Here at Iggy & Burt we know that life is busy and the world is big. We don’t always get the chance to take those dream holidays or visit those bucket list destinations. That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t be weekend warriors and enjoy a well-earned ‘staycation’. In this edition, we focus on Kent and East Sussex and recommend the things that can be done on a day-out (with kids or without).
So we know that a full day out is very often ambitious and sometimes the opposite of what you wish to do after a long week at work. That said, Sunday’s are for downtime and there is no rest for the wicked, so get up early, pull on a lovely jumper and off you go.
First Stop, Rye, East Sussex. It’s the quintessential English town set down on the South Coast. Easy to drive to from the majority of the South-East and immersed in colourful and interesting history, it’s a splendid place to arrive early for breakfast or brunch. Rye’s streets are a maze of shops, cafes and pubs which offer rich stomping grounds for exploring. Our favourites for a coffee and a good selection of breakfast offerings are The Fig or The Old Grain Store. Take your pick though, as there are any number of lovely cafes available along Rye’s meandering streets.
After breakfast and a stroll around the cobbled lanes of Rye, you might be forgiven for calling it a nice morning and packing up and off. One major reason why you shouldn’t is Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It is a beautiful area which has footpaths to suit all abilities and ages providing walks along shoreline, country and beaches only a short drive from Rye town.
For those intrepid wildlife lovers, it offers an opportunity to birdwatch and take in the daily dance of the coastal waters. Equally, those who are less ornithologically minded and simply want some fresh air and a lovely setting, have no fear, you won’t be disappointed.
The adventurous can embark on a route which takes in a shoreline walk as well as a trip to Camber Castle (dated back to 1544) which takes about 2 hours to complete at a reasonable pace. If you aren’t quite feeling that limber, there are numerous other short and easy routes to take at your pick.
The Rye Harbour Discovery Centre (which is being presently being completed) will house a café for those who need refreshment during and/or after and will be well worth popping in to for a browse.
After all of that, one thing will beckon – lunch. After your busy (and maybe active) morning, its time to treat yourself… after all, it is Saturday.
Around a 25-minute drive from Rye you will discover the fabulous and decorated Chapel Down vineyard, based just outside the charming town of Tenterden.
The Swan offers fine dining in the relaxed countryside setting of the vines of Chapel Down. The menu is a thing of masterpiece and the team pride themselves on offering up local and quality produce in every dish served up. All the family are welcomed, and you simply won’t find a more pleasant setting to eat, enjoy some very fine wine, and to see out your day. For that reason, we highly recommend booking your table in advance to avoid any disappointment.
When you are done, pop down to the vineyard shop and perhaps take home a bottle or two of the multi-award-winning Chapel Down wines, beers and spirits on offer – our personal favourite being the Kit’s Coty Collection Mixed Case.
Shop our latest collection, pack up the car and head home to enjoy the spoils of your visit!
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