Cobbled Mermaid Street in Rye named among UK’s best main streets

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Cobbled Mermaid Street in Rye named among UK’s best main streets

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Mermaid Street in Rye, East Sussex, has been included in a list of 10 leading high streets in the UK compiled by the travel website World Atlas.

The selection recognised streets where the country comes alive, with entries spread across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Rye is a historic port town situated on the River Rother.

Its history as a trading harbour and the influence of its Roman and French past were among the features highlighted in the World Atlas assessment.

At the centre of the recognition was Mermaid Street, a steep, cobbled lane in the medieval part of the town that has become known for its picturesque appearance and popularity among photographers.

The street dates from the medieval period, when Rye was an important port within the Cinque Ports Confederation.

It contains well-preserved, half-timbered Tudor buildings alongside Georgian facades.

Mermaid Street was formerly called Middle Street.

The Mermaid Inn is located on the cobbled lane.

The inn was established in 1156 and retains its original 12th-century cellars, while World Atlas described it as one of Rye’s most frequently booked places to stay.

Another building on the street is The House With Two Front Doors, which takes its name from an unusual architectural feature dating from the 15th century.

At the lower end of the sloping street, Mermaid Street Cafe has blue-and-white fittings and serves coffee and Jude’s Ice Cream.

Mermaid Street has received other recognitions.

The Telegraph also included it in a list of the 20 prettiest streets in Britain, characterising it as a cobbled alley of closely grouped Georgian and half-timbered buildings.

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