We have one day to do a little countryside exploring while we are in London. We want to check out Rye for the cobblestone streets etc. Any other suggestions for places along the way/close by? (We like small villages and castles more than big city action.) and any transportation tips would be appreciated too.
Thanks!
Are you driving?
If using trains, you will have to change at Hastings, so walk round the old town there. At Rye, in addition to the town, you could walk down to Rye Harbour, a mile or so away and walk around the nature reserve alongside the coast. Nearby Winchelsea is also worth a visit, as is Dungeness for it's wacky houses and gardens plus a steam train ride.
There are a couple cute houses in Rye, but overall the town is very small and doesn't take too long to see. We stayed at the Rye Lodge after visiting Dover and before Battle (battle of Hastings). One place we did enjoy en route, not too far outside of London, is Igtham Mote. It's an old Manor house surrounded by a mote and is part of the national trust. Tonbridge was a nice town too. Not directly en route is Leeds Castle. Just a comment, Rye is a long way to travel to see cobblestone streets. Personally, I feel Canterbury has much more to offer than Rye.
I've been thinking of a visit to Rye, too, since reading Helen Simonson's The Summer Before the War. If you've not read it, it will put you in mind of Rye! A pre-WWI story.
Thank you for all the tips guys! Can't wait to read that book too!
