Friday 2 March 2012

A trip to Rye


After the cookery course, my friend and I walked to Rye from Camber Sands, and spent the day there. I've always wanted to go there. Rye's a quaint little town with cobbled streets and very few chains; almost every shop is independent. I loved this embroidered sign in the church. 


We visited this shop, Glass Etc {who can resist a shop described as Antiques and High Class Junk}. It's run by Antiques Roadshow's glass expert, Andy McConnell, and his wife Helen. Every piece of glass in this shop was really gleaming. We were lucky to have a behind-the-scenes tour of their workshop {I'm sure he'd take you, too} - they have a lot of glass, over 30,000 pieces! In particular, they had a great selection of Scandinavian lamp bases. It's super-friendly, everyone was offered a cup of tea!


A few photos from another shop in the town, Lion Street Store, which sells all the kinds of things I like, prints, stationery, and jewellery - even their own rock! Who remembers what the girl and dog in the top photo was from? It was a little pricey, but I'm sure if I lived there I'd be in there all the time!

As we were leaving, I just spotted a little row of antique shops near the train station which I know I would have loved. If you have any tips for Rye, please leave a comment, as I'll definitely have a return visit.

12 comments:

sarah said...

I have just discovered your blog and I love it! Wonderful inspiring content and beautiful images. Your trip to Rye looks fantastic. I look forward to following you. Sarah

Jesss said...

This looks lovely! I love cute little towns :)

xo

Anonymous said...

Rye has been on my 'to go' list for ages. This has completely clinched it! Lovely photos - I'm on my way to pick up some High Class Junk!

Unknown said...

Ahhh this looks amazing and had no idea it was so close to Camber Sands. Definitely want to pay a visit!

Hausfrau said...

How delightful--I know I would love visiting Rye, too!

LissyLou said...

i love Rye!!! i recognize alot of your pictures xx

Karen in VA (was CT) said...

.. lovely to see you post, I have wanted to go to Rye since reading E.F. Benson's Lucia series a few years ago ... they are so clever and fun.

There is a lot of E.F. Benson in town and the Mermaid Inn is central. Supposedly he lived in or nearby, and I'm thinking before or after James Joyce lived there.

If you haven't read the series, you must .. and then Rye will have very special meanings for you.

Best, Karen in CT

Born & Bred Studio said...

I visited independants than London! Ill be going back! Still up for that drink...once things have calmed down for you x

Phillips and Stubbs said...

Thank you so much for documenting your trip to our much-loved town.

Rye is a delightful place to visit, live, or work. It certainly feels a world away from the normal hustle & bustle of the South East! Yet being only 1.5 hours from central London, it is so easy to get to and makes for a great long weekend break.

As you say, the High Street is not "homogenised" with lots of branded shops. It is mainly independent shops with niche offerings, and I think that is why Rye is flourishing in these challenging times, as it offers something unique and interesting. There is also such a great choice of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, galleries etc. that it is a lovely place to while a way some time ... and only 5 minutes drive from one of the U.K.'s most beautiful beaches too at Camber Sands.

Gemma Mortlock said...

Hey there :)
I love Rye too its so sweet, last time i visited we walked up into the church spire and got a view of the whole town from above. All it's winding lanes etc and it cost 50p! we had to pay a little old man who was sitting in a striped deck chair by the front door. Bargain i say!
I also love the black fishermans sheds down on the harbour. They have the most amazing antiques inside. I hope that helps? Brilliant post and you have a lovely blog! .
xxx

Poppy said...

I would love to go to Rye. I used to read Malcolm Saville books and Rye was in those. Your blogs makes it sound wonderful.
Was the girl and dog from a ladybird learning to read book?
Love the blog, have been reading all afternoon!

Ana Maria / Anamu said...

looks like my kind of town (and shopping). must go soon!