Attractions and Places To See around Brookland - Top 20

The area around Brookland is rich in history. You can visit Mermaid Street and the Mermaid Inn, Rye, which features one of England's oldest inns, rebuilt in 1420, and is lined with old houses and cobbled surfaces. Another significant historical landmark is Landgate Arch, Rye, a preserved city gate that once protected the historic Cinque Port. Don't miss Camber Castle, built by Henry VIII to defend Rye, now inland due to natural coastal changes.

Yes, you can explore St Thomas the Martyr Church, Winchelsea. This 13th-century church, now partly in ruins, is dedicated to Thomas Becket. It features intricate masonry, medieval tombs, and early 20th-century stained glass windows.

The region offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling and running. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Quiet Country Lane' loop from Appledore, or explore running trails like the 'Landgate Arch, Rye – Camber Sands Beach and Dunes' loop from Rye. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Brookland and Running Trails around Brookland guides.

Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails like the 'Rye Harbour – Landgate Arch, Rye' loop from Rye Harbour, which is an easy route. For a wider selection of trails, consult the MTB Trails around Brookland guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and medieval charm of the area. Highlights like Mermaid Street and the Mermaid Inn, Rye are loved for their ancient architecture and cobbled streets, offering a glimpse into medieval town life. The preserved fortifications and historical significance of places like Landgate Arch, Rye also receive high praise.

Many of the historical sites are suitable for families. For instance, Landgate Arch, Rye and St Thomas the Martyr Church, Winchelsea are categorized as family-friendly. Exploring the historic streets of Rye and visiting Ypres Tower (Rye Castle), which houses a museum, can be engaging for all ages.

Absolutely. The region has a strong defensive history, particularly as a Cinque Port. You can visit Landgate Arch, Rye, a key part of Rye's ancient fortifications. Also, Ypres Tower (Rye Castle), built in the 13th century to protect against invaders, now houses a museum detailing its past. Camber Castle is another excellent example of Henry VIII's coastal defenses.

The Mermaid Inn is one of England's oldest inns, with parts of its cellars dating back to 1156. Although rebuilt in 1420 after a French invasion, it retains significant historical charm. It was a popular spot for merchants, mariners, and even smugglers, and is known for its unique architecture and stories.

The coastline has undergone significant natural changes due to silting. For example, Camber Castle, originally built to defend the port of Rye, is now located inland. Similarly, the town of Rye, once a major port, is now about 3 km from the coast, with farmland where the sea once was, as noted at Landgate Arch, Rye.

From the balcony of Ypres Tower (Rye Castle), you can get excellent views over what was once one of the country's largest harbors. Guides are often available to help you understand the historical landscape you are observing.

Rye was an important Cinque Port, playing a crucial role in trade and defense on England's south coast. Its strategic location meant it was heavily fortified, as evidenced by structures like Landgate Arch and Ypres Tower. This history is visible in its preserved medieval streets and buildings.