by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:25th June 2024
Exploring Bateman’s, Burwash and Bodiam Castle en-route
This is such a delightful East Sussex road trip to embark upon, and you’ll even be dipping your toes into the county of Kent and, if you’re brave, the English Channel. Once you’ve explored the smuggling town of Rye and visited Lamb House, the home of Henry James, you’ll be ready to discover the beautiful countryside beyond.
I would advise allowing a couple of days to enjoy the full extent of this Rye road trip, as there are so many charming places to see and visit. You’ll be weaving through dappled country lanes and visiting the picturesque, moated castle at Bodiam and Bateman’s, the exquisite family home of Rudyard Kipling.
This circular East Sussex mini-road trip is around 55 miles (88km). It’s an incredibly easy route to explore, especially in an EV. You’ll discover some idyllic country towns and villages and breathtaking historical sites..
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The coast has long since retreated
Our Rye Loop Road Trip Destinations
We'll explore the enchanting historic town of Rye and Rye Harbour, the sleepy hilltop town of Winchelsea, and visiting the National Trust sights of Bodiam Castle and Bateman’s. You’ll also get to explore the charming towns of Burwash, Robertsbridge, and Hawkhurst.
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We chose a circular route around this charming region of East Sussex and Kent, starting and ending in Rye. The historic town of Rye can be accessed from the M20 (jct. 10A), about 20 miles (32km) along the A2070 and the A259. As mentioned, the road trip’s entire loop is around 55 miles (88km).
Okay, so let’s jump in our trusty steed and hit the road.
Upon your arrival in Rye, find a convenient car park, and there are plenty of them in Rye and explore this beautiful town. There are so many eye-catching buildings in Rye, especially along Mermaid Street, where you’ll undoubtedly spot the 13th century Mermaid Inn, which has fascinating tales of ghosts and smugglers.
Outside the Landgate
Allow plenty of time to visit Rye, as there are so many nooks and crannies to uncover and so many historical sights to see.
When visiting a location, we often use the Historic England website, which highlights the locally listed buildings and their fascinating backgrounds. Ensure you visit Lamb House in West Street; this National Trust site was the former home of Henry James and E. F. Benson. It was also the filming location of Mapp and Lucia.
Lamb House
Rye is a lovely town to stroll around of an evening, so it’s a perfect location to base yourself for this mini Rye road trip. There are attractive cobbled lanes to wend your way through and some quaint pubs and restaurants to while away an evening.
On leaving Rye, briefly jump back onto the A259 towards Winchelsea; however, we’re not heading to Winchelsea quite yet. We’re turning left onto Harbour Road and visiting Rye Harbour, a tiny quayside village along the River Rother
Where to stay in Rye
Mermaid Inn
If you fancy spending the night within a 12th-century historic inn, with ghosts whispering along the corridors, then the Mermaid Inn is a must. Spooky goings-on and smugglers.
The Hope Anchor
This 18th-century former inn has beautiful individually styled rooms full of character. Relax by the fire and enjoy stunning views across Rye and beyond.
Upon arriving at Rye Harbour turn right at the end of Harbour Road, and enter the large free car park. Don your comfy shoes, and let’s go for a pleasant stroll around the quayside of the River Rother and a peaceful wander through the nature reserve.
Rye Harbour
Rye Harbour is extremely quaint and dates from the early 19th century; you feel like you’ve discovered a little oasis. As you meander towards the Admiralty Jetty, you’ll pass by some delightful fisherman’s cottages and Rye Harbour RNLI station.
There’s a lovely pub along here named William the Conqueror, which serves delicious Greek food.
Red roofed hut in Rye Harbour
Once you’ve had a spot of lunch then take a stroll through the Nature Reserve and the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, which opened in 2021. Within the reserve, there are more than 300 rare or endangered species to look out for.
Jumping back in the car, we head back onto the A259, and we’re now off to visit the attractive hilltop village of Winchelsea, which is only a few miles away and then onto Winchelsea Beach
Map, guides and more
If you want to discover more of the East Sussex landscape around Rye then why not pick up an OS map, we'd recommend the 'Map of Romney Marsh', which covers Rye & Winchelsea Tenterden & New Romney.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
You’d be forgiven for believing that Winchelsea is a village; however, this tiny community of 600 inhabitants is a town. Winchelsea in East Sussex has its own mayor and was granted this status by Edward I around 1292, which makes Winchelsea the smallest town in England.
Winchelsea
Many years ago, Winchelsea was never located on a hilltop. The original Old Winchelsea was in a low-lying area of the shingle coastline and was slowly engulfed by the sea. The Great Storm in 1287 washed away many buildings, and Old Winchelsea became an island.
An unusual aspect of Winchelsea is that the narrow roads and lanes were created on a grid structure, and many of the ancient cottages have wine cellars. During the 1300s, Winchelsea garnered a prosperous wine trade with France.
Strand Gate
Winchelsea is full of so much character and three of the original town gates can still be seen.
During the 12th century, Winchelsea and Rye became a Cinque Port Ancient Town. Members of the Cinque Ports Confederation were responsible for providing ships and men to meet the naval requirements of the English Crown.
There are five Head Ports, Dover, Hastings, Hythe, New Romney and Sandwich, two Ancient Towns, Rye, and Winchelsea and seven Limbs.
Winchelsea Well
Take a little stroll in the graveyard of St Thomas’s Church to find the headstone of Spike Milligan, a comical British-Irish actor. Spike Milligan lived near Rye until he died in 2002; he wished to have the words “I told you I was ill’ written on his headstone. However, the epitaph was refused, but as a compromise, it was written in Gaelic and read Dúirt mé leat go raibh mé breoite, a translation of “I told you I was ill”.
Winchelsea Beach
Hopping back in your car let’s head to the seaside village of Winchelsea Beach. Rejoining the A259, briefly journey east and head along Sea Road. In no time at all, after about 1.5 miles, you’ll arrive at Winchelsea Beach.
Winchelsea Beach is a tiny village, and its seaside location is its attraction. Although the beach is mainly pebbly, when the tide is low, a sandy beach is revealed. The views across the English Channel are incredible. If you’re feeling brave, then dip your toes into the chilly sea.
Bodiam Railway Station
Retrace your steps along Sea Road, passing through Rye and pick up the B2089 northwest and pass through the villages of Cock Marling and Broad Oak. When you come to the junction at Cripps Corner, turn right onto the B2165 towards Bodiam and follow this road north.
You’ll wend your way through the attractive village of Staplecross, and just before arriving at Bodiam Castle, you’ll pass over the level crossing of the heritage Kent & East Sussex Railway. This historic train is magnificent. Jump aboard, and you’ll be nostalgically escorted to the historic town of Tenterden.
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Yay, we’ve arrived at Bodiam Castle. This magnificent, ruined castle is an absolute treat to explore. Armed with our National Trust membership cards, we are ready for our venture.
The captivating medieval castle at Bodiam is on the East Sussex and Kent borders and transports you to a fairy-tale world of knights in shining armour. You can imagine bountiful feasts laid out at lavish banquets and jesters entertaining the noble gentry.
The entrance to Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is so enchanting, its symmetrical posture stands steadfast and casts a majestic figure with its encompassing moat. Although Bodiam Castle may just be perceived as ruins, during the 14th century, the imposing fortress was the aspiration of many English knights and was constructed by a former knight of Edward III, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge.
Interior walls of Bodiam Castle
The castle is now restored ruins, and within the sturdy, impenetrable stone walls, you can clearly see the layout of the rooms within. The interior quadrangle of Bodiam Castle may now be a shadow of its former self; however, Bodiam Castle can still convey how its grandeur once was. Its Great Hall, kitchens, and household apartments would have been built around the majestic central courtyard against the thick stone curtain walls.
Ensure you climb to the top of the tower at Bodiam Castle and catch the beautiful view across the East Sussex countryside.
Inside ruins of Bodiam Castle
On leaving Bodiam Castle, rejoin the Main Road and journey through the tiny village of High Wigsell; upon reaching the junction of the A21, turn left and head south towards Robertsbridge. At the Northbridge Street roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Northbridge Street and follow the signs to Robertsbridge.
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The attractive village of Robertsbridge in East Sussex was a delight to stroll around. There is a bypass on the outskirts of Robertsbridge, which makes it a peaceful place to visit. Robertsbridge lies just off the A21 and is only 10 miles from Hastings and 13 miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Charm of Robertsbridge
Robertsbridge is believed to date from around 1176, when a Cistercian Abbey was founded in the village. Unfortunately, in 1538, the abbey succumbed to the Dissolution of the Monasteries during Henry VIII's reign.
As you meander around the charming lanes and alleyways, you’ll spot many picturesque timber-framed cottages and white weatherboarded homes throughout the historic centre of Robertsbridge.
Timber-framed home in Robertsbridge
When ambling around Robertsbridge, you really get the sense that village life is at the heart of this delightful place. You’ll find welcoming cafés, florists, and, of course, the essential pub.
Upon leaving Robertsbridge, head west along Brightling Road past the train station. At Oxley’s Green, turn right towards Bateman’s, which is quite a narrow road. Then, left onto Fontridge Lane and right onto Kings Hill Road. Now follow the signs to Bateman’s.
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We’ve now arrived at Bateman’s, the enchanting family home of Rudyard Kipling, which is now managed by the National Trust.
Bateman’s is in an idyllic part of the Sussex countryside, surrounded by woodlands and wildflower meadows; it feels like you’ve stepped into a captivating landscape painting.
Bateman’s
The Jacobean Wealden manor house was originally built for a Sussex ironmaster in 1634. However, after the demise of the iron industry, Bateman’s was used as a farmhouse and gradually deteriorated until Rudyard Kipling and his wife fell in love with it in 1902.
With a generous amount of TLC, Bateman’s and its stunning gardens were transformed into the welcoming family home you see today.
Rudyard Kipling’s study
The National Trust has recreated Kipling’s study to look as if Rudyard had just stepped out for a brief moment.
Lofty bookcases filled with fascinating novels to be thumbed through, a well-used typewriter with so many tales to tell and a globe tempting you to explore far-flung places around the world.
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Our next stop is just 1 mile north of Bateman’s, to the picturesque town of Burwash.
After a cultural visit to Bateman’s, we take a stroll around the delightful village of Burwash.
Burwash in the High Weald is located along the A265. Just 9 miles southeast of Burwash lies Battle, the historic home of Battle Abbey, where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.
The ancient village of Burwash can trace its history back to Norman times, when William the Conqueror was on the throne. Later, during the reign of Henry III in 1252, Burwash was given the authority to hold a weekly market, which allowed trading in Burwash to flourish.
Burwash, East Sussex
Today, the tree-lined High Street of Burwash is full of charming red-brick cottages and white-weatherboarded homes and shops. It’s a lovely place to stroll around and ensure you catch up with Rudyard Kipling sitting on the town bench.
Burwash and surrounding villages were involved in the Wealden Iron Industry. Kipling’s home, Bateman’s, was built by an ironmaster in 1634.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Burwash became infamous with the local smuggling gangs that scoured the region from Rye to Hawkhurst. However, it wasn’t just the smugglers who caused infamy in this quaint village; the main road through Burwash was notorious with highwaymen.
Rudyard Kipling on a Burwash bench
Our final stop before touring south back to Rye is Hawkhurst. Leaving Burwash on the A265, continue east towards Hurst Green. Turn left onto the A21 briefly, then right at Cooper’s Corner onto A229, towards Hawkhurst, arriving from the south.
We’re now briefly popping into the county of Kent to visit Hawkhurst, which is within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
On reaching Hawkhurst from the south, you first arrive at ‘The Moor’. This tranquil area of Hawkhurst is a pleasure to stroll around.
Surrounding the large triangular village green are a small cluster of quaint cottages, a welcoming village pub and the Church of St Lawrence, believed to date from around 1100.
Jumping back in the car, we head slightly north to the larger village of Hawkhurst, known as ‘Highgate’.
Hawkhurst ‘The Moor’ village green
Hawkhurst has over 1,000 years of recorded history and appeared within the Domesday Book in 1096. Along with Burwash, Hawkhurst lies within the area of the Weald, which was once synonymous with the iron industry, and has been produced since Roman times.
Along with the production of iron, this region of Kent was also renowned during the 14th century for hop-growing and weaving cloth. Edward III encouraged Flemish weavers to move to England, and with the resources required to support the trade, Kent was perfect for this.
Modern-day Hawkhurst is a charming place to explore. It has a lovely colonnade with independent stores dotted through. You’ll also find a couple of local pubs in Hawkhurst, a delightful little cinema.
Hawkhurst colonnade
Of course, we need to mention the Hawkhurst Gang, who were notorious in Kent and Sussex between 1735 and 1749 for their smuggling and often brutality. However, after the demise of the wool and iron industries, they were welcomed by the poor.
Their gang leader, Arthur Gray, was captured, tried at the Old Bailey and executed in 1748. Follow the Hawkhurst Gang Smugglers Trail through the southeast to uncover more tales from these ne’re-do-wells.
Which way now?
To complete this road trip back to Rye, turn right onto the A268 (Rye Road), heading through the villages of Sandhurst and Newenden. Continue towards Rye and cross the River Rother back into Sussex.
Heading over the level crossing of the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Northiam, continue along the A268 through Four Oaks, Peasmarsh, Playden, and finally onto Rye.
We hope you had fun on your Rye loop road trip. Please leave a comment below to let us know how you enjoyed your adventures.
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A Lovely county is Sussex, East and West
Yes, it’s a beautiful county and pretty large, even when it’s split in two. We haven’t visited so much of West Sussex; however, our list of locations is continually growing.