The Mermaid
Rye, East Sussex, England.
Undeniably one of the most iconic old inns of England, The Mermaid really is as ancient as it appears.
The structure one sees today is largely from 1420, but its foundations are thought to be those of a mid-13th century building – the vaulted cellars, cut from the bedrock, are all that remain of the old inn which was razed to the ground during a French raid on the town in 1377.
While widely thought to have been a favoured meeting place of the notorious Hawkhurst gang of smugglers during the mid-1700’s, it later welcomed some of the 20th century’s most notable cultural icons: Charlie Chaplin, Ellen Terry and Rupert Brooke among them. And numerous other stars of stage and screen have stayed here since. The writer Henry James is also known to have been a guest in September 1902.
3 star rated, The Mermaid Inn features eight four poster rooms, a further 15 doubles and twins, and an “Elizabethan Chamber” with yet another four poster. To say that it boasts genuine period charm would be an understatement, not least as it stands on what the Daily Telegraph has described as one of the "prettiest streets in Britain".
Dining options are available in its AA Rosette Restaurant, while lighter meals are available in the bar.
See the Historic Hotels in East Sussex index
The structure one sees today is largely from 1420, but its foundations are thought to be those of a mid-13th century building – the vaulted cellars, cut from the bedrock, are all that remain of the old inn which was razed to the ground during a French raid on the town in 1377.
While widely thought to have been a favoured meeting place of the notorious Hawkhurst gang of smugglers during the mid-1700’s, it later welcomed some of the 20th century’s most notable cultural icons: Charlie Chaplin, Ellen Terry and Rupert Brooke among them. And numerous other stars of stage and screen have stayed here since. The writer Henry James is also known to have been a guest in September 1902.
3 star rated, The Mermaid Inn features eight four poster rooms, a further 15 doubles and twins, and an “Elizabethan Chamber” with yet another four poster. To say that it boasts genuine period charm would be an understatement, not least as it stands on what the Daily Telegraph has described as one of the "prettiest streets in Britain".
Dining options are available in its AA Rosette Restaurant, while lighter meals are available in the bar.
See the Historic Hotels in East Sussex index
Online Booking and Reviews for The Mermaid, Rye
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The Mermaid Inn
Mermaid Street Rye East Sussex TN31 7EY Reviews and Booking. Please note that nightsinthepast.com plays no part in the actual review, booking or reservation process for this or any other accommodation. Costs for maintaining and developing Nights in the Past are met solely by it being the last referring site to our partners which results in a completed reservation. |
“Inspiring... A fantastic browse.” The Daily Mail