rye heritage centre

Youngtyke

We were recommended to visit by staff at the Tourist information centre and found viewing the Town Model Sound and Light Show a very good introduction to the history of Rye. The upstairs collection of old but still working Old Seaside Pier amusement machines and games provided a happy trip down "memory lane"!The staff were very helpful

BakersLoafing

The centre of this attraction is the huge model of the town as it would have looked in the 19th century. Built by a local couple 40 years ago. A 20 minute sound and light show traces the history of the town through the ages. The beauty is that many of the buildings still stand today it is well worth the £3.50 entrance fee.There is also a collection of penny slot machines in an upper room. You can obtain old pennies to play them.(nostalgic memories of childhood!)

R2326HFrobertf

The penny machines are of and era and the shop is a tourist shop.The model and presentation was superb. The information in the film takes you from 12 century to today. The model lights up as the description of the event is given by the narrator.I had visited the new Imperial War Museum in London recently and they could learn so much from Rye Heritage Centre.Well done, particularly the lovely lady who answered my questions before the show.Pay the money and do it. Well worth it

cal9Hertfordshire

If you are interested in the history of Rye I would definitely recommend you start your visit here. Suitable for all ages, something to interest everyone.

chloef122

This was the 3rd time I went on this walk in 2 years. I brought 10 of my friends along for this amazing experience. If you are looking for an authentic and atmospheric experience this is the one. It doesn't rely on gimmicks and made up stories, the town speaks for itself with its vast, untouched history.My favourite part was visiting the tower. My friends and I experienced some really unusual experiences, they are still talking about it a month on!!For a history buff/spiritualist/sceptic this is the tour for you.

jossl580

Welcoming and helpful if you are looking for accommodation they are a good place to go to. The manager was attentive and made all the effort to get us a decent place to stay even it was past heir opening times.

Jezboy

Have visited Rye on may occasions, but visited the Heritage Centre for first time last week. Very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff, quaint little vintage penny arcade and good 20 min. show giving history of Rye.Well worth a visit.

Valgoody

An in depth history of Rye town through the ages which makes walking around the cobbled streets or visiting the museum far more interesting

SteveP817

Two local residents spend four years building a topographical model of ancient Rye by consulting old maps and historical record. The light and sound show that accompanies it is truly inspirational. Prepare to be entralled.

CocktailQueen33

Loved this! The town model is very impressive and we loved the history of the town. I especially loved the light and sound show - really made Rye come live for us. Beautifully done and a real treat.The staff were very friendly and helpful - as is everyone in Rye we have spoken to! The kids loved the old penny arcade machines stairs too - lots of fun, and a real glimpse into the past.

sabatinitennis

This is so much more than a tourist office which is a very good one at that. Inside there are plenty of souvenirs to buy, a HUGE model of the town and upstairs and perhaps best of all, a good selction of old penny slot-machines that will bring back memories for older folk. Its central location adds to its appeal too.

margo & lydia

Don't walk by this amazing attraction,thinking its just a shop, its so much more with its miniature town of rye,complete with lights and audio history.Telling you facts from kings and queens to murders and monks, witches and smugglers and endless interesting facts. Then step back a hundred years as you go upstairs and play the old penny slot machines. What joy.. I have been three times with my family and shall go again. Lastly a mention of the lovely helpful couple who run it with such enthusiasm! Brilliant.

mcallister1

The light show was definitely the best thing we did to give us a sense of the town- also used the audio guides which were vg. Took us all round where Mapp and Lucia was filmed and was just the right length.

sas_leanne

How many towns have information centres that include a model of the town with a light show that is actually interesting? Hmm, still thinking? Well Rye does and it's great. Its £3.50 for a 20 minute show in English and at least 2 other languages. The model is amazing and the detail is second to none. The staff are very knowledgeable and welcoming. You can even take your dog in, so long as they're well behaved. This is worth doing, if you like history and if you're in Rye it's a must.

876nickyh

A big thank you to Peter and Ted for a great tour. Good value for money, very informative and enjoyable. It is worth while down loading a ghost hunt app on your smart phone before you go. Thoroughly recommended.