From London to Rye
 

My husband and I are traveling by car from London to Rye. We would like to make a stop or two along the way. Any recommendations?

How long do you have? Do you mean short stops or overnight stops? What route do you plan to take? What kind of stuff are you interested in? History buffs might like to see Hever Castle (home to Anne Boleyn) just NW of Tunbridge Wells. Tunbridge Wells itself would make a nice stop (see the Pantiles), as would Rochester (for Dickens fans if you're driving that way) or Hartfield in Ashdown Forest (if you fancy a little childhood Winnie-the-Pooh nostalgia). Then there's Sissinghurst (gardens) or Bodiam Castle (more history) or Battle (war history) or Sissinghurst (gardens) or Bearsted, Biddenden, Meopham & many others (for interesting village greens).

Oops, I listed Sissinghurst twice! For me, if it's all-in-one-day without time for detours and deviations, I'd do Hever Castle, then Tunbridge Wells, and maybe leave it at that. You could add Sissinghurst or Bodiam if you're interested, and - if the former - drive through Biddenden en route as well.

In that area we would highly recommend Bodiam Castle--took best castle pictures ever! As a history/literature teacher, I could not miss Battle and it was fascinating. Several of the places twoflower mentions were on my "want to but don't have time this trip" list. We had one day to drive from Dover to hotel at LHR.

Grandot, although I haven’t been there (yet), I always associate Rye with one of my favorite writers – HENRY JAMES- who lived there in LAMB HOUSE for many years. I include the website and a description from same.

Hope you have a great trip…


http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house/

“Georgian house with literary associations
Red-brick fronted house with literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson lived here.

The garden

Lamb House has a walled garden, one of the largest gardens in the old town of Rye; it was designed as we see it today by a friend of Henry James called Alfred Parsons.
The Campsis still climbs the wall as it did in James’ time; there are roses, lilies, spring bulbs and many herbaceous varieties bordering the lawn which ensure continuous colour and interest throughout the year.

Also to be found in the garden are the graves of James’ much loved dogs. The garden is a tranquil contrast to the busy streets of the town in the summer and sitting beside the pond one can fully understand why James had such affection for his garden. Today the garden is a refuge for visitors and local people alike.”