Last weekend we took ourselves off to the South Coast to visit some friends who recently moved to beautiful Rye. I must say, I am a little bit jealous, as it is a lovely little place to live, packed with gorgeous shops to browse on a laid back Saturday afternoon...
We only had a few hours to shop before they all closed for the day, but I thought I'd share a few of my favourites; the ones I think you should definitely make a beeline for when you visit the town.
Lion Street Store
A compact little shop that is full of beautiful things. A mix of homewares, books, clothing, stationery and vintage finds, I was really chuffed to hear that they had stocked my book and it had sold out in a week! They had a lovely selection of indie magazines too, which I'd very much like to see 91 Magazine alongside some day soon!
Four Doors
This quirky little shop originally started off as a pop up shop selling Ladybird books, but is now a permanent fixture selling of homewares, stationery and party supplies and other lifestyle products. I really loved some of their creative display ideas, such as these old drawers holding books...
The Shop Next Door
This is actually the shop joined to Rye's well loved hotel The George. They stock all the things that you find in the hotel. So if you really loved those towels you can actually take some home without feeling guilty about discreetly slip them in your luggage!! Even if you haven't stayed in the hotel (which I haven't) you will still feel inspired by their lovely collection of homewares and beauty products. I really loved this little display they had in the window...
Crock and Cosy
For those of us with a deep love for kitchenalia, Crock and Cosy is literally like walking into heaven! It is filled floor to ceiling with vintage crockery, glassware, tupperware, enamelware, cutlery, pyrex, textiles, jelly moulds, utensils, you name it! I could spend hours in here!
There is no website, but here is the address: Strand Quay, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7DB
Wishbarn Antiques
For those vintage fans that love a good old rummage, Wishbarn will be right up your street. From furniture and mirrors to zinc buckets and door knockers, you could even take home an enormous fairground sign if the mood took you! My friend also spotted an original sign from The Laines in Brighton - it's 'original' status giving it a hefty price tag, but still, interesting to see.
And there you have it, my afternoon of whizzing round the streets of Rye! I can't wait to go back down in the summer months, when we can incorporate ice cream and a beach visit into our trip!
All photos: Caroline Rowland