Smallhythe is a hamlet that lies on the Levels between Wittersham and Tenterden on the B2082.
It was once the harbour and port for nearby Tenterden as the River Rother, which was navigable for large ships once flowed past Smallhythe. It was also an important shipbuilding centre using timber from the nearby Wealden Forests. One of Henry VIII’s warships was built at Smallhythe and Henry visited the port in 1538 to view the ship under construction.
Smallhythe suffered a devastating fire in 1514, which almost destroyed the entire village. Smallhythe Place was probably built after this disaster and used by the harbourmaster as the Port House for the flourishing shipyard.
The actress Ellen Terry, who played opposite Sir Henry Irving in the late nineteenth century, purchased Smallhythe Place in 1899 and lived there until her death in 1928. Today the building is owned by the National Trust and has a unique collection of costumes and memorabilia related to Ellen Terry.
As you travel up the hill from the Levels you pass the Priest’s House, another beautiful half-timbered house and the church, rebuilt after the fire in brick, which was fashionable at the time. At the top of the hill there are vineyards and the home of one of the largest producers of English wine in the country.
Set in 5 acres and yet just over a five minute walk to the town centre and citadel of Rye, … more
Listed in: Bed and Breakfast
, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Cinque Ports Arms, Rye
Category: Shopping Fairs and Markets
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Closed weekends unless by prior arrangement for bike/wheelchair hire. CYCLE HIRE Good quality all-terrain & touring cycles for hire £20 per day or £15 for 4 hours (conditions apply) Close to railway … more
The perfect way to discover Rye. Rye Heritage Centre provides an ideal introduction to the town with the Story of Rye sound and light show featuring the famous Rye Town Model. Historic Guided Walking Tours are available to book and … more
Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The … more
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more
Family run business since opening in 1984. Located in Town Centre. 2 mins from Train/Bus station. All rooms have en-suite newly refurbished shower rooms, tea/coffee trays, freeview televisions, hairdryers & Dressing gown’s. Limited parking on a first in basis or … more
Located in Rye in the East Sussex region, 95 Udimore Road has a terrace.
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more
A traditional but modern country inn located in the heart of Rye, just a couple of miles from the coast. Specialises in using fresh and local produce to create good innovative home cooked food from Field Farm Sea and offer … more
Fair trade and organic tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and cakes served in a warm friendly atmosphere every day. Fully licensed.