National Trust - Lamb House — Attraction in Ashford

Very interesting house with interesting literary connections. Set in an amazing area of outstanding architectural beauty. The house is of a small to medium size in comparison to other National Trust properties. However, that does not, in any way, diminish the brilliance of the house. The cafe is small so only outside seating may be available at busy times but don't let that stop you from trying because it is worth a visit as you can certainly enjoy a nice cup of tea there. One thing to look out for is when you enter the main house, look at the inside of the door with all it bolts and bars and how big it looks in the house in comparison to its proportions outside. I was travelling with my elderly mum and her friends. If you are travelling with elderly or disabled bear in mind that there is no parking on site. I dropped them off at the front door then went to park. You have to drive up the steep cobbled hill but it is fine for a car. I found some free one hour parking around the corner from the church but unfortunately it wasn't enough time when you do the cafe as well, if I had just done the house it would have been fine. Therefore, I had to move it into the public car park as you come into Rye. From there I walked towards the windmill, over the pedestrian crossing on the railway, be careful to make you sure you look properly before crossing, then just walked through the cut through opposite the estuary and up the hill to lamb house. Certainly a property worth visiting with some interesting stories attached to it so make sure you speak to the friendly guides...

Lamb House, where American novelist Henry James lived for a number of years, is one of the more interesting tourist attractions in the small model town of Rye, especially for literary aficionados. A tour of the house will take you under an hour and includes the living room, bedroom, library and so on, including genuine furniture and items used by Henry James. Nice, but not spectacular. James entertained many fellow writers and artists in this house, some of whom I personally find more interesting, like e.g. Stephen Crane (author of "The Red Badge of Courage" and "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets") or painter John Singer Sargent, whose "Carnation, Lily, Lily Rose" is one of my great favourites. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable. Just don't make the mistake I made and tell them that you find Henry James's own writing stuffy and boring! [In fact I don't know a single fellow student of American literature who hasn't fallen asleep while reading one of his novels] ;) - Anyway: A main attraction is the lovely garden, the largest of its kind in all of Rye. There you can relax for a while and imagine yourself to have been an important writer...

Attractive Georgian townhouse that was previously home to Henry James and E. F. Benson. Inside, the rooms are decorated with period features, and one room has been set aside for displays outlining the house's history. Outside, there's a pleasant walled garden with floral displays in spring and summer. Entry is free for National Trust members, and was £9.40 for adults at the time of my visit. It took under 50 minutes to look around the house and garden when I visited in December 2023, so it's not a full day out, but there's lots more to do in the picturesque town of Rye. Before or after visiting, I'd highly recommend a look around the surrounding streets and the historic church nearby. Being a small property, Lamb House has toilet facilities but no on-site parking - there are various paid parking lots in town, just a 15 minute walk away. At the time of my visit, the house was decorated with a 1970s Christmas theme, so won't typically appear exactly as in the photos. Check the National Trust website for up to date...