Best Airbnbs in Rye
Photograph: Airbnb | Chuck another log on the fire — it's time to visit this adorable town
Photograph: Airbnb

The 9 best Airbnbs in Rye

Characterful cottages, historic homes and ace hideaways where you can stay the night in this East Sussex town

Ella Doyle
Contributor: Frankie Lister-Fell
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If you’re looking for a cosy weekend getaway, look no further than Rye – a quaint seaside town in East Sussex. Just over an hour from London, it’s the ideal spot for those wanting to kick back in a romantic medieval cottage or read a book in a sleek dune house. From Rye town centre to Camber Sands beach, here are the best Airbnbs in Rye.

Updated September 2026: Fancy a swim? We’ve just added a stunning Airbnb right on Camber Sands, which has been voted one of the best beaches in the UK this year.

Best Airbnbs in Rye at a glance

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Can you park in Rye?

Rye is a medieval hilltop town with narrow cobbled streets, so parking is notoriously difficult. 

Rye is also small enough that you can walk around the town in about 15 minutes. So if you’re coming by train and staying in the town centre, it’s advised not to bring a car.

If you do need one, book Airbnbs with free private off-street parking.

How do you get to Rye from London without a car?

You can get from London to Rye in about an hour by train.

Take HS1 from St Pancras to Ashford International, which is around 37 minutes. Then, change to a Southern train from Ashford to Rye, which is just 30 minutes.

You can also go from London Bridge, which takes around two hours with one change at Ashford International.

The best Airbnbs in Rye

1. Best in Camber Sands: Dog friendly home near the beach

Location: Camber Sands

Camber Sands was voted as one of the best beaches in the UK in 2026, so we reommend this gorgeous Airbnb which is literally right on the famous coastline and only a short drive from Rye. With three separate bedrooms, a bath, free parking and a garden, it could be perfect for a family or group of friends. You can bring your beloved pooch too.

Time Out tip: Walk down to The Owl, a dog-friendly pub right behind the dunes serving local seafood and Sussex ales, or take a 10-minute drive into Rye to indulge in artisanal chocolates at Knoops 

Sleeps: Six guests. Three bedrooms

Price: From £190 per night

2. Most luxurious: Modern home with wood burner

Location: Close to Rope Walk, Rye

Big into Grand Designs? This place wasn’t on the show, but it was in their magazine. The wonderful contemporary cottage is a four bedroom, three bathroom conversion of a former St John’s Ambulance station, right in the centre of Rye. You’ll get to make use of a huge open-plan living space with a wood burner, a big outdoor seating area and four amazing bedrooms. The interior is breathtaking, too. 

Time Out tip: Want to continue the classy vibes? We recommend you visit The Grapevine Jazz Bar for live music and a glass of vintage vino

Sleeps: Eight people. Four bedrooms

Price: From £470 per night

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3. Best for couples: Cottage close to Rye Station

Location: Ferry Road, Rye

This neat period conversion is in a prime location, just a five-minute walk from the train station and the centre of Rye. Crown Stables is a thoughtfully designed, modern and rustic one-bedroom cottage, with plush furnishings and added extras like a great coffee machine for that morning brew. The cosy vibes and comfy double bed make it one of the best Airbnbs in Rye for couples. 

Time Out tip: Head to The Fig for healthy but tasty small plates and make sure you go to the award-winning micropub Waterworks for craft ales and ciders

Sleeps: Two people. One bedroom

Price: From £140 per night

➡️ These are the things you should definitely do when you visit Rye

4. Best outside of Rye: Lodge with a garden

Location: Brede Rye, a 15 minute drive from Rye and Camber Sands

Ok, if you’re heading to the countryside to relax, you may as well stay in the actual countryside. That’s why we’ve chosen this stunning lodge, which really is the perfect rural escape for a couple or a pair of friends. The vast converted barn is surrounded by the unspoiled Tillingham Valley, overlooking the endless East Sussex countryside. As Airbnbs go, this is more of the luxurious variety. Huge windows cast sunlight into the lodge in the mornings, when you can listen to birdsong in a fluffy cotton dressing gown that the host provides. 

Time Out tip: Bus services are limited to this Airbnb so you will need to hire a car or get a cab. There’s National Trust properties and countryside walks all around, plus the highly rated Broad Oak Inn pub

Sleeps: One bedroom. Sleeps two people

Price: From £230 per night

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5. Best for small groups: Cottage with garden on The Mint

Location: The Mint, Rye

Located on The Mint, a historic street in Rye, this sweet cottage sleeps four in two comfy bedrooms, each with king-size beds (lucky you). There’s a fully stocked kitchen, plus homebaked treats waiting for you on arrival. Breakfast should be enjoyed in the white-walled patio area – a spot that'll transport you across the Mediterranean (weather permitting). If you want to skip the washing up, you’re right in the heart of things, it won't take too long to find delicious food. Complete the day with a visit to the castle or a blissful walk along the beach and then a long soak in this Airbnbs free-standing bath. Dreamy.

Time Out tip: The hosts go the extra mile with seasonal offering including springtime flowers and a decorated Christmas tree

Sleeps: Four people. Two bedrooms

Price: From £210 per night

6. Best for dog owners: Boutique cottage with a fireplace

Location: Rye Road, Rye

This boutique and very cute cottage sits right in the heart of the town, with cobbled lanes just a few minutes walk away, as well as independent shops and antiques. There’s wooden beams and country furnishings, and romantic touches like a free-standing bath in the master bedroom. It sleeps four guests in two bedrooms, but there’s also a sofa bed in the living room. You’ll also have access to the private courtyard that features a bistro table and chairs, perfect for your morning cuppa. And if you’re looking for an Airbnb in Rye that’s dog-friendly – look no further. 

Time Out tip: Rye holds a traditional market every Thursday in the Cattle Market car park. On Wednesdays there’s a farmers' market that’s definitely worth a visit 

Sleeps: Four to six people. Two bedrooms plus a sofa bed

Price: From £150 per night

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7. Best for families: Refurbished pub in Church Square

Location: Church Square, Rye

If you’re looking for somewhere cosy and private with a bit of character, this cottage will do the trick. The quaint spot, hidden away in a leafy nook in Church Square in the heart of Rye, is actually a refurbished Georgian pub, and is a two-mile walk from Camber Sands beach (or a 12 minute drive if you’ve brought a car). The cottage overlooks a sea of thatched rooves and magnificent greenery, opposite St Mary’s Churchyard and adjacent to the Gun Garden. With bunk beds and a cosy fireplace, it’s a great spot for a family (the TV comes with a Disney+ subscription).

Time Out tip: Climb the tower at St Mary’s Church for panoramic views across the town, then go to Rye Castle Museum to learn more about medieval life

Sleeps: Four people. Two bedrooms

Price: From £130 per night

8. Best for big groups: Old Tudor home with a garden

Location: Rye High Street, Rye

Planning a 30th birthday, a baby shower or a family reunion? If as many as eight of you are looking for a weekend away in Rye, this sixteenth-century home just off Rye’s High Street might be what you’re looking for. It’s a beaut of a building, with grand fireplaces, beams, wood panelling and a deep rolltop bath to sink into. A charming place for the post-beach snooze. 

Time Out tip: Grab some fresh seafood at Webbe's at The Fish Cafe, which serves up locally sourced fish and shellfish

Sleeps: Eight guests. Four bedrooms

Price: From £380 per night

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9. Best by the beach: Lodge with shared pool

Location: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, a 10-minute walk to Camber Sands beach

The holiday lodge overlooks Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and sits five minutes away from a £3.5 million clubhouse complex, making it one of the best Airbnbs in Rye with a pool (technically). The clubhouse will give you access to a bar, restaurant, steam room, gym and indoor pool to keep you occupied throughout the day and night. As for the lodge, you'll be able to relax to the max thanks to its comfy armchair, bean bags, log burner and outdoor seating for scenic snuggles under the blanket.

Time Out tip: Connect to the Lithe Audio speaker system before somebody else does. Rye town centre is only a five minute drive away if you fancy popping in for a meal

Sleeps: Four people. Two bedrooms

Price: From £230 per night

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