If I was to say I am the type of person that loves travel, adores finding and exploring new places and likes nothing better after a long days exploration than to sit and enjoy good food and wine then those that know me well would say that was the tip of the iceberg but a pretty good basic description of what I feel life is about.
Every chance I get I am rallying up the family and getting set for a days exploration of somewhere in our lovely countryside. However, seldom do I find the urge and inspiration to actually write about my adventures, despite friends suggesting I should do a travel blog.
So why is today different? Probably because I believe we discovered a true gem of a town that was so charming that I really want to share with my friends and anyone else who has an appreciation for hidden gems of the Great Britain.
The day started out as any other Saturday in my chaotic household, me nagging the children to get ready for a days exploration, hubby checking the oil and water levels in our dear old car and a rushed together picnic of easily munchable; yet energy providing snacks.
Then off we go. I did not tell the children that today we were heading for a little coastal town, otherwise the bathers and sandcastle building equipment would have taken another valuable hour off the day I had planned!
We drove towards my destination, a quaint fishermans town on the east Sussex coast called RYE.
It was easy to find, mind you everywhere is easy now with the help of a little voice called Sat Nav! But I decided to go to Rye via another seaside place that is quite renown for surfing, Camber. I knew this would please my surfing hubby, no time for him to hit the waves but certainly time to stop on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach and look enviously. There were a mass of kite surfers and wind surfers spending more energy than I could ever muster.
The kids ran down the sand to the water front and insisted on a paddle, even I could not refuse them that! But as expected the water was still pretty cool and they did not want to paddle for long….ha ha…Whilst sitting on the sand I could glance across the bay and see our destination for the day only minutes away …that was long enough for me, time to get and explore.
Driving into Rye was a real treat, the hillside town looked proud and almost like it was its own little island. Actually, I later discovered that this was the case many years ago when it was one of the main ports of the area.
We drove over a fairly narrow bridge with just enough room for two cars and were faced with a little roundabout and a car park either side. Well this was about exploration and by foot was the way to go so we immediately parked up.
Rucksacks on back and a quick drink and banana and we were all set.
First off we back tracked to the narrow bridge, it went over the river rother, although it must have been low water as there was more mudbank than river! There were many old fishing trawlers tied to the dock along the river bank and the fisherman were busy sorting out their nets. The bird life was amazing and we watched several birds feeding in the mudbanks as well as numerous seagulls hovering around the trawlers waiting for the leftovers.
There was a fantastic seafood stall and the fish looked so fresh, but I did not dare buy any as we had a long day ahead.
Walking along the riverbank and then round to the base of the maintown was quiet and peaceful. On arriving at the bottom of the town the first thing that grabbed my attention were the huge wooden building that were originally sail lofts. This was like stepping back in time!
The buildings were fabulous and now were used by many shop keepers, mainly selling antiquity and curious. I am not sure how long we meandered around marvelling at the sheer unspoilt quaintness but it was long enough for the kids to be getting a little anxious, so off to the castle we went.
Yes, there is a lovely castle with medieval herb gardens and all sorts aimed at children too!! The kids were enthralled by the displays and loved the little pieces on Captain Pugwash! it transpired that the creator and writer used to live in Rye!
We then wondered around more quaint shops until the children asked for a final paddle before dinner.
I had been warned that it was about a mile or more walk to the sea and for once decided to drive as the children were looking quite tired by then.
We drove to the harbour and was not disappointed. Plenty of people enjoying the spring weather, chatting and strolling around. A couple of little pubs and a lifeboats station and another glorious amble down to the sea.
This whole place really did capture my heart! I chatted to one of the locals who was more than happy to share a couple of stories about ‘the good old days’ and the rather sad misfortunes of some of the lifeboat crew and fishermen.
Kids wet and cold we headed back to the car, dried off and decided it was time to explore my other love, food!!!!
We made our way back to the car park and started to stroll up the cobbled streets. Some of the cottages really were chocolate box cottages, with numerous oak beams, low ceilings and small doorways. The children played on the cobbles as I marvelled that there really were places like this to be found.
Not sure of where to eat, I asked the advice of a local lady who was busy in her Garden, enjoying the early evening sunshine. ”There is one place”she said, “up the top of this ere hill, you will not find finer” she said, “it’s called the Hope and Anchor”.
Well, unsure as to why it would be called the Hope and Anchor at the top of the hill, surely the sea never came in this far in times gone by? I would have to ask the owner!
Well, we reached the Hope and Anchor, in no time at all and my what a marvellous view! looking out across the countryside towards the sea!
We had not made a reservation and the place looked very busy (always a good sign). However, the waitress greeted us straight away and took our rucksack and showed us to a lovely waiting area and assured us she would quickly find a table. We were offered a drink and by the time we had received these a table was ready for us.
As usual the kids needed the toilets and the lovely receptionist pointed them in the right direction.
The menu certainly sounded pretty good and the prices were surprisingly good! I say surprisngly because usually in a place so quaint, with top views being a main attraction you come to expect higher prices but these were not bad at al!
The worst decision was on choosing what to have! The waitress bought some fresh bread and a selection of herb butter and oils.
We were told of the recommended dishes of the day and place our order.
Now, I am not going to spoil it for you by detailing the menu, this you will have to discover for yourself but I will recommend the fish of the day and hubby said it was the best steak he had ever had, which did not go down with me to well as I thought mine were pretty damn good.
The kids cleaned their plates and we washed down a super bottle of wine, now with hubby driving that was more for me and the waitress automatically corked the remainder to take with us.
Well, In summing up, Rye is an unspoilt little piece of medieval heaven, with something for everyone and the Hope and Anchor finished our day off splendidly as we sat, full tummies and happy faces watching the sunset before our journey home.
Do you know, we were so enchanted by our day and the wonderful meal that I forgot to ask why it was called the Hope and Anchor, so if anyone finds out please let me know!!!