Sussex town named most 'naturally beautiful' place in UK

The accolade was awarded to Rye by expert property finders Garrington as they looked to establish the best places to live in 2021.

The company rated 1,372 locations based on their architectural beauty, natural beauty and the quality of life they offered their residents.

Argus Camera Club member David Bolton took this wonderful photograph of Rye. For a chance to see your picture featured here, join the camera club at www.facebook.com/groups/cameraclubargus

And picture perfect Rye finished in first place in the natural beauty stakes.

The rankings are based on each town or city's proximity to open water, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

And, sandwiched in between the stunning High Weald AONB and Sussex coastline, Rye was bound to perform well.

It's exemplary performance in this category, twinned with a 68th place finish in terms of architectural beauty and a respectable 205th place finish on the quality of life front saw Rye named the 6th best place to live in the UK in 2021.

The notorious Hawkhurst Gang was often frequent the Mermaid Inn in Rye with loaded guns on the table. Photo: Richard Rogerson

A Garrington spokesman said: "Nestled between the green rolling hills of the South Downs and the English Channel, the East Sussex town of Rye clinched the top spot in the natural beauty category.

"Its medieval cobbled streets are packed with half-timbered houses, cosy cafes and ancient inns, and the town’s winning combination of beach walks and architectural splendour propelled it to sixth place overall in our ranking.

"At £480,000 for an average-sized family home, Rye’s property prices place it in the mid-budget category of our ranking."