Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Rye

Camping in Rye gives you plenty of opportunity to explore the ancient walled town. Just wandering the cobbled streets, popping in to one of its tea rooms and perusing the independent shops, is reason enough to visit, but this medieval town also has a fascinating history – which is too fascinating to ignore. Visit Rye Museum or Rye Heritage Centre to find out all about it and perhaps climb the tower at St Mary’s Church for a bird’s eye view of the town’s red rooftops. The reclaiming of land from the sea means the town is now more than a mile from the shore but it remains a working harbour with fishing boats bringing the daily catch to town along the River Rother. Follow this waterway out to sea and you reach Rye Harbour Nature Reserve where you can walk among bird-rich saltmarshes and coastal lagoons. But if it’s seaside fun you’ve come for, head for the large expanse of beach at Camber Sands or to Hastings, with its shingle beaches and traditional seaside tourist attractions. Both are within easy day-tripping distance when you’re camping in Rye.

Once an important cinque port, the small, pretty town of Rye in East Sussex is a camper's delight. The town itself is a treasure trove of nooks, lanes and interesting shops and boutiques, while the countryside around it is peppered with good campsites where you can pitch your tent or park up a campervan.