Business Details
Experience a Historic Stay at The Mermaid Inn in Rye
The Mermaid Inn stands as a testament to centuries of English heritage, offering guests a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Established in the heart of Rye, our 600-year-old building has welcomed visitors since its reconstruction in 1420, preserving authentic features like sloping ceilings, creaking floorboards, and secret passageways while providing contemporary amenities. Our 31 individually designed rooms, each named after historical figures connected to Rye, combine Tudor architecture with modern conveniences, creating an immersive experience for discerning travelers. The Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, awarded two AA Rosettes, showcases seasonal local produce under the guidance of Head Chef Drew King, while the Giants Fireplace Bar offers an extensive selection of gins and whiskies in a setting steeped in smuggling history.As custodians of this historic property since 1993, we maintain its legacy through guided tours that reveal hidden priest holes and secret staircases, complemented by our commitment to preserving original features like Caen stone fireplaces and wattle-and-daub walls. Our dedication to exceptional service extends to special events, with a function room accommodating up to 90 guests and personalized wedding planning services that have made us a preferred venue for milestone celebrations.
Services
Historic Hotel
Fine Dining
Ghost Tours
Event Hosting
Wedding Venue
Bar Services
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Guided Tours
Room Service
Parking Facilities
Highlights and features
- We offer 600 years of preserved Tudor architecture with modern comforts
- Our Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant holds two prestigious AA Rosettes
- We provide exclusive guided historical tours through secret passageways
- We're the only hotel in Rye's medieval citadel with on-site parking
- Our event spaces combine historic charm with modern wedding facilities
Associations and certifications
- AA Rosette
What people say
Delicious food
Excellent service
Unique atmosphere
Engaging ghost stories
Well-maintained period features
Services
Historic Accommodation
Our 31 unique rooms offer an immersive historical experience with Tudor architecture features including curved timbers, Caen stone fireplaces, and secret passageways. Each room combines period character with modern comforts, featuring carved beds, oak panelling, and wattle-and-daub walls while providing contemporary amenities. Guests can choose from room types ranging from single occupancy to historical character suites, with special arrangements available for pets and accessibility needs.
Fine Dining
The two AA Rosette Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant offers seasonal menus showcasing local Kentish produce. Guests can dine in three distinct settings: the grand restaurant, intimate Dr Syn Dining Room, or private Boardroom. Our culinary team creates personalized menus for special occasions while maintaining traditional presentation in a historic setting with linen fold panelling and period ambiance.
Historical Tours
Guided tours led by owner Judith Blincow reveal the inn's 600-year history through secret passageways, priest holes, and smugglers' tales. Visitors explore original features like the Elizabethan Bedchamber and Dr Syn's Lounge while learning about the property's reconstruction after the 1377 French raid. Monthly tours include insights into the building's architectural evolution and ghost stories spanning centuries.
Event Hosting
The Tudor Function Room accommodates up to 90 guests for weddings and special events. Our packages include personalized planning, three menu options, and accommodation for guests in our historic rooms. The venue combines period features with modern facilities, offering a unique setting for celebrations with access to our award-winning catering services and central Rye location.
Bar Services
The Giants Fireplace Bar offers a historic drinking experience with real ales, 52 gins, and over 90 whiskies. Guests can enjoy the atmospheric setting where 18th-century smugglers once gathered, featuring a massive open fireplace and secret passageways. The bar serves locally sourced seafood and provides access to three outdoor patio areas within Rye's medieval citadel.
People
Judith Blincow
Owner
Judith Blincow has owned The Mermaid Inn since 1993, continuing careful stewardship of this historic property. She leads monthly guided tours, sharing the building's rich history from its 1156 cellars to Tudor-era features. Her ownership maintains the inn's legacy while ensuring modern comforts for contemporary guests.
Questions
How do I book a specific room at The Mermaid Inn?
Contact reception directly to reserve specific rooms or request particular amenities like showers. Our website lists all 31 rooms with images and features.
Are ghost tours available at The Mermaid Inn?
Monthly guided tours led by owner Judith Blincow explore the inn's history and supernatural stories. Tours run at 4pm and 5pm on the last Sunday of each month.
What dining options are available at The Mermaid Inn?
We offer two AA Rosette dining in the Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, casual meals in the Giants Fireplace Bar, and room service. Menus feature local Kentish produce.
Is parking available at The Mermaid Inn?
We provide 15 on-site parking spaces for hotel residents only in Rye's medieval citadel. Blue Badge holders and EV charging spaces require advance booking.
Are the rooms accessible for guests with mobility issues?
None of our historic rooms are on ground level. We recommend ground-floor public areas for guests with mobility concerns and advise contacting reception for specific needs.
Can I host a wedding at The Mermaid Inn?
Our Tudor Function Room hosts weddings for up to 90 guests with three package options. We offer personalized planning, bespoke menus, and accommodation for wedding guests.
Reviews (7)
Amanda Parsons
Jun 14, 2022
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Stayed overnight, the staff and especially the barman we amazing, we had lunch which tasted like the fryer needed cleaning out to be honest. The rooms are tired, I understand how old the hotel is, but there are things that could be updated for more comfort when spending so much money to stay there. The room (26) was over the kitchens so the smell of the old fryer oil filled the room the whole time we were in it.
We had dinner also and breakfast, the dinner was a bit strange with its pairing of produce, lamb with no choice of potatoes ect, breakfast with items missing from the full English breakfast and all items very over cooked. My partner ordered waffles with no bacon, but they came with it any way. The worst part of it all we both spent all night being sick and bad sadly, when I told reception I got the service charge taken off (8.98 off a bill over 350 pounds!) and told she would tell the chief. We won't be back
We had dinner also and breakfast, the dinner was a bit strange with its pairing of produce, lamb with no choice of potatoes ect, breakfast with items missing from the full English breakfast and all items very over cooked. My partner ordered waffles with no bacon, but they came with it any way. The worst part of it all we both spent all night being sick and bad sadly, when I told reception I got the service charge taken off (8.98 off a bill over 350 pounds!) and told she would tell the chief. We won't be back
Rhianna Miller
Apr 22, 2022
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We visited the Mermaid Inn for our anniversary. The staff were polite and they even gave us a card which was very thoughtful. The building was beautiful and the interior was very romantic & historical. I would give the staff and experience 5stars but. The huge let down however was the food. Again I find that the vegetarian options are very limited which you would have thought in this day and age would've been thought out a bit better.
I had the beetroot tartare to start which was so over flavoured I really could not eat another bite. The main, was red roasted peppers which was sloppy and again, to full of flavour. We also ordered the chips which came cold. This place is great to come for a drink but I really wouldn't recommend the food.
I had the beetroot tartare to start which was so over flavoured I really could not eat another bite. The main, was red roasted peppers which was sloppy and again, to full of flavour. We also ordered the chips which came cold. This place is great to come for a drink but I really wouldn't recommend the food.
Claire Ross
Apr 19, 2022
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Highly highly highly recommend dining here. I was visiting from London for the day and wandered into the pub. Great staff, delicious food and an wonderful experience overall. If you are gluten free they make a delicious GF fish and chips. some of the best I've had.
Ian Seale
Feb 15, 2022
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We stayed here on Monday, for our Wedding Anniversary. It was busy, being Valentine's Day, but not uncomfortably so. Every member of staff was incredibly pleasant and helpful, absolutely everyone. The Valentine's dinner was superb. Our room (35) was great, with a lovely 4-poster bed, although not one of the more historic rooms, but we'll take one next time, and there will be a next time. Rye is a lovely characterful, historic, place to visit, easy to explore, and the Mermaid Inn is historic character central. The Mermaid Inn was everything I expected it to be, and more.
Ash White
Feb 14, 2022
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Fantastic. Very Friendly staff. Room was breath taking. Food Lovely. The Best part was Actually seeing a white mist/shape walk past the bed at 3am! Spooky. A++++
Janette Wallace
Feb 04, 2022
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Highly recommended if visiting Rye. The history of the building is amazing. The staff were very welcoming and helpful and the well stocked bar and bar menu are equally worth visiting for (especially the Gin menu). English hospitality at its best.
Mbk Wildlife Photography
Jan 20, 2022
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What a building! Steeped in old character. There was a fire in the huge walk in fireplace taking the chill off beautifully. My partner and I enjoyed sharing a bowl of chips. Perfectly crispy. It was not crowded and the conversation flowed. The atmosphere was relaxed and the very old building presented a several backdrop. This was my first visit and mist enjoyable it was too.
