Local history centre with a town model, sound and light show and end-of-the-pier amusement machines.
This is quite interesting it has a few photos of the surrounding area and historical facts about the town. However, for PS5 you can see the very large model of Rye town with commentary of historical events which is very interesting.
Staff is very nice, the show is interesting and gives a very good picture of the story of Rye. The city diorama is so detailed and amazing to look at! To see in Rye!
It's astonishing that the authorities decided some time ago to close the tourist information centre in Rye. The Heritage Centre now occupies the site and is run by volunteers who do their utmost to fill in the obvious need for a TIC in a place as popular with visitors as Rye even though that's not their job and they don't have the time or resources to offer detailed help! The mostly friendly and knowledgeable volunteers look after the lovely Rye town model and the historic penny arcade amusements that the TIC used to house upstairs. The amusements are now downstairs, and there isn't much space available to them so be prepared to wait if there's a big group there. The charming amusements are operated via old penny coins, which you can get via a change machine (10 for PS1) inside. Three of the automata were out of order on our last few visits which still leaves more than a dozen to view. Otherwise the heritage centre sells a nice selection of postcards (mostly PS1 each), bags (cotton Rye branded tote bag PS4.99) and local themed gifts plus walks booklets. And of course there is a downstairs display on the history of Rye which is free to look at plus the town model with a sound and light show aka the story of Rye for which there's a charge (PS5 adult). If you are interested in local interest books or those by local authors, check out the selection of second hand titles available in the gift shop. There's usually a good selection from local authors such as James and Benson. They are reasonably and individually priced - a Penguin Classic James paperback cost me PS2. Edited to say new Smugglers attraction is currently closed for maintenance (2 July) so phone ahead if that's the purpose of your visit.
Very fun to visit - loved the light and sound tour, there are also exhibitions showcasing history of Rye. The old arcade machines are extremely fun as well.
Very interesting story of the town's heritage and history.
This is an interesting local museum and information centre pretty close to the centre of town. If you want to learn a little bit about the history of the area then this is a great place to start with its various exhibits on historical events. There are additional attractions such as the arcade of vintage penny machines (which are quite remarkable) and entrance is free.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Restaurant
Good for kids
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This is quite interesting it has a few photos of the surrounding area and historical facts about the town. However, for PS5 you can see the very large model of Rye town with commentary of historical events which is very interesting.
Staff is very nice, the show is interesting and gives a very good picture of the story of Rye. The city diorama is so detailed and amazing to look at! To see in Rye!
It's astonishing that the authorities decided some time ago to close the tourist information centre in Rye. The Heritage Centre now occupies the site and is run by volunteers who do their utmost to fill in the obvious need for a TIC in a place as popular with visitors as Rye even though that's not their job and they don't have the time or resources to offer detailed help! The mostly friendly and knowledgeable volunteers look after the lovely Rye town model and the historic penny arcade amusements that the TIC used to house upstairs. The amusements are now downstairs, and there isn't much space available to them so be prepared to wait if there's a big group there. The charming amusements are operated via old penny coins, which you can get via a change machine (10 for PS1) inside. Three of the automata were out of order on our last few visits which still leaves more than a dozen to view. Otherwise the heritage centre sells a nice selection of postcards (mostly PS1 each), bags (cotton Rye branded tote bag PS4.99) and local themed gifts plus walks booklets. And of course there is a downstairs display on the history of Rye which is free to look at plus the town model with a sound and light show aka the story of Rye for which there's a charge (PS5 adult). If you are interested in local interest books or those by local authors, check out the selection of second hand titles available in the gift shop. There's usually a good selection from local authors such as James and Benson. They are reasonably and individually priced - a Penguin Classic James paperback cost me PS2. Edited to say new Smugglers attraction is currently closed for maintenance (2 July) so phone ahead if that's the purpose of your visit.
Very fun to visit - loved the light and sound tour, there are also exhibitions showcasing history of Rye. The old arcade machines are extremely fun as well.
Very interesting story of the town's heritage and history.
This is an interesting local museum and information centre pretty close to the centre of town. If you want to learn a little bit about the history of the area then this is a great place to start with its various exhibits on historical events. There are additional attractions such as the arcade of vintage penny machines (which are quite remarkable) and entrance is free.
