For a long time, the Cotswolds has long been one of Britain's most popular destinations. Thanks to its picturesque streets, rolling hills and peaceful atmosphere, it's the ideal place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
However, tourists looking for a similar escape this summer may want to head somewhere else instead. The country lifestyle experts at Welligogs say that Rye is one of the UK’s most beautiful small towns. And in fact, it shares many of the same qualities that make the Cotswolds so popular.
The town, situated near the coast in East Sussex, has been described as having a 'storybook atmosphere' by the experts. It combines cobbled medieval streets, historic architecture, independent boutiques, and it’s right by the sea as well — so it's perfect for visiting during summer.
One of the most famous beaches near Rye is Camber Sands, which boasts the only sand dune system in East Sussex. However, it does get busy during the summer months, so it's recommended to visit in the morning if you want a slightly quieter vibe.
In the town of Rye itself, there's so much to explore. For history fans, Rye Castle Museum is a must visit. It's spread over two different sites — the museum, which is located on East Street, and Ypres Tower, an ancient monument with exhibits about medieval life.
Another famous spot in Rye is Mermaid Street, thanks to its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. According to the experts at Jempsons, it's often considered one of the prettiest streets in the whole of England.
The sloping street dates back to the medieval period, and even wandering along now, you'll see little pieces of history. For example, quirky house names such as "The House with Two Front Doors" and "The House Opposite" scratched into the plaques, as well as original Georgian features too.
It's the ideal place to take a couple of pictures, and thanks to its charm, it's also one of the most frequently photographed streets in the UK as well.
And when it comes to food and drinks, Rye definitely isn't short on options. One of the most popular brunch spots is The Fig on High Street, boasting a 4.7 out of five star rating on TripAdvisor and famous for its eggs benedict.
The Cobbles Tea Room is another great spot, or if you're after a more cosy pub vibe, Rye Waterworks — with its locally brewed ales and ciders — is worth a visit.
Tess Annan, manager at Welligogs, said: "Many people automatically think of the Cotswolds when planning a countryside escape, but Rye offers a very similar experience in the heart of East Sussex.
“Rye has that same feeling of stepping into a slower pace of life, with winding streets and medieval buildings.
Tess added that more travellers are looking for destinations that offer the charm of well-known hotspots, but with a slightly different character and setting.
"Rye is a perfect example. It delivers everything people love about a historic English town, but with the added benefit of being close to the coast. It feels familiar, but still special."
