Rye Heritage Centre — Attraction in Rother

Sometimes when a relatively small space is managed really well for decades, by people who fully appreciate the opportunity of what they have been loaned, and in doing so were given the enormous privilege of being able to provide such a super rare collection of interactive and entertaining vintage automata and working models that are seldom seen anywhere else in the Country on public display, this little space of marvelous mechanical delights and part of our costal social history was truly something to behold, reminisce over, relive fond childhood memories, show the children, and the grand children and for a time spend a few pennies of sheer enjoyment down memory lane. One of the best collections of rare penny slot machines, novelties and working models in all of the UK, all upstairs, well set out, perfectly displayed, and earning money for the Heritage Centre. Fantastic. Now....imagine some fool decided to change all that, send two thirds of the machines back, and move the few remaining machines downstairs, a shadow of it's former self. I don't think Rye Heritage Centre is exactly awash with funds. The machines once brought a good income, not any more. Academics are usually not entrepreneurs and this is a typical example of how to trash something. I do hope that whoever is currently in charge moves swiftly on, they probably think they're doing a good job? Unfortunately in most trusts and charities the hopeless get promoted and eventually end up at the top. In this instance they should be downgraded to a small kiosk to manage. I'm expecting some patronising response, but at the end of the day Rye Heritage Centre, you didn't appreciate what you had, and you ruined that for everyone . ...

It's astonishing that the authorities decided some time ago to close the tourist information centre in Rye. The Heritage Centre now occupies the site and is run by volunteers who do their utmost to fill in the obvious need for a TIC in a place as popular with visitors as Rye even though that's not their job and they don't have the time or resources to offer detailed help! The mostly friendly and knowledgeable volunteers look after the lovely Rye town model and the historic penny arcade amusements that the TIC used to house upstairs. The amusements are now downstairs, and there isn't much space available to them so be prepared to wait if there's a big group there. The charming amusements are operated via old penny coins, which you can get via a change machine (10 for £1) inside. Three of the automata were out of order on our last few visits which still leaves more than a dozen to view. Otherwise the heritage centre sells a nice selection of postcards (mostly £1 each), bags (cotton Rye branded tote bag £4.99) and local themed gifts plus walks booklets. And of course there is a downstairs display on the history of Rye which is free to look at plus the town model with a sound and light show aka the story of Rye for which there's a charge (£5 adult). If you are interested in local interest books or those by local authors, check out the selection of second hand titles available in the gift shop. There's usually a good selection from local authors such as James and Benson. They are reasonably and individually priced - a Penguin Classic James paperback cost me £2. Edited to say new Smugglers attraction is currently closed for maintenance (2 July) so phone ahead if that's the purpose...

I visited Rye on Thursday 1 September 2022, for a short visit on the way to Hastings. I walked from the coach drop off point which was just outside the market area. I have a walking disability so the walk took me approximately 15 minutes and it is slightly uphill. On the way I passed some interesting artisan shops including a local pottery. The landmark to look out for is a pub called The Pipemakers Arms. The centre is all on the ground floor. I didn't have much time to look around as fortunately, the light show in the model room took precedence. Actually, there were only 2 of us present. Please note that although the official cost of the show is £4.50 there is a concession rate of £3.75 , for over 60s which I duly claimed! The model room has wooden block seating and more up a step with a handrail. The presentation film took just over 15 minutes but it felt longer because it was packed with information regarding the making of the model, the history of the town and it's wall and some rather grisly historical events. The model was automatically lit up at strategic points to illustrate the geography of the town. This show would be an excellent way for people to decide what to see in Rye, especially if they were staying in the town. The volunteer couple, Mike and Sara were very affable. I understand that in the near future,a lift will be installed so that they can open up the upper floors. There are public toilets a few feet away from the centre. There is also a disabled toilet but this has a combination lock, so best to ask...