About Winchelsea
Within the Winchelsea, East Sussex web site you can find accommodation in Winchelsea including self catering, bed and breakfast, B&B and hotels. The Winchelsea site also has restaurants, Tourist Information, things to do in Winchelsea, shops and more in the directory!
Winchelsea, the smallest town in England, stands 2 miles west of medieval Rye. A charter of 1277 fortified the town against French invaders, the town being rebuilt and laid out in grid form - the first example of town planning in England.
At this time there was a harbour, and Winchelsea, as well as Rye, was one of the 'Ancient Towns' affiliated to the Cinque Ports. Inhabitants of this original settlement moved to the new inland hill site after storms and floods in the 13th century. During the 14th century the town was attacked on many occasions by the French and the population dwindled.
One of the founders of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, preached his last outdoor sermon in the town on the 7th October 1790 when he was aged 87.
Today Winchelsea is an unspoilt, quiet, small town of much character well worth exploring with delightful walks and fine views towards the coast. There are two pubs serving lunchtime and evening meals and a tearoom serving lunches and teas every day except Tuesday.
Winchelsea also offers the following:
"The Little Shop" - Winchelsea's award-winning community-owned general store. An incredibly wide range of stock, including fresh bread from the Rye Bakery, fruit and vegetables delivered Monday - Saturday, milk and dairy produce, newspapers and lots of local produce. Open seven days a week.
"Winchelsea Post Office" - a community-owned sub-post office. Open 9.00am to 12:30pm from Monday to Friday.
"Winchelsea Community Office" - a community resource centre providing public access to computers, broadband internet, photocopier and fax. Displays local government information. Hosts an online Public Information Kiosk and displays tourist information including a list of local B&Bs.