Welcome to the website of Rye Museum Association, a charity that operates two accredited museums situated in beautiful Rye, East Sussex. There is so much to explore! Our two museum sites, RCM East Street and RCM Ypres Tower, are just a short walk apart in the medieval town of Rye.  Our exhibits tell the stories of the history of Rye, its inhabitants and the surrounding area. We have lots of interesting books on these subjects and other souvenirs for sale at both sites.

The Ypres Tower is our main attraction, a Scheduled Monument built in the 13th Century. Together with the Medieval Garden and Women’s Tower,  they are collectively known as Rye Castle. Open daily throughout the year, it continues to welcome record numbers of visitors. Down the hill, just off the High Street, the East Street Museum is open at weekends from April until October.

RCM Ypres Tower

RCM Ypres Tower is open 7 days a week throughout the year.
March 30 – October 31 : 10:30 – 5:00, Last admission 4:30 November 1 – March 29: 10:30 am – 3:30 Last admission 3:00 pm

Admission charges :
Adults £5.00
Children under 16 go free but must be accompanied by an adult. Click here for more information on this ancient Scheduled Monument.

RCM East Street

RCM East Street is housed in a 19th Century bottling plant near the High Street. This collection is more the ‘town museum’ with exhibits on Rye history and local industry. It is open every Saturday and Sunday from the beginning of April until the end of October, from 10.30 until 4.30. Last Admission 4.00 pm.

Admission is free but donations are always gratefully received. We are an independent museum with no regular state funding. Click here for more information on the East Street museum.

A Video view

This short student film will give you an overview of the Castle and the town.