Eccentric English Style at The George in Rye in East Sussex

The George in Rye is a quintessentially British coaching inn that has recently been beautifully redesigned in East Sussex, England. I didn’t see it before the refurbishment, but I imagine it once being all black and white and gloomy like something out of a Charles Dicken’s novel. Now, its backdrop is light and airy Farrow & Ball-type shades interspersed with bright pops of colour and a mix of traditional, retro and quirky pieces of furniture. Don’t be surprised if you walk into the bedroom and instantly want to copy it. And if you do, that’s not a problem, there is a shop adjoining the hotel that sells the sort of products you will be sleeping in and around.

The George in Rye for Families

There is an interesting mix of characters arriving here. There are those who have sneaked off for a romantic weekend without the little-uns, those getting the last bit of us time in before the baby arrives, as well as families looking to bring the rich history and beautiful landscape of East Sussex alive for their children.

Kid-Friendly Things To Do in East Sussex

The hotel is perfectly situated for visiting the site of the Battle of Hastings and learning all about the Norman Conquest. And only the thought of the afternoon cream tea back at The George will lure the kids away at the end of a visit to Hasting’s Castle and its Smuggler’s Adventure. Meanwhile, the seven miles of powdery white beach that make up Camber Sands are a short drive away, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is just on your doorstep and the hill top town of Rye, which The George is bang in the middle of, is full of winding cobbled streets edged by Medieval buildings and scattered with tea rooms, antique shops, art galleries and restaurants, with a few children’s clothes boutiques and toy shops hidden amongst it all.

Accommodations and Amenities

Back at base, the hotel has a lovely casual dining restaurant, The Grill, where children are always welcome and you won’t feel mortified if they spill their drinks. The French Toast with maple syrup is a fantastic dish with which to start the day. Whilst lunch could feature the George Cheeseburger or the Mezze Board and dinner could be Lemon Sole with brown shrimp butter or Ale-battered cod and chips finished off with Cherry clafoutis with cherry and black pepper ice cream or a selection of British Artisan cheeses. There is a children’s menu too. You can also book a massage or reflexology in your room and the therapist is a qualified baby masseuse too, so maybe baby could join as well. As it’s not a resort hotel, however, on-site amenities are limited, a couple of nights will probably be enough here with the kids. Be aware, most of the rooms can take an extra bed and a cot, but not two extra beds. They do offer two sets of interconnecting rooms.

Want Help Booking a Room at The George in Rye or Planning a Family Vacation to England?

We can help! Request room rates using the Check Availability button on The George in the Rye’s family-friendly hotel review in the CB! Hotel Collection; the request will go directly to the hotel for the best available pricing and a Ciao Bambino trip planner will follow up to answer questions and provide guidance (a free service). Ciao Bambino consultants can also plan full itineraries to England that include vetted activity and guide recommendations. Request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links:

Best kid-friendly things to do and family hotels in England

Review of Harry Potter Tour in London

Discovering literary London with kids

Best family-friendly restaurants in London

72 hours in London with kids: day 1

72 hours in London with kids: day 2

72 hours in London with kids: day 3

Editor’s Note: Photos provided by George in Rye.