Rye Castle (Ypres Tower)
Ypres Tower
A defensive tower built in the 13th century to guard against the French. It is now part of Rye Castle Museum, and its terrace looks out over Romney Marsh and the sea.
Ypres Tower was built around 1249 as a defensive work for Rye, a member of the Cinque Ports confederation, to protect against French naval raids. It was later used as a prison, and its interior still has medieval stone chambers and cells. Today it is part of the Rye Castle Museum, which displays the town's smuggling, seafaring, and Cinque Ports history. The gun platform in front of the tower offers wide views, with Romney Marsh and the coastline toward Rye Harbour visible in the distance. It is located at the southeast corner of the old town, about 5 minutes' walk from Mermaid Street, and admission costs a few pounds.
Opening hours
About 10:30–17:00 (shorter in winter; check the official website)
Nearby sights
- St Mary's Church, Rye
- Lamb House
- Landgate
- Mermaid Street
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
- Camber Castle
- Winchelsea
- Camber Sands