“A little bit of the old world living on in pleasant ignorance of the new”

These are the words of a Victorian poet, also haunted by the Rye's Mermaid call. But this is just my observation and it's unfair, for it distracts you away from the reality.
Of course, I am not one (mermaid), just a tourist, enchanted and attracted by this world of ancient wisdom's, tales and fabulations.  I wouldn't be alone, many people, fascinated by ghosts, embark on a trail hunt in the Sussex countryside's towns and villages.

Rye (one such place), is one of the Cinque Ports fishing town with a harbor and charming old cobbled streets.

I had the privilege to live nearby, in the historical town of Hastings, another fishing town in the 1066 country.
However,  you would be a short drive from Brighton, Battle (with its Abbey), Canterbury with the well known Cathedral and of course- the famous Canterbury tales. ..
There is so much to see, the Sussex and Kent countrysides are some of the most breathtakingly beautiful in the South of England, with quaint villages, old churches, castles and ruins, unspoiled seashores and of course, lots of sheep!
A few miles away you could walk away on the beautiful beaches of the Camber Sands (my absolute favorite spot) and, when it's not populated by beach goers it's been used as a backdrop for a few films. If you would be walking your dog, around six o'clock am, you would see me and others, caution to the wind, galloping fast alongside the English Channel waters. Just bliss!

But lets concentrate on Rye, for now, and I will take you to these places some other time...

If you come from the East, you will first cross the bridge over the river Rother and you will see on your left, stranded until the next tide, the fishing and leisure boats. A little further you will come across a beautiful park and a football pitch and of course, the manicured Rye bowls pitch (home of the Mermaid's Bowls league).
Sport is important and Rye prides itself with owning one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country. There is also the exclusive Rye Golf Club which hosts the legendary President's Putter competition between the Oxford and the Cambridge University, in January each year (brrrrrrr).

Up the hill, you will come across The Customs House, facing the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. In the courtyard you will find the Ypres Tower, built around 1250, as a defense against the French invasion. Alongside it you will walk on the Watchbell Street and wonder in amazement past the old Tudor, Regency, Queen Anne homes, still lived in today. Notice the word "style" is missing- this is the real deal, folks!
You will walk past the Customs House, with its crooked chimney, and you will hear of the constant battles between the Customs and the Smugglers. Nearby lies the historical Lamb House, home of the writer Henry James but also put on the map by the visit of King George I in 1726.
The old buildings are also home to countless antique shops, potteries, art studio's and galleries, a hat shop (just where did you think I bought my hats from?).
The Rye Medieval Weekend is part of the Rye Festival and the visitors traveling from far away all gather on the streets to watch the sword fighting. Another event that should not be missed is the Rye Bonfire night, with its procession through the town, ending in an unbelievable display of fireworks and of course, the bonfire.
Each May Bank Holiday the Mermaid's car park is lined with visitors watching the dancing Morris Men.

Gosh, there is so much to see, this little town is packed with history but I have saved la piece de resistance for last: The Mermaid Inn on the Mermaid Street. I will write a review. But this special place is haunted.
I have changed my mind and I am now one of the ghosts, haunting this lovely and ancient hotel. Perhaps I am a woman in love, who has cut herself on the shards of broken dreams, and bled to death. Or I could be one of the Smugglers, closely associated with this place.
Or- would you still prefer a Mermaid?
Take your pick.