iTravelUK > Attractions > Museums > England > Southeast > Sussex
Rye Castle Museum and the Ypres Tower
This private museum is housed in two separate buildings. The Ypres Tower, is a medieval fortification which fortunately survived the the town's burning at the end of the 14th century by the French. Built as a fort in 1250, the building has been used a private residence, a prison and a mortuary prior. Today, displays include smuggling memorabilia, ironwork, medieval pottery and the unique Romney Marsh Sheep. At the other half of the museum on East street, you'll see the old fire engine, displays of Rye's famed pottery such as the Sussex Pig. You'll also find relics of Rye's days as a Cinque Port such as uniforms and ship models.
Hastings Fishermen's Museum
Housed in the Old Fishermen's Church (1852), this museum is clearly a work of love. The Fishermen's Museum was created by locals who felt the need to preserve Hastings' maritime history. Rather than dismantle the Enterprise , one of the last luggers (sailing fishing boat), they knocked down a wall of the museum and pulled the old lugger in. It's a tight squeeze. The rest of the space is taken up with maritime artefacts, from fishing nets to models and photos. A real delight.
Shipwreck Heritage Centre
Located within the Stade, this centre houses a medieval barge, a Victorian barge, a collection of rudders from the 15th to the 18th centuries and a selection of artefacts recovered from various wrecks. Visitors can witness live radar footage of shipping within the English Channel or get an update on the weather from live satellite images. Alternatively, you can watch videos of wrecks such as that of the Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam of 1749.
Old Town Hall Museum
Open since 1949, the Old Town Hall Museum features changing historical exhibitions. On permanent display, you'll find exhibits which will take you into the past of the Old Town. The historical tour will take you through the turbulence of the Medieval Age, the history of the Cinque Ports, Hastings as a Victorian resort and Napoleonic garrison and the 1930's clearances.
Arundel Museum and Heritage Centre
The town's lively and colourful past is illustrated by the splendid exhibits and superb collection of photos which give a unique glimpse into the development of the town and the lives of those who lived here. An excellent local museum it is also conveniently located with the same building as the Arundel Tourist Information Centre.
Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
Over 45 historic buildings rescued from destruction and rebuilt in the heart of the South Downs National Park, bringing to life the homes, farms and workplaces of the south east of the past 500 years.
The Grange " Library and Museum
Currently housing the town library and museum, this building was given its elegant Georgian appearance by Reverend Thomas Hooker. The building was named by a former resident, Sir William Nicholson, a celebrated society portrait painter. The Grange was later enlarged by Sir Edward Lutyens on behalf of Sir George Lewis. On your trip, you can also visit the Grange Art Gallery which hosts changing exhibitions.