Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Rye

Situated on the south coast, where Kent meets East Sussex, Rye offers the best not just of both worlds – but of many. It’s close to the sandy beaches of Camber Sands but also surrounded by countryside. It’s a historic old town but with the modern conveniences you’ll need to stock up for your camping trip. The flat farmland of Romney Marsh stretches east while the wooded hills of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty expand to the west. It feels like the middle of nowhere but it’s within an hour-and-a-half of London and Brighton. And when it comes to campsites; it’s got all angles covered too. Like the rest of the south coast, there are plenty of caravan sites and holiday parks but there’s also a great range of traditional campsites and a growing number of new-generation glamping sites. Whether you want to pitch your own tent or stay in a shepherd’s hut, yurt or cosy cabin – you should find a campsite in Rye (or its surroundings) that ticks the boxes for you.

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.