Local Attractions
Camber Castle - East Sussex - 1.56 miles
A rare example of an original Henrician fort. Nature Reserve, including castle. A visit to Camber Castle today involves a pleasant one mile walk across flat fields. The castle is managed by Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in co-operation with English Heritage and guided walks around the nature reserve and castle are organised regularly. The exterior of the castle is free to visit at any reasonable time, and the interior can be visited on weekend afternoons in the summer.
Hastings Centre - 7.59 miles
Hastings was once one of the Cinque Ports and is now a popular holiday resort with a three mile promenade which is reached via the narrow streets of the old town with its Tudor half-timbered buildings. Fishing boats are now winched up on the shingle beach as the harbour silted up centuries ago. The Fisherman's Museum contains the last lugger which was built in Hastings in 1909. Other museums of interest are the Museum of Local History and Hastings Museum. It was at Hastings that William the Conqueror prepared for the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066 where he defeated King Harold, although the actual battle was fought six miles north at the appropriately named town of Battle.
Rye Town - 2 miles
Perched on a hill, overlooking the River Rother and Romney Marsh, this ancient town is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination.
With enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, Rye is almost suspended in time and has a uniquely unhurried atmosphere. Compact enough to discover the key places of interest over a week-end but with plenty of secret treasures to entice you to stay much longer and to return again.
Winchelsea Cellar Tours
The Winchelsea Archaeological Society conducts an annual series of historical tours around Winchelsea in order to increase public awareness of the importance of the local heritage and build long-term public support for its conservation. The tours are led by volunteers. They are carefully researched and draw on work done by the Society and other archaeologists. The aim is to provide an entertaining and informative picture of medieval Winchelsea.
The Church
St Thomas's lies at the heart of Winchelsea and is open to all. We seek to care for all members of our community in a loving Christian environment.
Winchelsea is one half of the Joint Benefice of Winchelsea and Icklesham. Do join us at either venue, or at our daughter church of St Richard's, Winchelsea Beach. A warm welcome awaits you.
At St. Thomas's our main service on Sunday is at 10.30am and takes the form of a parish eucharist. Holy Communion is celebrated on Sunday at 8am and 9.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For those who desire it there is a Laying on of Hands and Anointing for those who desire it at 6 pm on Mondays.