| The historic town of Rye in East Sussex is situated | | | | sometimes surrounded by a moat to give more |
| close to the Romney Marshes. | | | | chance to keep invaders at bay. You can see some |
| One of the reasons for the popularity of the town | | | | of these still standing in the area today, preserved as |
| of Rye is that there is so much history here. It has | | | | historic monuments. |
| been a town since the time of the Normans and by | | | | Naturally the often bleak nature of the marshlands led |
| the time of the 13th century it had become a thriving | | | | to them being regularly used by smugglers from the |
| port. | | | | 1600s right through to the 1800s. The sheep were an |
| Since that time, storms and "long shore drift" of the | | | | important part of the smuggling trade as their wool |
| coastline have landlocked the town and it is now | | | | was smuggled across to continental Europe. They |
| around 2 miles away from the coast. | | | | also inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his famous |
| Walkers often pass through Rye as part of their | | | | Smugglers Song. |
| journey along the Saxon Shore Way, one of | | | | If you've ever read the Doctor Syn novels, you'll |
| England's long distance footpaths. If you're following | | | | recognize the landscape in the area as it was a |
| this interesting walk, you may decide to book your | | | | setting for them. |
| accommodation in Rye so that you can take in the | | | | Those with more energy may want to try their hand |
| local sights. | | | | at the sport of kitesurfing, sometimes also known as |
| Another popular choice of things to do when you | | | | kiteboarding. You can experience the thrill of being |
| stay in Rye is to explore the Romney Marshes. | | | | drawn along the water on a small board, similar to a |
| These wetlands cover around 100 square miles and | | | | surfboard, powered by a kite. Even if you don't want |
| even lay claim to their own breed of sheep, who | | | | to participate, you may well be able to spot some |
| thrive in the wet conditions of the marshlands and | | | | kitesurfers practicing their sport in Rye Harbour or |
| have also been exported to Australia. | | | | the nearby Camber Sands. |
| The marshes have been important over the centuries | | | | Shoppers are also catered for. There is a regular |
| as their closeness to the European mainland means | | | | Farmers Market in the town of Rye, where you can |
| that they have often been at the front of the | | | | buy fresh local farm produce and also a more varied |
| various invasions to England. Amongst other defenses | | | | Country Market which features locally made crafts |
| here, King Arthur built a fortress in the village of | | | | and unusual plants as well as food. |
| Appledore. | | | | When you visit Rye, you'll find a good range of |
| More recently, the Martello Towers were built as part | | | | places to stay, including a variety of small, family run |
| of England's coastal defenses in the 1800s. This was | | | | bed and breakfasts and guest houses, where you |
| a series of small forts standing up to 40 feet high, | | | | are sure to receive a warm welcome. |