Winchelsea

Winchelsea in East Sussex Town Guide

About Winchelsea in East Sussex

Winchelsea is a historic ancient town which stands two miles west of the town of Rye. It was founded in 1288 as a port town to replace Old Winchelsea, which was overwhlemed by the sea during the 13th century, and is a splendid example of a medieval planned town, with a grid pattern of streets.

Winchelsea, along with Rye, was one of the ‘Ancient Towns’ who joined the Cinque Port Confederation in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the town was attacked by the French and Spanish, but its demise came with the gradual silting of its harbour. Winchelsea was still fairly prosperous in 1500 but by 1560, it had dwindled to a “settlement” of 60 households.

One of the founders of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, preached his last outdoor sermon in the town on the 7th October 1790, when he was aged 87.

Today, Winchelsea is an unspoilt small town of much character, well worth exploring, with delightful walks and fine views towards the coast. There is a pub and a motel, both providing accommodation and serving lunchtime and evening meals, and a small coffee shop. Visitors may be interested in the surviving town gates, the medieval Church of St Thomas and a small museum which is open daily during the summer months. In the churchyard is the grave of much-loved comedian Spike Milligan.

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Rye Town Hall
Rye Town Hall

Built in 1742, the elegant Georgian Town Hall in Rye is an ideal venue for your special day. A unique … more

Listed in: Town Halls

Message Board

Lack of EV Charge Point

Hello – I drive an all-electric car and want to visit Winchelsea. But you don’t have any public charging points! … more

Tools with a Mission

Hi everyone, During this time of lockdown most people are spending time sorting out the garage, shed or cupboards. Whilst … more

Attractions and Activities

St Mary’s Church Tower

Climb the Church Tower for amazing views of Rye and the surrounding countryside! View the mechanism of the oldest working church turret clock in the UK. Gift Aiding your donation gives you free access for one year as many times … more

Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

Hastings Country Park is a stunning natural reserve located near Hastings in East Sussex, England. Spread across approximately 660 acres, it encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including cliffs, woodlands, meadows, and coastal habitats. Hastings Country Park offers visitors a … more

Rye Heritage Centre

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

Accommodation

Winchelsea Lodge

Designed as a traditional barn, The Lodge at Winchelsea is located between Rye and Hastings, 1.5 miles from Winchelsea Beach.

Haydens

Haydens is a small, family-run, environmentally friendly B&B right in the heart of the ancient market town of Rye, an area gilded in literary and artistic history. We aim to provide a comfortable and luxurious setting for guests to relax … more

Landgate Cottage

15th century cottage opposite the medieval Landgate arch. Refurbished with to modern standard, retaining period features. Landgate Cottage has a cosy woodfire, pretty courtyard and WIFI. Close to galleries, restaurants, National Trust properties and wonderful beaches.

Restaurants

Globe Inn Marsh

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

Flackley Ash Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

Located in the Sussex countryside 4 miles from the historic town of Rye, Flackley Ash is a delightful Grade II listed Georgian country house with an award-winning restaurant, a bar and spa facilities. The hotel’s spa features various treatment rooms. … more

Big Guys French Fries

We’re an independent small restaurant located steps from the centre of town. We’re proud to be the favourite for locals to meet friends for a beer or call for a fresh “big guy burger”. We serve juicy big burgers and … more

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