Rye Castle Museum

Rye Castle Museum is a great little place to take the kids to learn some history, especially as the tower used to be a prison! Add in all the hands on fun and specific kid oriented elements and you've got a grand day out! Learn all about the smuggling trade and the history of the ancient town of Rye.

The tower has a number of exhibits, including a replica of a gibbet (with a skull), the Ypres Tower embroidery, which was created over several years plus a model of the changing shoreline. There are buttons to push in the last display, which will allow the kids to see how the shoreline has changed over the years and allow even toddlers to get in on the interaction There is a Captain Pugwash Treasure hunt to take part in, plus various games and puzzles for the kids, including ‘feely socks' where you have to guess what is inside! Lots of fun for smaller kids particularly but a generally welcoming attitude to families that's most welcome.

The exhibitions in the basement are designed for kids of all ages with costumes and helmets to try on (you can take pictures) plus examples of swords and armour, ideal for your little knights and pint size princesses. There is a recreated medieval herb garden outside and on some days a medieval gardener in costume to show you around, so why not ring ahead and time your visit to coincide!