Bachelor in the Rye
The bachelor in question here is one George Clooney. Whilst visiting Rye recently I was shown the suite where he stayed at the excellent, and appropriately named lodge, the George in Rye. It’s a gorgeous suite, above a great inner courtyard, and was shown to me by a lovely member of the team who was clearly very proud to have had such a famous George stay at the George.
Rye is a glorious wee town down on England’s south coast in East Sussex, just over an hour from London. It is an “Ancient Town” as the signs on the way in declare, dating back to medieval times, the Mermaid Inn dates back to 1156, and the town became a Cinque Ports confederation in 1189.
Staying in the aforementioned George situates you in the heart of the small town, on the High Street, from which it is delightful to meander around the narrow cobblestone streets and visit the local cake and coffee shops like Edith’s. Take time to stroll up Mermaid Street and enjoy the charming buildings like ‘The House Opposite’ and make time for the 13th century Ypres (pronounced ‘wipers’) Tower from where you can see France on a clear day. You could also pass by Lamb House where Henry James lived (and wrote Wings of the Dove).
Not far away are the pleasing beaches and dunes of Camber Sands, great for a brisk walk in winter or a more lingering leisurely amble in summer. Maybe have lunch at a beach bistro like the Gallivant and the head back to the George for a G&T by the fire.
