Rye Castle & Prison
Find Us
Rye Castle & Prison (Ypres Tower) is a short walk from Rye town centre. Nearby parking and Rye station make it easy to reach, with historic rooms and views over the River Rother waiting inside.
If in doubt head towards the church of St. Marys and we are 1 minute from the front door.
Your Vist
To Rye Castle
Open 7 days a week throughout the year except on 25th Dec.
Last admission 30 minutes before close.
25th March – 31st October: 10:30am – 5:00pm
November 1 – March 24th: 10:30am – 3:30pm
Admission to the Tower:
Adults: £5.00
Children: Under 16 free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Save time by booking your ticket online.
When at
The Castle
We know that many visitors like to bring their four-legged friends along to explore Rye, and dogs are welcome in our outdoor spaces. Dogs may also be permitted inside the tower at the discretion of the steward on duty — please speak to a member of staff on arrival. We ask that all dogs remain on a lead and under close control at all times, out of consideration for other visitors.
Accesability &
Safety
Please be aware that the tower features steep, narrow stairs across its multiple levels, which may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
Only the ground floor of the tower is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. If you have any questions about accessibility or your visit before you arrive, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
East Street Museum
Free To Enter
A visit to Rye Castle pairs wonderfully with a trip to our sister site, the East Street Museum, just a short walk away near the High Street.
Housed in a 19th-century bottling plant, it serves as the town museum for Rye, with displays covering pottery, fashions, toys, Cinque Port regalia, shipbuilding, and the changing harbour.
The impressive 18th-century fire engine used by the Rye volunteer fire brigade takes centre stage, and a much-loved exhibit celebrates Captain Pugwash, the popular character created by Rye’s own John Ryan.
Toilets &
Facilites
The castle is home to a small shop which contains books, pens, magnets and other historical merchandise.
We take cash and all major cards.
Please note that there are no toilet facilities within the castle itself — the nearest public toilets are located in the Gun Garden, just outside.
Changes &
Occasionally, arrangements may need to change due to operational reasons, maintenance, weather, staffing, or unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, we will do our best to offer an alternative arrangement where available.
Contact Details
If you need to update your booking, clarify arrival arrangements, or discuss access and supervision requirements, please contact the team before your visit. Keeping communication open in advance helps us prepare for your group and gives you the smoothest possible experience on the day.
groups@ryemuseum.co.uk