Small Hythe
Small Hythe in Kent Hamlet Guide
About Small Hythe in Kent
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.
What’s new?
Glencoe Farm
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
What’s on in Small Hythe
Rock Choir
, 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Hub on Rye Hill, Rye Foreign
Category: Courses / Classes / Workshops
Attractions and Activities
Rye Sports Centre
Modern facilities, friendly staff and great value … all at Freedom Leisure Rye! Situated just behind the railway station, parking is free to Centre users. Please collect a parking ticket from reception
Rye Bay Ebikes
Ebike Hire, Tour, Sales and Servicing shop in Rye, East Sussex. Great fun for all the family and furry friends. Electric bikes are available to hire from age 14. Hourly, half day and full day and longer rentals available. A … more
Accommodation
Flushing House
This fascinating Grade II* listed house of immense historical interest was built around 1520 and boasts the original Tudor turning staircase.it was also extensively used in the Mapp and Lucia filming in Rye. Flushing House has a Gold Award given … more
Glencoe Farm
Set in 5 acres and yet just over a five minute walk to the town centre and citadel of Rye, Glencoe is peacefully situated overlooking fields towards the ancient town of Winchelsea. The many excellent restaurants and public houses of … more
Ockman Cottage
Ockman Cottage is a boutique holiday cottage located in a quiet twitten situated in the heart of the citadel of Rye. An ideal base for exploring the towns cobbled streets, antiques, restaurants, inns,independent boutiques and galleries together with the surrounding … more
Restaurants
Haydens Coffee Shop
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.
The Mermaid Inn
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
The Ship Inn
In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more