Rye, Hugh's 30th and a harbour with no water

Our good friend Hugh was turning 30 so we decided to celebrate with a mini getaway in the UK.  Lucky for Hugh, his birthday fell on a long weekend.

We went to Rye in East Sussex on the south coast of England - a mere 1.5 hours on the train from London.  Rye is a beautiful little town with tiny cobbled stone streets, handsome Tudor homes, an abundance of antique shops and a buzzing art scene.  It's also famous for old style tea houses and haunted pubs.

The houses had cute names like Honey Pot House; the Mermaid Inn; Sea Gull House; the House with the Chair; the House Opposite and the House with Two Doors!

The highlight for the boys was the inflatable hot tub on the back deck of our apartment - hours were spent in the bubbles.  We enjoyed a yummy meal for Hugh's 30th at the George - Rye's only upmarket boutique hotel.  Followed by a drink in the only pub open after midnight, where every single "chav" from around the area seemed to hang out.

On very bad recommendation from a local, we took a walk to Rye Harbour Town.  Now, let me tell you, Rye Harbour Town is very very different to Rye.  It should not even be called a harbour because there was no water and it was another 30 minutes walk to the sea (which is quite pretty when you get there).  This place was awful; like out of a horror movie - squawking seagulls, an hour walk through an industrial estate with no one in sight, a squeaking fence and freaky carousel noise.  We missed the turn for the scenic route through Romney Marsh - whoops.

Rye has a fascinating history.  Many famous authors, like Henry James, have lived there at some stage.  It was also once home to Sir Paul McCartney and his children went to school there.  Although now sitting on top of a hill, Rye was once on the waterfront and used as a defence port against the French.

It was lovely to get out of London for some fresh air.  The traffic, pollution and congestion can get a little bit much sometimes.

E&S
xoxo