England has no shortage of historic towns filled with charming streets and cosy pubs. However, one particular spot gained attention when it was showcased on TikTok by @theoandrodrigo, an adventure-loving couple who blog their travels.
For a recent video, Theo and Rodrigo explored Rye, in East Sussex, and they loved their day trip. Praising the medieval town, the couple wrote: “Did you know there is a fairytale town just 1 hour away from London? If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from London, choose Rye!”
In their video, Theo and Rodrigo continued: “Did you know there is a fairytale town just an hour away from London? It’s called Rye, and it looks like it was just frozen in time. Picture cobblestone streets, cute houses, and a hilltop castle just watching over it all.
“The highlight is Mermaid Street, often called one of the prettiest streets in England. Lined with crooked cottages and little shops, you want to wander into. It’s the perfect place for a slow stroll, a cosy pub lunch and a step back in history. Getting there is super easy.
“Just hop on a train from London with a quick change in Ashford, and if you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can even stop at the Ashford Designer Outlet before heading home. What do you think? Happy travels!”
The video proved popular, and many commenters said they would love to visit. Responding to the post, which earned over 3,500 views, someone said: “Is it really an hour? It is beautiful.” The couple replied: “Yes 1h6m minutes roughly with a stop in Ashford.”
A second comment read: “WOW looks beautiful. I’ll check it out next time I’m in London. Just my vibe.” A third added: “It’s never been on my radar. Looks lovely.” Meanwhile, someone shared: “Loved going there for a day trip, was so cute and fun to explore.”
Rye has been described as a ‘stylish cobbled citadel’, by one tourism website, which says: “A medieval citadel huddled against invaders and the sea, Rye reveals its history gently.
“Today it’s home to a myriad of art, curiosities and cosy pubs, as well as modern boutique hotels and contemporary restaurants serving the best Sussex has to offer, from land and sea. Built on smuggled secrets and timeless tales, Rye has nooks and crannies to explore and distant views across Romney Marsh to ponder.”
Mermaid Street is popular on Tripadvisor, where it has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of five and has been branded one of England’s prettiest streets.
One visitor wrote: “Mermaid Street is a real must to visit. Its steep cobbled incline and character buildings either side are a site to behold. We had the added advantage of actually staying for two nights in the absolutely superb Mermaid Inn which you will find approx. 3/4 of the way up the cobbled street.
“We saw many people taking pictures and selfies in this street as it is idyllic and fills you with a bygone era which is timeless and unique. There are many car parks in Rye which do not cost a fortune and walking around the town is a must. Having said that the walk may not suit everyone so make sure you have good walking shoes.”
Someone else agreed: “A must see little village with quaint little shops and lots of history. Great places to eat and pubs to check out. Go early as it has a lot of tourists later in the day.”