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The Ship Inn

•
7.7|Very good
Check rooms and rates
From$206 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
24Oct
Check-out
25Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

The Strand Rye, Rye, TN31 7DB
-
Close to the harbour
Very good
7.7
8.8
/10
3.3
4.0
/5

Historic 4-star inn with a pub, live music, and a local winery connection

Dining

The on-site restaurant serves British cuisine in a setting where the chef prepares a Full English/Irish breakfast included with all room rates. The bar program offers an eclectic selection of drinks, with a strong focus on local wines from the nearby Balfour Winery and local ales. The hotel is also connected to Hush winery, and the restaurant features locally caught fish and chips and other locally sourced produce.

Rooms

Each room includes a private bathroom, a work desk, a sofa, and a seating area, with some accommodations featuring a sofa bed. The hotel offers diverse room types and luxury suites, including the larger Chardonnay room, all decorated with ancient wood beams and original floors. Rooms are refreshed daily by housekeeping and come with streaming services on a flat-screen TV.

Pet-Friendly Policy

The hotel provides dog-friendly accommodation options and supplies a welcome box that includes a dog bowl, treats, and a ball. The property offers a pet bowl and a pet basket in the room for guest convenience. Dogs are also welcome in the pub areas of the inn.

Entertainment & Events

The Ship Inn hosts engaging local events, including performances as part of the Rye Jazz & Blues Festival and live music on-site. The hotel has a dedicated private dining area upstairs that can be used for celebrations and private gatherings. A meeting and banquet facility is also available for groups.

Points of Interest

Located in the heart of medieval Rye, the inn sits at the bottom of the famous Mermaid Street, within walking distance of the Rye Castle Museum and shops. Camber Sands Beach is a short drive from the hotel, providing water sports opportunities. The hotel is 31 km from Ashford International Train Station and 106 km from London Gatwick Airport.

Highlights

Location: Foot of Mermaid Street in medieval Rye

Breakfast: Full English/Irish included in room rate

Dining: Locally sourced seafood and Balfour Winery wines

Pet Policy: Dog welcome kit with bowl, treats, and ball

Entertainment: Live music and Rye Jazz Festival performances

Architecture: Ancient wood beams and original floors

“This historic inn, nestled in medieval Rye, offers a distinctive experience with its pub-style atmosphere. The commitment to local sourcing elevates its dining, and the inclusion of dog-friendly accommodations reflects a thoughtful approach to hospitality. I particularly appreciate its dedication to supporting local charities, adding a layer of social responsibility to its charm.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
One-Bedroom Suite
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Shower
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
10 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • No parking available.

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Ship Inn offers a delightful British dining experience with a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for cozy dinners. Guests can enjoy hearty meals crafted from local ingredients, complemented by a selection of artisan wines and real ales.
The Ship Inn Rye Restaurant photo
The Ship Inn Rye Restaurant photo
The Ship Inn Rye Restaurant photo

The Ship Inn

British
Ambiance
Family friendly, Traditional
Key Offerings
Indulge in homemade dishes made with fresh local ingredients, accompanied by a robust selection of real ales and cider from the barrel. Guests can also savor expertly paired Balfour wines and artisanal cheeses, perfect for a fulfilling meal.
Reservation
Not specified
Monday to Friday: 12:00 - 21:00; Saturday: 12:00 - 21:00; Sunday: 12:00 - 18:00

Location

The Strand Rye, Rye, TN31 7DB
Map view
Nearby
Museum
Rye Castle Museum
420 m
Church
St Mary's Church
250 m
Museum
Rye Heritage Information Centre
90 m
Museum
Lamb House
230 m
Church
St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church
140 m
Mermaid Street
Mermaid Street
80 m
Corner Landgate & Tower Street
Landgate
520 m
Gallery
Rye Art Gallery
330 m
Gallery
Art and Soul Gallery
280 m
Gallery
The Purdie Gallery
330 m
105 High Street
Ethel Loves Me
320 m
18-20 Rope Walk
Glass Etc
430 m
Rock Channel
Bridgepoint Rye
440 m
Restaurants
Simply Italian
30 m
The Grist Mill The Strand The Strand
The Ship Inn Restaurant
10 m
The Strand
The Old Grain Store
50 m
The Strand
Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn
170 m
Mermaid Street
The Standard Inn
170 m
The Mint
Giants Fireplace Bar at The Mermaid Inn
170 m
Mermaid Street
River Haven Restaurant
50 m
Winchelsea Rd The River Haven Hotel Quayside
The Cobbles Tea Room
220 m
1 Hylands Yard Off the Mint
Hoof
190 m
35 The Mint
The Dandelion Restaurant
180 m
Watchbell Street Hope Anchor Hotel
Ye Olde Bell Inn
220 m
33 The Mint
Tatner's Street Kitchen
250 m
24 Wish Street
Explore Rye
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
35 minutes walking
A rich wildlife habitat, offering scenic walks and bird-watching opportunities. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Rye Castle Museum
Rye Castle Museum
6 minutes' walk
Local history comes alive with exhibits on Rye's past, including its maritime and architectural heritage.
Martello Tower
Martello Tower
11 minutes' walk
An impressive coastal defense tower, featuring stunning views of the surrounding area and informative displays.
Lamb House
Lamb House
3 minutes' walk
The former home of writer Henry James, offering guided tours showcasing its literary history and beautiful gardens.
Kite Surfing at Camber Sands
10 minutes' drive
Thrilling kite surfing experiences for all skill levels. Rentals and lessons available, perfect for adventure seekers.
Walking Trails in Rye Harbour
35 minutes walking
Relaxing walking trails through scenic landscapes in the nature reserve. Great for families and solo travelers alike.
The Ship Inn Restaurant
The Ship Inn Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Traditional British cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. Famous for its fish and chips and local ales.
Simply Italian
Simply Italian
1 minute' walk
Authentic Italian dishes in a casual setting. Must-try pizza and pasta, with vegetarian options available.
Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn
Restaurant at The Mermaid Inn
3 minutes' walk
Historic venue with a gourmet menu focusing on local ingredients. Reservations recommended for fine dining experience.
The Rye Jazz Festival
10 minutes' drive
Annual summer festival featuring live jazz music from talented artists. A delightful atmosphere for music lovers.
Rye Community Centre
10 minutes' walk
Host to various events including comedy nights and family-friendly shows. Engaging entertainment for all ages.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Rye 6 min  ·  500 m
  • Airports
    London Gatwick (LGW) 161 min  ·  106.8 km
    London City (LCY) 171 min  ·  113.8 km
  • Train
    Rye Railway Station 4 min  ·  300 m
    Rye Train Station 5 min  ·  400 m
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 15.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
11

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ship Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Ship Inn in Rye is often praised for its spacious and clean rooms, some featuring both bath and shower. Its central location in Rye is a definite plus, placing guests close to the heart of the town and within easy reach of parking. Some guests have pointed out that certain rooms can get a bit stuffy, as windows may not fully open. However, many appreciate the comfortable beds and the inviting atmosphere of the pub and on-site restaurant, where a satisfying dinner and breakfast can be enjoyed.
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Review score
Based on 6 verified reviews
7.9 /10
Very good
100%
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.6/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Great location
Helpful staff
Comfortable room
Cons
No hot water
Shower maintenance
Guest reviews
based on 6 reviews
7.9/10
based on 942 reviews
7.7/10
Jackson from United Kingdom
Single
double room private bathroom
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: August 29, 2025
7/10
excellent breakfast clean room comfortable bed noisy air conditioning warm night unclear procedure
the breakfast was very good (especially the full english option). the location was also excellent. it was within easy walking distance of all the main attractions. the room was clean and had a comfortable bed.
the air conditioning made loud noises. i had to turn it off. this meant i had to use a fan due to the warm night, but it was also noisy.
0 Helpful
Jayden from Australia
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 16, 2026
9.0/10

loved the experience!

clean room really good comfort friendly staff
i found the room very clean and spacious. the bed had really good comfort and i sleep very well. the location worked perfect for me because i could get to many attractions nearby. staff always have a smile for me.
the window in my room does not open much, it makes it difficult to get fresh air, the room got stuffy during the night, i will bring a small fan next time.
Dining
9/10
i saw that the pub had local produce, that is very nice. they offer locally caught fish dishes. the staff knows a lot about local wines and beers, they can help you choose.
Rooms
9/10
the room had beautiful decorations, it included all i needed. the bed was super comfy, it had comfortable pillows. drinks and toiletries were available. everything looked very clean here.
Facilities
8/10
the building have a fine design and i liked it very much. the bathroom was a good size and very confortable. wife like the scented soaps, shampoo, and conditioner. everything are close.
Service
10/10
the staff helped us with everything we asked for. they are knowledgeable and friendly. i think they were very good helping, all was seamless. definitely great service to experience.
0 Helpful
|
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Kevin from Ireland
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 25, 2025
7/10

Decent stay, some drawbacks

convenient location helpful staff english breakfast small room limited window noisy fan
The location was quite convenient for exploring the area. The full English breakfast really provided a good start to the day. The staff were very cute and helpful (I especially appreciated their quick responses).
My room was a bit small and cramped. The window could only be opened a few inches. The fan provided was quite noisy.
0 Helpful
Ethan from United States
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 15, 2025
6/10

Disappointing Overnight Stay

The location proved convenient for exploring local attractions.
The room I booked, a Double Room Private Bathroom, was not up to par. I found the noise insulation inadequate, especially with sounds from adjacent rooms easily audible. It disrupted sleep.
0 Helpful
Stella from Australia
Family with children
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 07, 2025
9.3/10

Wonderful stay in a charming location

helpful staff clean environment
The location was superb. It was a short walk to local services. The staff were cute and helpful . The room had comfortable pillows and well-stocked drinks. I enjoyed the spotlessly clean environment throughout the accommodation.
There was ONE disappointment. The breakfast service on one morning had a problem. It affected the start to our day.
Facilities
9/10
The pub offered local produce. I found this to be a great feature. Local wines from Balfour Winery were available for tasting, and the staff provided excellent recommendations for both wines and beers that added to my meal.
Rooms
10/10
The room was beautifully decorated. It provided everything needed for my stay. The bed was super comfy. There Were well-supplied drinks and toiletries, I found the room to be cosy, and relaxing. The cleanliness was spotlessly clean everywhere.
Location
8/10
It is in a quiet location. It is situated on the edge of town. It allows for a peaceful atmosphere. The hotel is a short walk to all services. THE attractions are within easy reach from the location.
Service
10/10
The staff demonstrated extensive knowledge regarding local wines. THEY helped us to make some excellent choices. Their helpfulness contributed positively to my overall experience, and I appreciate the staff's proactive support during the visit.
0 Helpful
|
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Christina from Germany
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: August 14, 2025
9.0/10

nice short escape

comfy bed clean bathroom available oat milk gift box
The bed provided excellent comfort. i found the bathroom super clean. oat milk existed in the room. I used it for teas. the staff provided a gift box with treats for my dog.
The room looked a bit disappointing. i noticed it was high up and felt hot. the windows have restrictors installed. I find these inconvenient because airing the room is difficult.
Facilities
9/10
this accommodation features family-friendly amenities. i saw dog-friendly services available. it is in an excellent location near public parking, simplifying travel logistics, and guaranteeing smooth arrivals.
Location
8/10
the inn has a central position. it allowed easy access to main attractions, and i found travel to be convenient. there is street parking nearby, offering viable options arriving by vehicle.
Rooms
9/10
the room included a private bathroom. i noted there was central heating, maintaining a consistent temperature. the bed guaranteed a restful sleep and i slept well each night.
Dining
10/10
i noticed the pub restaurant had lovely decor. the breakfast impressed me with fresh ingredients. the seasonal crumble impressed me and i recommend you try this.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The Ship Inn
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ship Inn?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 11:00.
How far is The Ship Inn from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve?
The Ship Inn is approximately 5 km from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
What dining options does The Ship Inn feature?
The Ship Inn offers an on-site restaurant serving traditional English pub dishes.
Does The Ship Inn provide Wi-Fi access?
The Ship Inn offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
What room amenities are available at The Ship Inn?
Rooms at The Ship Inn include flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea making facilities, and private bathrooms with free toiletries.
Are pets allowed at The Ship Inn?
Yes, The Ship Inn is dog-friendly and offers pet accommodation.
What attractions are close to The Ship Inn?
Nearby attractions include Rye Castle Museum (0.5 km), Mermaid Street (0.5 km), and Camber Sands Beach (3 km).
Does The Ship Inn have facilities for families?
The Ship Inn features family rooms and a children's menu at the on-site restaurant.
What type of cuisine is served at The Ship Inn?
The Ship Inn mainly serves traditional English pub dishes with daily specials.
Which airports are near The Ship Inn?
The nearest airports are London Gatwick Airport, located 100 km away, and London Southend Airport.
Is there a bar at The Ship Inn?
Yes, The Ship Inn has a bar/lounge area offering a selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
What languages are spoken by the staff at The Ship Inn?
Staff at The Ship Inn primarily speak English.
Can I hold events at The Ship Inn?
The Ship Inn has a private event room for group dining and meetings.

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