Minutes from the seaside and steeped in history, Rye is often dubbed the UK’s ‘most naturally beautiful town’. Well, having found myself on a cramped rail replacement bus in the blistering sunshine, it had a lot to prove. Located just over an hour from Central London, the cobbled streets and charming half-timbered houses are enough to almost immediately melt away lingering frustration. Despite arriving on a summer-esque Saturday afternoon, the ancient parish made for a relaxed day out filled with picturesque views, local ales and top-notch food. The first stop of the day was Cobbles Tea Room, a decades-old establishment boasting vintage crockery and a sun trap courtyard. The menu did not disappoint; ‘light lunches’ fit for three and warm scones smothered in layers of tart jam and rich clotted cream. Be sure to try the crisp local apple juice pressed from fruit grown by Sussex farmers. Mermaid Street is particularly pretty at sunset -Credit:MyLondon Bellies full, it was time to head to Rye’s most well-known attraction – Mermaid Street. Seemingly untouched by modernity, this …