Road Trips

Further Afield

(a bit further but easy to visit by car or bus)

Tenterden – charming small town with historic high street, independent shops and steam railway links (often combined with Bodiam Castle visits). visitsoutheastengland.com

Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway, Kent - This picturesque railway line weaves between Tenterden and Bodiam for more than 10 miles. England's finest rural light railway enables visitors to experience steam train trips and service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored coaches and locomotives dating from Victorian times. Website: https://kesr.org.uk/

Tenterden is about 6 miles from Rye.

Driving distance: ~6–7 miles from Rye to KESR (Tenterden area), about a 10–15 minute car journey depending on traffic and exactly where you’re going on the heritage line.ryesussex.uk

Bodiam has a very picturesque 14th century castle and near the train station is the Castle Inn – a traditional pub directly opposite Bodiam Castle and just yards from the Kent & East Sussex Railway (steam train) . A classic countryside pub with ales, meals, and a garden — perfect for a stop before or after a steam train trip.

If you’re waiting for a steam train at Tenterden Town Station, the Old Dairy Taproom is literally right by the station for a quick drink. A short stroll up the High Street brings you The Vine Inn, White Lion, The Woolpack, Fat Ox and Print House Inn — all great choices for a pint, meal, or relaxed drink before/after your ride.

Seven Sisters / Pevensey Bay

About 30 miles from Rye are the Seven Sisters, a spectacular stretch of chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast in South East England, between Seaford and Eastbourne. It’s one of the most iconic coastal landscapes in the UK, often used in films and postcards because it looks so beautifully “English seaside”—dramatic white cliffs dropping into turquoise-blue sea, rolling green hills on top, and wide, open skies.

What makes it special

• The cliffs themselves: Seven distinct chalk peaks (“sisters”), shaped by erosion over thousands of years.

• Unspoiled scenery: Unlike Dover’s cliffs, this coastline feels more wild and natural, with fewer urban developments nearby.

• Classic views: The most famous viewpoint is from Seaford Head, where you get the straight-on postcard view of the cliffs with the Cuckmere River valley in front.

• Cuckmere Haven: A beautiful valley with meandering river curves leading to the sea and a shingle beach.

• South Downs National Park: The whole area is part of the park, so it’s protected and full of great walking.

Tiger Inn – A quintessential English country pub in East Dean village, often highlighted as one of the best pub-walk destinations near the cliffs. Old beams, local ales, hearty food, and a lovely village green make it a favourite spot.

Close to Seven Sisters is Beachy Head — it’s the next dramatic chalk headland immediately to the east. Walking distance: from the eastern end of Seven Sisters (Birling Gap) to Beachy Head is about 2 miles / 3 km along the cliff-top path. Dylan will need to be on a leash!

Between Rye and the Seven Sisters is Pevensey Bay, a long, gently curving stretch of coastline in East Sussex, between Eastbourne and Bexhill. It has a very different feel from the dramatic cliffs of Seven Sisters — it’s quieter, flatter, and more relaxed, with a traditional seaside-village character. At the bay is Castle Inn – A traditional 16th-century local pub with low beams, oak bars, real ales, homemade food and a lovely suntrap beer garden. It’s dog- and family-friendly and often has weekend entertainment -

Brighton

Probably too far for most - the city of Brighton and Hove is about 45 miles from Rye or 20 from Beachy Head.

s a vibrant seaside city on England’s south coast, known for its lively cultural scene, diverse community, and long pebble beach with iconic piers and promenade.

In a nutshell:
It blends classic British seaside fun (boardwalk, fish and chips, arcades) with creative and independent culture, quirky shops, cafés, and a big student and arts scene. You’ll find famous landmarks like the Royal Pavilion, a former royal palace with exotic architecture, and Brighton Palace Pier with rides and games.
• Brighton has eight miles of pebble beach, a lively LGBTQ+ community, strong food culture, quirky lanes and of course home to the renowned Brighton and Hove Albion.

Canterbury

Canterbury is one of England’s most historic and charming cities, famous for:

• Canterbury Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site, the heart of the Church of England, and stunning Gothic architecture.

• Medieval streets & shops – cobbled streets with independent shops, cafés, and historic buildings.

• Museums & culture – The Canterbury Roman Museum, Westgate Towers, and Marlowe Theatre.

• Riverside walks – the River Stour offers peaceful strolls and punting opportunities.

• Food & drink – traditional pubs, modern restaurants, and tea rooms.

• It’s a mix of history, architecture, and relaxed English city charm, ideal for a full day of exploring.

  By road: ~28 miles (45 km), about 50 minutes drive.

  By train: Rye is on the Marshlink line to Ashford International. From Rye, you can take a train to Ashford International (~20 min), then change for a direct train to Canterbury West (~30 min). Total journey about 1 hour 10–15 min.