Winchelsea Tourist Information

Ancient Winchelsea

Beautiful and ancient Winchelsea founded in the 13th century by Edward I sits to the west of Rye. Old Winchelsea however had previously been situated on a shingle bank which once extended from Fairlight Head to Hythe. The legendary period of extreme storms between 1233 and 1288, particularly the big storm of October 1250, literally drowned Old Winchelsea. Not surprisingly then that the site chosen for New Winchelsea was on the raised hill of Iham 3 miles inland from the sea!

Outstanding medieval gems are here and Winchelsea stands as one of the best preserved medieval bastide towns in Britain. Centrepiece is the spectacular St Thomas church once the size of a mighty cathedral. The ruined southwest corner of the nave and damaged transepts are now thought not to be the work of French invaders, but of the church authorities themselves who wanted to curb maintenance costs within a poverty stricken parish and make money from selling off church materials.

Numerous heritage buildings in Winchelsea are Grade I or II listed whilst much of the surrounding countryside is a conservation area managed by the National Trust. Note the medieval Strand Gate which straddles the road at the entrance to Winchelsea. Other historic gems include The Court Hall, the Town Well, the New Inn, Blackfriars Barn, Tower Cottage and Greyfriars whose grounds were once the site of the original Winchelsea Market Square.

The fascinating history of Old and New Winchelsea is detailed in a choice of webguides (links right) for the town. A selection of historic country pubs, cosy tearooms and cafes, fine restaurants and specialist shops are also situated in and around Winchelsea which like Rye sits within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Winchelsea Court Hall Museum

The Winchelsea Court Hall Museum, one of Winchelsea's treasured historic buildings, explores the history of Winchelsea. Exhibits include maps, pictures, local pottery, models and every day artefacts detailing the history of this new medieval town.

Winchelsea Court Hall Museum, High Street, Winchelsea. Tel. 01797 226382. (seasonal opening times, see webguides right for details).

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Winchelsea Beach

Winchelsea Beach sits just south of Winchelsea centre. The beach pushes west towards pretty Cliff End and the start/end of the Royal Military Canal and on to Fairlight Cliffs and Hastings Country Park beyond. The Saxon Shore Way follows the coast from Hastings Country Park on to Fairlight Cove and the Fairlight Cliffs and hooks into the Royal Military Canal Footpath winding up past Winchelsea centre towards Rye.

Winchelsea beach is a beautiful stretch of shingle, largely quiet and home to numerous birds and the odd shrimping net and fishing boat. The beach is fronted by a seawall. The seawalls are a distinctive feature of this stretch of coast - you'll find them elsewhere along the Romney Marsh coast in Kent.

Windsurfers can catch some good winds down on Winchelsea beach, and Winchelsea Beach village contains ample amenities including pubs, a supermarket and local produce shops.

Peaceful coastal holidays are here at Winchelsea Beach with stunning coastal walking towards Fairlight Cove and beautiful views of the High Weald inland. For more details on Winchelsea Beach and Fairlight Cliffs see the village's webguide link right. The popular Ship Inn (serving fine fayre and Shepherd Neame Kent real ale) sits on the Winchelsea Beach Sea Road, with more choice of restaurants, country pubs and tearooms in Winchelsea centre and nearby Rye.

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