Icklesham
Icklesham in East Sussex Village Guide
About Icklesham in East Sussex
Icklesham village is located approximately six miles east of Hastings on the A259, Hastings to Rye Road. The village has several public houses. The church is dedicated to All Saints and St Nicolas and dates back to the 12th century.
Icklesham stands on the ridge between the coast and river Brede, offering views to the hills at Fairlight to the south and the Brede valley on the other side. The name Icklesham (which was possibly derived from Anglo Saxon – Iclingas Ham the home of the Iclas family) was recorded in 772 as Icoleshamme, in a land charter signed by Offa, King of Mercia. The village was probably a prime target during the invasion by the Normans in 1066 as in earlier times it dominated the river Brede. This strategic importance led, some seven hundred years later to evacuation plans being drawn up in case of invasion by Napoleon.
There is an old smock windmill on Hogs Hill which has been restored and used as a recording studio by Sir Paul McCartney. The 1066 walk (which runs from Pevensey to Rye via Battle) goes through the village.
Attractions and Activities
Hastings Fishermen’s Museum
A former fishermen’s church by old net shops, now a museum on local fishing with ship models, nets, old photographs and the Lugger ‘Enterprise’, built in 1912. An adjacent net shop may also be viewed, together with 4 more fishing … more
Hastings Aquarium
Take the ultimate undersea safari at Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings. Enjoy incredibly close encounters with hundreds of amazing aquatic creatures. Explore our remarkable reptile zone with exotic snakes and curious bearded dragons.
Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin
For almost 900 years the Parish Church of Rye, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, has dominated the hill on which the old town stands. It has stood through good times and bad. In 1377 when the town was looted … more
Accommodation
Manor Farm Oast
Built in 1860, Manor Farm Oast is situated in the middle of a working farmland and features a garden and free on-site parking.
Glencoe Farm
Set in 5 acres and yet just over a five minute walk to the town centre and citadel of Rye, Glencoe is peacefully situated overlooking fields towards the ancient town of Winchelsea. The many excellent restaurants and public houses of … more
The Highlands
This large secluded Victorian house sleeps 11 and has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside towards Rye. Inside the rooms are light and airy. The property has undergone a total restoration and refurbishment. Period features have been lovingly restored and … more
Restaurants
The Mermaid Inn
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more
Flackley Ash Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Located in the Sussex countryside 4 miles from the historic town of Rye, Flackley Ash is a delightful Grade II listed Georgian country house with an award-winning restaurant, a bar and spa facilities. The hotel’s spa features various treatment rooms. … more
The Ship Inn
In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more