Whether you choose to stay in the atmospheric centre of Rye, and step out into cobbled lanes and alleyways, or blow away the cobwebs in the lovely countryside around Hop Press Cottage, just 6 miles from Rye, you will be choosing the perfect location for a weekend treat or relaxing holiday away from the pressures of modern life.

Rye town still retains a village atmosphere, with its ancient lanes radiating from the beautiful Norman church. It has many beautifully preserved medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings, many open to the public as restaurants or inns, where the past days of smuggling and pirates are brought alive. Further historical attractions within the town include the Rye Castle Museum, Ypres Tower, the Rye Heritage Centre, which takes you back 700 years, and the Landgate and Town Walls. The former Augustinian Friary in cobbled Conduit Hill now houses a pottery and the unusual range of shops includes book shops, antique shops and galleries all of which attract many return visitors.

Just a little further afield you will find the historic village of Northiam, chosen by Elizabeth 1 as a suitable resting place on her way to Rye, and who enjoyed it so much that she left a pair of her slippers as a present to her hosts! Take a break in the local inn, and see the oven, where reputedly her meal was cooked, or enjoy boating on the famous River Rother, which flows on to Rye. Boat trips can be taken to fairy tale Bodiam Castle, and the famous East Sussex Steam trains visit either Bodiam, or the pretty town of Tenterden, with its charming wide tree lined street with wonderful shops.

Northiam is also the home of the late Christopher Lloyd's Great Dixter, an historic Wealden house with world famous gardens, and other attractions close by include Smallhythe Place, a National Trust 16C house that was the home of Victorian actress Ellen Terry, and Pashley Manor Gardens, covering 11 acres, with exceptional views.

The countryside surrounding Rye is very beautiful, ranging from marshland and sand dunes to Wealden rolling hills, offering numerous walks, ancient inns and pretty villages. Full details can be found in all three cottages.