) out there – just a stone’s throw from us in Kent.

ST MARY’S CHURCH

The concert venue, St Mary’s Church, is the perfect spot to peruse the view.
From the tower, you can look out over its historic buildings and streets which were once the haunt of smugglers and highwaymen. The tower is usually open to the public, with the church open from 9am to 6pm daily, except in winter when it shuts at 4pm.

KINO CINEMA

The town’s picture-postcard look regularly attract film crews in search of historical settings but if you’re looking for a bijou place to catch a blockbuster, the Kino cinema with its 96 seats will make you feel like you’re getting a special showing.

It is equipped with state-of-the-art digital HD projection and sound equipment and is open daily from 9am and has kids’ club screenings at weekends at around 11am. There is also a cafe and bar. For details go to kinodigital.co.uk

MERMAID INN

There’s ancient history and then there’s the inn in Mermaid Street, which has cellars dating back to 1156 and was rebuilt in 1420.

With its creaking floorboards and staircases, you can drink in the history as you enjoy a tipple at the Giant’s Fireplace Bar, picturing how the Hawkhurst Gang, who were smugglers in the 1730s and 1740s, caroused in the bar. The inn has a restaurant, two lounges, large patio area and parking. Go to mermaidinn.com for more.

THE STANDARD INN

Set right in the heart of the town at The Mint, The Standard Inn is a gem of a 15th century pub with carved beams and warming open fires. Featured in The Times as one of Britain’s 25 best places to eat at the weekend, it serves a seasonal menu using plenty of local produce such as lamb from the Salt Marshes and fish caught and delivered from Rye Harbour, plus a varied wine list and selection of craft beers and local ales. Go to thestandardinnrye.co.uk for details.

THE SHOP NEXT DOOR

Even the air smells good at this shop. If you’re looking for something not on the high street, head to the High Street as The Shop Next Door is full of contemporary and stylish interior designs, jewellery and homewares, giving you inspiration to get a boutique hotel feel in your own home. It nestles next to The George Hotel and is part of the same ownership. Go to cometorye.co.uk/shops/the-shop-next-door/ for details.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL RECORDS

Long before hipsters discovered vinyl, there was Grammar School Records in the Old Grammar School in the High Street.

Established in 1991 it is one of the leading independent record shops in the country and has some 20,000 LPs to browse and buy plus plenty of collectables. Visit grammarschool.backtrackrye.com for details.