The Hope Anchor, Rye, East Sussex

This mid-18th century former inn offers unique rooms, free Wi-Fi, and excellent views of Rye. Good food is served in the restaurant.

Built around 1750 for local sailors and ship builders, The Hope Anchor is thought to have once sheltered the Tenterden Gang, who used its old secret passages for smuggling.

Relax beside the log fire in traditional snug bar, and enjoy the individually styled bedrooms. Some rooms have four-poster beds, and there is a separate 200-year-old cottage.

The historic Hope Anchor is a 3-star AA rated hotel and has an RAC food dining award and free parking.

The Hope Anchor is central within Rye and has some fantastic sites and attractions nearby:

Camber beach (7 km / 4.5 miles) - the beach at Camber is a popular location, with picturesque dunes and interesting wildlife.

Bodiam Castle (18 km / 11 miles) - built in 1385 and surrounded by a moat, Bodiam Castle is one of the most popular in Britain. Highly evocative, it has been used as a location in numerous films, including 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'.

Kent and East Sussex Railway (20 km / 12.5 miles) - this preserved steam railway takes passengers between Tenderden and Bodiam, through the tranquil and scenic Rother Valley.

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park (30 km / 18 miles) - situated near Ashford, the site incorporates an historic mansion, landscaped gardens and numerous exotic animals, including the largest breeding herd of Black Rhinos outside of Africa.

The Hope Anchor, as its name suggests, was built primarily as a watering hole for the sailors and ship builders of Rye, which was still surrounded by the sea up until the late 18th century. The frequent haunt of the Tenterden gang of smugglers, pistol fights were common in the area - legend has it that the gang returned here victorious after famously outgunning their feared Hawkhurst rivals.

Whilst things are now a little more sedate, The Hope Anchor retains a sense of its past and its traditional bar is still popular with the locals. The hotel itself has fantastic views of the stunning countryside, marshes and sea.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and cooked to order. You can choose from either Full English or vegetarian options, as well as a variety of fruits, cereals, croissants and locally produced preserves.

Each bedroom at The Hope Anchor has been individually styled and furnished to a high standard, incorporating warmth and elegance throughout.