Discover Winchelsea

Winchelsea combines an unusually clearly recognisable urban history with seasonal tours, paths along the Royal Military Canal and wine offerings at Wickham Manor. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, it is worth first considering whether your days should be shaped mainly by medieval culture, walks, views or a combination of these themes.

A town with medieval history

Winchelsea New Town was founded by Edward I on Iham Hill in 1288. The streets of New Winchelsea were laid out so that they intersect more or less at right angles. This distinctive town layout is one of the details you can consciously appreciate on a walk.

Several eras meet in St Thomas’ Church: it is known for its 20th-century stained-glass windows by Douglas Strachan and for the medieval Alard tombs. The historic fortifications also shape the town. Strand Gate is an original town gate from the late 13th century that provided access to Winchelsea harbour. New Gate was built in the 13th century, while the town ditch was an effective part of Winchelsea’s defences.

Tours and walks for different days

Historical walking tours of Winchelsea take place between May and September and include the Court Hall and the museum. Tours of the medieval cellars are also offered from April to October, usually on Saturday mornings. These fixed periods are helpful if you would like to plan your trip around a specific historical experience.

For a different way to experience the surroundings, the path along the Royal Military Canal is a good option. It runs along the eastern edge of Winchelsea and leads south to the sea at Pett and north to Rye. Winchelsea is also criss-crossed by a network of footpaths. From the viewpoint known as The Lookout, the view extends across the entire Romney Marsh. Depending on your plans for the day, you can therefore choose between the town’s history, a walk along the canal and a viewpoint.

Wine and protected landscape

At Wickham Manor, Charles Palmer Vineyard offers a Cellar Door, a vineyard trail and wine tastings. This complements the historical impressions with a visit focused on viticulture and the character of the local landscape. If your travel group has different interests, you can divide the days accordingly: a tour of Winchelsea, a walk along the Royal Military Canal or a visit to Charles Palmer Vineyard.

The protection of the surroundings is also part of the town’s history. The National Trust has protected the character of Winchelsea since 1975 by acquiring Wickham Manor Farm, with a land ring on three sides of the town. The area is also now a Conservation Area. This combination of the town layout, historic buildings and surrounding landscape makes choosing the right pace for your stay particularly important.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

For arriving by train, Winchelsea station is a useful point of reference: it is a 15-minute walk from the town centre. If you are looking for accommodation for several days, you can decide based on your planned activities how much importance to place on sightseeing, walks, tours or excursions towards Pett and Rye. A holiday apartment or holiday cottage is then best suited to a travel plan that leaves enough room for these different experiences.

More destinations for your travel plans

If you would like to include other places in your selection alongside Winchelsea, you can also view Buxted, Groombridge, Sedlescombe, Battle, Piltdown, Newick, Saint Leonards-On-Sea and Ninfield.

For the higher-level travel overview: East Sussex.