Winchelsea

The small village of Winchelsea in the county of East Sussex grew from the site of an ancient settlement and medieval town. Winchelsea was founded in 1288 by Edward I after fierce storms had battered the older town and it was lost to the sea; the old Winchelsea now lies beneath the waters of Rye Bay. This picturesque Sussex village was once of great importance in cross-Channel trade and was even home to a naval base.

Winchelsea today reflects a carefully planned town on a hill that was built on a grid design, with beautiful views across marshland and sea. There are ample amenities, shops, pubs and eateries as well as visitor attractions and historic sites both in the town and surrounding area, including; the Church of St Thomas the Martyr, the three medieval gates that still stand guard and hidden below the streets, a labyrinth of wine cellars recalls the days when the old port town was a major player in the wine industry and traded with Guyenne.