Day 31 Rye, UK

We were sorry to be leaving Cambridge as we really had loved it. Our morning started with breakfast at Gail’s at Cambridge Railway Station, before we farewelled Alanna as she headed back to London. We set off on what ended up being a very interesting journey to Rye, a village of 4000 people, south of London and nearly on the coast. With me navigating we were on the main highway until suddenly we weren’t! The trip took nearly an hour longer but we went through many small villages and on lots of very narrow roads and lanes, some of which had minor flooding on them. We stopped on the side of the road, but in view of Bodiam Castle, to eat out Pret A Manger sandwiches before carrying on to arrive in Rye at 2pm. Our accommodation, Jeakes House, is amazing. It is a house built in the 17th century, and sits on cobbled Mermaid Street. The cobblestones are actually small stones and the street itself is one way with no parking. Consequently we unloaded our bags before driving the car two blocks to a secure car park. On the way back we stopped for a coffee and viewed all the surrounding houses which are also very old. Our room, one of several in the house, has a four poster bed and the furnishings match the age of the house. Despite the steep staircase to the room, it is luxurious with our breakfast included. The is also a beautiful bar down stairs and an honesty box for the drinks you can help yourself too. We relaxed in our room, and I had a delicious bath before heading down the street to a very old pub for a drink. By this time it was nearly dark and the streets looked even more beautiful. We then wandered to the Standard Inn which was recommended by the Jeakes House host. It did not disappoint as not only did we have a delicious fish and chip tea but the atmosphere was lovely with an open fire, several dogs and some lovely locals to talk to. Our night finished with a walk back and time sitting chatting in the bar to another guest who was from London. We all then headed off to bed after discussing how good the breakfast is meant to be.Read more