Rye: It's more than bread!

Judy. One of the reasons we chose to stay in Littlehampton was its proximity to areas we want to visit, so a couple of days in, we took the train (well, three) to visit our friends Harvey and Colin in the medieval city of Rye. 

There’s always a concern when you see people you’ve not seen in awhile, that you won’t enjoy each other as much as you think you will. That was definitely NOT the case with Harvey and Colin. We were met at the station with big hugs, and transported to their home at the edge of town, and sent to explore the small, vibrant, two-level garden behind the house while they prepared lunch. 

I could live in the little summerhouse

They use every inch of space!

Then we were off for a tour of this ancient and fascinating city. We’d heard about the town’s charm from several friends, and Harvey and Colin were great tour guides. 

Ancient city gates

Old fort/castle, now a museum

The Citadel is the most expensive part of town

After breakfast the next day, they decided we needed to explore more of Sussex and Kent, so we headed north, stopping at St. Clement’s for a view of a 12th century church in a field of sheep. Right out of the picture book, for sure! 

St. Clement

Hythe was our destination, a beautiful city at the end of the Military Canal that starts in Rye. Like Rye, it’s built on a hill, with stunning views of the countryside. 

View of the Channel from St. Leonard's church

I love how these flowers grow out of the stones!

Then it was on to Folkestone, for a walk above the Channel and a tasty lunch before heading back to Rye for a superb Pakistani dinner at Mango. 

This once grand hotel is now an apartment building

Looking across the Channel in Folkestone

On our third day, the train back to Littlehampton didn’t leave till the afternoon, so we headed to Hastings for a morning walk. Historians can’t decide whether the Battle of Hastings took place there or at a town called Battle or somewhere in between, but we loved visiting the town we learned about in the old television series “Foyle’s War.” 

Net houses in Hastings

Streets of Hastings

This old church looks over Hastings

But the pièce de resistance was certainly a visit to the Winchelsea Fete—a scene right out of “Father Brown” or “The Vicar of Dibley.” We truly felt we’d gotten a taste of the English countryside! 

Ted's looking for Fr. Brown

Welcome to the Fete!

In the evenings and as we drove, we debated all kinds of subjects—I’m not sure when my brain’s been so stretched—a marvelous exercise. Yep, we do enjoy each other, and we’re looking forward to more time together in Malaga in a couple of months!

A fearsome foursome