The UK has many hidden gems for both tourists and its residents to enjoy. If you are looking to stay in a historical British hotel then look no further than The Mermaid Inn located in Rye. This is a Grade 2 listed Inn in the ancient town of Rye dating from 1156 and rebuilt in 1420. This Inn was connected to a gang of smugglers that would stay there in the 1730s and 1740s. It is said that some of these smugglers, and their mistresses, still haunt this historical building.
The Mermaid Inn Rye
The Hotel
Located along the picturesque cobbled streets of Mermaid Street this hotel is steeped in history and charm. Ships timbers were used in its reconstruction after being burnt down along with the rest of the town of Rye by French raiders. The fireplaces that have been added to block secret passageways were made from French stone that was scavenged from the harbour. You might even spot one of the secret passages in the Giant’s Fireplace Bar.
Rooms
The hotel has 31 unique rooms. Each room has been named after someone either from the Inn’s or Rye’s history. The rooms all have plenty of character and their own ensuite bathroom. They also have sloped ceilings, exposed beams, and antique furniture. As it is an older hotel, there are creaking floorboards that add to its uniqueness and charm. On The Mermaid Inn website, you’ll find details of ghost stories where visitors have seen ghostly shapes moving around various rooms.
The room here was of a good size and the bed was comfy so unless you see a ghost, you are likely to get a great night’s sleep.
Food
The 600 year old Inn has a 2 AA Rosette restaurant for diners to enjoy. Whether you chose to enjoy lunch or dinner there you will be more than pleased with both the food and the service.
The breakfast there is great. It is included with some bookings too! The portion size is good. You can have a full English breakfast alongside pastries, cereal, fruit salad, yogurt, cheeses, etc. It’s perfect to get you started for the day and fuel you up so you can go out and explore Rye.
Location
The hotel is well located for those that want to do some sightseeing or shopping. Mermaid Street, where the hotel is located is one of the most photographed streets in the UK. As well as The Mermaid Hotel, this street is lined with other historic houses.
Just a stone’s throw away is Lamb House. This was once owned by authors Henry James and E.F. Benson. It is now run by the National Trust.
Why not climb the tower at St Mary’s Church? You’ll find the views of Rye quite breathtaking.
Rye Castle Museum – Ypres Tower has a number of displays that you can go and see. You can see stunning views from the balcony of the town and the harbour nature reserve. You can also see a range of artifacts dating from medieval times.
If the thought of the nature reserve excites you can always pay it a visit. It’s a great place for a picturesque walk. You can even hire bikes. Here you will see a range of coastal birds.
Landgate is another popular local attraction. It dates back to 1329 and was one of four fortified entrances to Rye built to defend them from the French. It is now the only entrance still standing.
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Summary
You will literally feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk along the cobbled street to the hotel. The hotel is creaky as one might expect but it really does add to the experience. The staff are very friendly and helpful and nothing is too much. It’s a great choice in a lovely location. There is parking at the hotel but spaces are limited.
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Warning: this hotel can be very popular so peak season gets booked up quickly. Be sure to book your room(s) early so you won’t be disappointed.
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I would LOVE it here. What an adorable spot and I love the name. Plus the food looks amazing.
It is a lovely place to visit.
Sounds like an amazing place. I love historical places, especially hotels. This one seems so nice too.
It is a great option for history lovers.
This inn sounds like a nice hotel. It looks so inviting for a great place to stay.
It sure does. The rooms are nice and the staff are all lovely
This sounds like a lovely place to visit. I love the idea of secret passageways!
You will love it there. The hotel is great!
I think I need to go to Rye and stay in this 600 year old Inn! It looks and sounds absolutely charming!
It is a lovely place to visit. You will love it!!
Staying in a historical British hotel it´s for sure an unique experience! I would like it and this one sounds to be perfect!
It certainly is, and it’s in a great location.
So interesting to read it out, I will surely consider this place when I will choose a holiday for next year.
It is well located with plenty to see nearby.
This looks like a really great and really nice looking hotel. I would love to go and stay here
I am sure you’ll have an amazing time there.
Wow, The Mermaid Inn in Rye sounds like a truly enchanting experience! Your detailed description of the historical charm and unique features of the hotel has me eager to visit. Thanks for sharing such a delightful hidden gem in the UK. Can’t wait to explore Rye and soak in the picturesque streets and fascinating history. 😍🏰
Mermaid inn has that old world charm that makes you curious and wonder how could life be in the area years ago…or 600 years ago… such a fascinating inn and neighborhood! No wonder it gets fully-booked.
This looks like a unique place to stay. I’d love to check it out!
What a neat little inn to stay in! It is nice to find a place like this that has so much history and character. The food looks unique an delicious!
Ghosts, why 😟? I was so interested in staying at this hotel until I read that line where you mentioned visitors had seen ghosts 😐! I am so scared of these creatures 😛. However, I loved the aesthetics and decor of this hotel❤️. The food looks delicious as well! I’ll have to check it out at least once 😬.
That is such a beautiful inn. It looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, especially with that huge vine!
It is a lovely place to stay. I’m sure you’d enjoy a visit there.
Interesting place. I have a fondness for mermaids and was the photographer for the First Annual World Mermaid Beauty Pagent in Las Vegas.
Oh wow, that is amazing. I bet you get to travel a lot being a photographer.
Totally fascinated by this place. It is so unique, offering time and moments to reflect life. What a trip!
We need to hurry up and book our stay in this inn. I love the food and the surroundings!
I would love to climb the tower at St Mary’s Church. The view from the balcony looks worth it!
There are some great places to visit near the hotel.
oh my.. would love to get a taste of history by staying here.. and love that Kipling poem displayed there on the plaque..those cobbled streets -<3
It looks lovely at the Mermaid Inn and steeped in history too. Rye is such a lovely place and I am a big fan of the beach at Camber Sands too.
I believe it would be an interesting and fun experience to stay in a 600 year old inn. I’d love to go there someday.
I’m sure you’d have a great time there.
What a cute inn, I would love to see it with that tree in full bloom on the front of it! The food looks good too.
It is a great place to stay and also ideally located so you can explore the historical places nearby.
Nnniiiccceeeee…these accommodations are really good to live in. I’d die for that food, yoh! Thanks for sharing about it all.
It is a well set out hotel.
I love the look of this little place…it’s like something out of a storybook. What an adorable spot to stop by and check out!
oh wow, everything looks amazing…I would love to stay there for a couple of weeks, that would be amazing.
Such a great place to stay! I love how the place looks and the woodwork in the room!
What a delightful review of The Mermaid Inn in Rye! Your detailed description of the historical charm, unique rooms, and delicious food has sparked my interest to visit. The creaky floors and ghost stories only add to the allure. Thanks for sharing this wonderful hidden gem! 🏰👻
I think that this is one of the best-known inns in southeast England. Thats why Ive been wanting to visit and explore the place.
This sounds like a really great and awesome hotel to stay! Thanks for sharing this with us
It is a lovely hotel and a popular one too!!
The hotel sounds like a truly unique and fascinating place to stay! I love the idea of using ship timbers in the reconstruction, and the fact that there are secret passageways adds a touch of excitement to the experience. The location on Mermaid Street sounds like it would be a lovely spot to explore as well. I can’t wait to visit one day!
Looks like a lovely inn to stay in, I like places like this that have a little more character than a general hotel. Hopefully you didn’t see a ghost during your stay x
I know, they can be so much nicer and you often get a better service too!
It was such an awesome experience staying at this hotel. Thank you so much for sharing
I would love to visit Rye one day, I’ve heard a lot about it. The Mermaid sounds like a great base to explore Rye.
It really is the ideal hotel to stay at when visiting Rye.
Wonderful spot, love the view and they have cool things. It is such a memorable place and would love to go there.
Oh wow the portions of food do look really good! What a nice looking place to stay.
The food portions are great. The hotel and the food is perfect for a holiday in a historic location.
The way you described the ambiance, the delicious food, and the charming surroundings made me feel like I was right there experiencing it myself. It’s clear that you had a wonderful time and enjoyed every aspect of your visit. I can’t wait to visit it myself someday!
I am so loving the look of this Mermaid Inn and I for sure will check it out if I ever get over there for a visit 😉 I am well overdue for a getaway and this would be wonderful! It is so rustic and charming!
A nice hotel like this one sounds like a good place to stay. Thanks for sharing about this
I love cute hotels like this. I can’t believe it’s 600 years old! Wow!