The Mermaid Inn, Rye

Originally, dating from 1156, the Mermaid was rebuilt in 1420, much as it still stands today, as the principal Inn of Rye. The Mermaid now caters for those who appreciate tradition and charm, coupled with the modern facilities required by today’s guest. So, from a picturesque cobbled street; step back in time to experience the unique atmosphere of one of England’s oldest and loveliest Inns.

The Mermaid has 8 four-poster bedded rooms, 15 double / twin bedded rooms, 5 family and 3 single bedded rooms. The Elizabethan Chamber, a large panelled room with a magnificent carved four-poster bed, is our most requested room for the true romantics, whilst our Dr Syn’s Bedchamber conceals a secret stairway behind a bookcase. In the other bedrooms, the story is repeated with fine panelling, Caen stone fireplaces and latticed windows. The second-storey rooms are particularly intriguing with the curved timber supporting the ceilings. The dormer windows afford a unique view of the red-tiled roofs of Rye. Four rooms are particularly requested, especially at Halloween, due to the Ghost Stories attached to them, dating back to the 18th century, when smuggling was at its height. (The Mermaid appeared on the first ever series of ‘Most Haunted').

Our award-winning restaurant offers the best of British and French Cuisine, and our Head Chef prides himself on using only the freshest local ingredients. The Linen Fold, Panelled Restaurant, with Medieval Artwork by the Slade School of Art, is an extremely romantic setting for fine dining.

The Giants Fireplace Bar is one of the most fascinating rooms in the Hotel. A huge, open, log fireplace, possibly one of the largest in England, has a vast beam that spans the whole width, supported on stone piers. Our excellent Bar Menu is served every day with the exception of Saturday evenings. Both the Restaurant and Bar are open to non residents and in the summer, guests can relax under the sunshades on the patio. Our Cellars hold a large selection of wine and our draft beers include Old Speckled Hen and London Pride.The Bar was also, once, the haunt of the infamous Hawkhurst Gang of Smugglers.

Winter Breaks & Midweek Breaks. The Mermaid is delighted to offer an ‘All Inclusive’ stay. This includes accommodation ~ many rooms with four-poster beds ~ LCD television, wireless internet access, tea/coffee making facilities and private bath/shower room, a four-course dinner from our table d'hote menu served in our famous pannelled restaurant and full English breakfast.

Sunday to Friday
One night £105.00 per person
Two nights £210.00 per person

(Two nights including a Saturday £230.00 per person)

Excludes Christmas and Bank Holidays

How to find us

Situated on the A259, east of Hastings, Rye, is a short drive from the M20, leaving Ashford on the A2070, or, if travelling south on the A21, take the B2089 to Rye.

Our nearest Airport is at Lydd followed by London Gatwick and Rye has easy access from the ports of Dover (32 miles) Folkestone (25 miles) and Channel Tunnel (21 miles).

There are two entrances into the Mermaid’s Car Park.
Drive up Mermaid Street, located near the Strand Quay, and go straight up (notice this is not a one-way street) then turn left though the arch and into our car park Mermaid Street is a wonderful example of an original cobbled stone road.
Alternatively, follow signs for the Town Centre, through the Landgate Arch up to Rye High Street. The back entrance to the Mermaid is on your left opposite the Bell Inn.

Our private car park can take up to 25 cars, but does become very busy, especially at week-ends. Should the car park become full there are many car parks in the vicinity.