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.

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Rye Town Hall
Rye Town Hall

Built in 1742, the elegant Georgian Town Hall in Rye is an ideal venue for your special day. A unique … more

Listed in: Town Halls

Message Board

Missing Cat

Geronimo is a 9 month old neutered male cat who has gone missing from the Goldhurst Green area of Icklesham. … more

Elm Tree Farm Information

Interested in your boot fair. Are there toilet facilities available?

Attractions and Activities

Rye Hire

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Closed weekends unless by prior arrangement for bike/wheelchair hire. CYCLE HIRE Good quality all-terrain & touring cycles for hire £20 per day or £15 for 4 hours (conditions apply) Close to railway … more

Rye Museum: East Street

Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The … more

Gun Gardens

The Gun Gardens are set in-front of the Ypres (Wipers) Tower and has a battery of cannons facing out to sea. The views over the river Rother and across to the sea and Romney Marsh are well worth a visit.

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.

Rye Harbour Cottage

A cosy 2 bedroomed cottage in Rye Harbour. Offers Lounge, kitchen/dining room, shower room downstairs, with one double bedroom + one twin room upstairs. Well situated to access local places of interest and close to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. … more

Rye Windmill B&B

Rye’s white smock windmill is a grade II listed building and one of its most famous landmarks. Tucked away in one of England’s quaintest coastal towns, our welcoming Bed and Breakfast is ideally located with the High Street and the … more

Restaurants

The Gallivant

The Gallivant Restaurant With Rooms is across the road from the dunes and the beautiful sandy beach beyond. Inspired by the coastal motels you might find in California. It is a a relaxing hideaway from the stresses and strains of … more

Haydens Coffee Shop

Fair trade and organic tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and cakes served in a warm friendly atmosphere every day. Fully licensed.

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

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