Rye, East Sussex

Cobblestone streets are hard to get tired of, especially when they are bordered by adorable crooked houses. Rye is serene and attractive, located an hour and a half west of Brighton's top tourist destinations.

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and river from this fortified hilltop village. It's simple to understand why this quaint village is at the top of our list of England's best small towns. Start your sightseeing tour on Mermaid Street, making sure to see the timber-framed homes from the fifteenth century. Make it a game to see who can come up with the most unique name, like "The House with Two Front Doors". Explore one of the many hidden corridors before going to Simon the Pieman for the best scone (with cream and jam). The shops should be your next stop. Even while Rye has a few chain businesses, it is best renowned for its vintage and eclectic shops that sell everything from books to antiques. Here, the best spot to enjoy the view is St. Mary's church tower. From here, you can truly appreciate the terra-cotta roofs of the houses below.