A town in East Sussex is often named one of the best seaside resorts - but it's actually miles away from the sea.
The picturesque village of Rye was once one of south-east England's most important ports and, while its function has changed over the years, its historic charm remains.
The town is known for its cobbled streets, unique buildings and traditional-style pubs, together with quirky shops, swanky cafes and trendy restaurants.
Which? magazine lists Rye among the best seaside towns in the country along with Bamburgh in Northumberland, Dartmouth in Devon and Portstewart in Northern Ireland - despite being a three-mile walk away from the sea, reports the Express.
The nearest seaside destination is Camber Sands, the only sand dune system in East Sussex, with over two miles of beach.
From Rye, you can reach Camber Sands by bus, car, or embark on a three-mile hike if you enjoy walking.
The town near the coast attracts thousands of visitors a year especially in summer, as it can be easily reached by train from London.
In the past, Rye was a fishing village next to the sea, but the waters have since retreated with the English Channel now a few miles from the town.
Rye was originally part of the Manor of Rameslie and promised to the Abbey of Fécamp by Ethelred the Unready after the Abbey provided him sanctuary in 1014.
When the territory of Normandy was returned to the French in 1205, Rye went with it and was not reunited with the English Crown until 42 years later.
The French regularly attacked or raided Rye - and in 1377, an attack resulted in the complete desolation of the town following a fire.
Under English rule, Rye underwent regeneration and fortification and four gates were built to protect the town, explains Historic UK.
The strength of defence was tested when the French invaded again in 1449, once more setting fire to buildings, although not causing the scale of devastation as previously.
Modernisation of defence was implemented in the 15th and 16th centuries but today only one of the gates, the Landgate, remains.
The other famous defensive structure that still remains in Rye is the Ypres tower.
Apart from the near Camber Sands and the multiple attractions in town, visitors can also explore Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
The stunning reserve won a 2021 Travellers' Choice award and has been rated the ninth best attraction in East Sussex by TripAdvisor and is ever-popular among walkers and bird-watchers, reports Sussex Live.
The East Sussex Naturists club is also known to visit the town so if you feel like stripping down to your birthday suit, Rye is the place for you.
Bamburgh in Northumberland topped the list in a Which? magazine survey of the best seaside towns across the UK.
Criteria included the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.
Bamburgh scored an impressive 88% putting it firmly in the first place, with one beachgoer commenting that it has "super-soft sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, and there is plenty of space, so the beach never feels crowded".
The seaside town is famed for its sandy beach which also features the ruins of its ancient castle; in fact, the quality of its beach and seafront were some of its highest scores, as well as the peace and quiet to be found even during peak times.
