An important shipping center since Roman times, Rye in East Sussex was once entirely surrounded by sea. The best views of the hodge-podge of medieval terra cotta roofs and and timbered walls are from St. Mary’s Parish Church tower or the Ypres Tower, the two oldest buildings in town. If you’re visiting in late winter/early spring, don’t miss the annual Bay Scallop Week (the next one will be from February 22 to March 1, 2020). Rye is a scenic, two-hour train journey from London St. Pancras International, making it an easy day trip.
