Mermaid Street, Rye’s Prettiest Cobblestone Street
Last Updated on 1st July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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A postcard-perfect cobbled lane filled with medieval timber-framed houses, vine-covered porches and an ambience that exudes history. Mermaid Street is one of the most photographed streets in Britain and easily one of the prettiest in the country! Beyond it’s beauty lies a history of smuggling and much more… Here’s how to visit Rye’s historic, Mermaid Street and the top things to see while there.
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A brief history of Mermaid Street
The magical Mermaid Street is Rye’s most iconic and charming street, often referred to as a “photographer’s heaven”, it is the most Instagrammable spot in town and there are very few places quite like it in the world!
Paved with cobblestones, this fairytale street has a fascinating history of smuggling, creative writers and visits from royalty. Most famous for its historic inn where the notorious smuggling gang of the 18th century operated a lot of their illicit activities.
Today, Mermaid Street is lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and cafés, Rye’s oldest inn. A visit to the street feels as though stepping back into a different time.
How to visit Mermaid Street
Mermaid Street can be found in the East Sussex town of Rye, around an hour’s train journey from London. A visit to this street offers visitors a ‘step back in time’. The town itself is steeped rich with a fascinating history and has a colourful past of battles, floodings and smuggling.
Highlights of Mermaid Street
Wander down the cobblestoned street
Simply wandering down the charming cobbles and soaking up the medieval timber-framed houses, heritage facades and ivy-covered porches is the best way to experience this quaint little street. The best view is from the top of the street, which offers a view of the street gently sloping down the hill, the perfect spot to snap a photograph!
As you explore the street, be sure to spy out the unique house with two front doors! The stunning 15th-century house is a famous Bed & Breakfast, where you can stay and enjoy the quaint architecture of this timber-framed gem. Book to stay in The House with Two Front Doors here.
Visit The Mermaid Inn
Sitting at the heart of the street is one of the best-known inns in southeast England, The Mermaid Inn. The unique and historic building has a history of over 600 years, first built in 1156, the original inn was burnt to the ground by French raiders in 1377, with only the cellar remaining intact.
The Mermaid Inn has served as a popular spot since the 12th century, particularly for Medieval-era sailors thanks to its proximity to Rye Harbour. Back in the day, the ale was brewed on-site and night’s lodging cost one penny.
It was also popular for those involved with smuggling activities, namely the Hawkhurst Gang, who used the inn as a stronghold and as a result, below the inn lies a myriad of secret passageways that connect it to other places within Rye, including a tunnel to the Old Bell Inn.
The beautiful timber-framed structure seen today was rebuilt in 1420. The inn continues to operate as a hotel and restaurant, welcoming visitors to step back in time and admire the charming features of this historical landmark. The Giants Fireplace Bar is the cosiest spot to enjoy a drink, especially during the colder months when a roaring fire is going.
The hotel also boasts being visited by many a famous face, from celebrities and artists, including the likes of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother herself! Book your stay at the Mermaid Inn here.
Uncover secrets of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang
Notorious and infamous, the Hawkhurst Gang were arguably one of the most famous groups of smugglers operating along the South Coast of England during the 18th century. What’s more, they were known to terrorise Rye, using the Mermaid Inn as one of their strongholds.
Frequenting the inn often, it’s said that members of the Hawkhurst Gang would drink and often openly leave their weapons on the bar beside them. Responsible for the network of secret underground passages below the inn, the smugglers mostly used these as a method of storage, contraband typically included tea, brandy, rum and tobacco.
The Hawkhurst Gang met its demise and downfall in 1747 when they were defeated in a vicious battle with the Goudhurst Militia. Most members of the gang were hanged, their bodies left to rot as a warning to others.
The legacy of the Hawkhurst Gang lives on in various ‘memorials’ and plaques that commemorate the executed members. There is also a Smuggler Trail that was launched by the Hawkhurst Community Partnership, the Mermaid Inn is included on this historic trail.
Mermaid Street Cafe
Pick up a freshly baked treat or two at the Mermaid Street Cafe, they also serve breakfast until 12 PM every day and delicious light lunches. If you love seafood, try one of their Rye Bay scallop and bacon baps or the local crab bap!
Lamb House
Although technically on West Street (but, less than a minute from the Mermaid Inn) is the historic National Trust property known as Lamb House. A beautiful Georgian house that was once the home to writer Henry James.
Lamb House was originally built in 1722, taking its name from its owner, James Lamb, a wealthy local wine merchant and politician. In 1726, the Lamb’s offered King George I refuge for the night after his ship washed ashore on the nearby Camber Sands beach. Mrs Lamb actually gave birth the very same night, with the decision to name the boy George, the king became his godfather!
Steeped in literary history, the house later became home to many writers, including English novelist E.F. Benson, Rumer Godden, publisher Sir Brian Batsford and several other well-known people.
Today, Lamb House is a Grade II listed building and has been managed by the National Trust since 1950. The house is run as a writer’s museum, dedicated to all the creatives who once resided there.
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