Ypres Tower Museum, Rye Castle

About

The Ypres Tower Museum—situated within the historic Rye Castle—offers visitors a captivating journey through the military and civic life of medieval Rye. A Grade‑I listed manor, the tower has served as a fort, a prison, an admiralty court and even the town’s morgue before becoming a museum in 1999. Exhibits in the tower showcase medieval pottery, prison artefacts, smuggling relics, and the workings of the castle’s gun battery, while the adjacent East Street site houses local‑history displays on shipbuilding, pottery, and the bustling harbour that once defined the town. With free entry for children under 16, a modest adult admission of £5, and a family‑friendly layout accessible to most visitors, the museum is a must‑stop for history enthusiasts, school groups, and anyone keen to explore the layers of Rye’s past.

Highlights

• Ypres Tower
• Medieval Garden
• Women’s Tower
• East Street Museum

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes

Tickets & pricing