The church itself is worth a visit although the main focus of excitement is to climb up to the tower along a very narrow passageway and up some wooden steps through the bell tower and out at the top. Not for the nervous although the view is wonderful.
Apart from viewing the interesting historical displays and the architecture, be sure to climb the tower for an amazing view. It is best to go after you have absorbed some off the other historical exhibits as you can get a visual idea of how Rye was in the past and at present from the vantage point.
Thank you for your review. It made our day!
Stunning medieval church with wonderful stained glass windows. No opportunity to do so on this visit, but the bell tower has been open to intrepid/sound of wind and limb visitors previously. It is however very steep climb and not for faint-hearted. Peerless views of Sussex countryside is the reward.
Thank you for your review. I am so sorry that one of our volunteers appears to have fallen short of the mark! So that I can make sure this doesn't happen again could you possibly let me know by email to office@ryeparishchurch.org.uk the date and time of your visit? Incidentally, you are the first reviewer to say that they think the price of the tower entrance is 'a little dear'. There is no limit on the amount of time tower visitors can spend on their climb and we do not charge for entry to the church.
The views from the top of the church are absolutely stunning and even though we visited in half term it was uncrowded and peaceful
The church is impressive in scale but it was the local history exhibits and information that interested me most, especially as you can put it all into context from the top of the tower if you're willing to make the climb, which is an adventure in itself. The access to the tower is very narrow and certainly as the guide warned us, not for anyone claustrophobic, but the views of the town and harbour are amazing and you get a real sense of the medieval town and how close France must have felt. We were at the top of the tower at 3 o'clock - make sure you're not inside the belfry when the bells chime!
This church is a lovely example of vernacular architecture, quite grand with an impressive clock. The church always has a good flower display too. The bell tower is very impressive as is the view from the top over the red roofs of Rye, and down to the Harbour. Thoroughly recommended although its lots of stairs up and very narrow.
Take a climb up the tower ( not for the feeble or faint hearted ) on a nice day for superb views of Rye and it's surroundings and take a camera too!
Well worth walking round this grand old church. Amazing tapestry pictures depicting local scenes. Stained glass windows worth a look