Rye After Dark is Rye’s newest haunt: a seated, indoor show at the Rye Heritage Centre that brings the town’s eeriest tales to life on the Rye Town Model with projection‑mapping, sound, light and scent. Expect 45 minutes of folklore, witch‑lore and a few well‑timed jump scares. 👻
Book tickets: See upcoming performances & tickets. Times, prices and availability are set by the venue and can change—always check the official page before you go.
Making a weekend of it? Base yourself by the beach in Camber Sands and dip into town for Rye After Dark—Rye is about 10 minutes away drive from our cottages or a creepy 1 hour walk – if you dare.
What you’ll experience (no spoilers)
This isn’t a walk; it’s a ~45‑minute sit‑down show where ghostly monks glide through miniature alleyways, haunted houses flicker to life and Rye’s witchcraft lore is retold with theatrical flair on the Rye Town Model. The Heritage Centre flags stronger effects and jump scares, so Rye After Dark is 15+ only and not advised for visitors with heart conditions or epilepsy/sensitivity. It’s immersive, atmospheric—and, as the Centre puts it, “seated and dry.” You may even hear a whisper about Mildred, the building’s reported resident spirit.
How to book Rye After Dark
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Check dates & tickets on the official Rye Heritage Centre page.
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Pick a timeslot that suits your evening in Rye (the show typically runs about 45 minutes).
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Review the guidance before you buy: 15+, jump scares, intense light/sound/scent; not suitable for some medical conditions.
Is it right for you?
If you enjoy haunted history and a controlled scare or two, Rye After Dark hits the sweet spot. It’s indoors and seated, so it works brilliantly if the weather turns. If you’re under 15—or affected by intense light or sound—this one isn’t for you.
Stay by the beach, haunt the town
Sleep in Camber Sands and pop into Rye for the show—it’s roughly 4–5 miles and 10 minutes by car depending on traffic. Park in Gibbets Marsh car park, then enjoy a short, level riverside walk to the Heritage Centre at The Old Sail Loft, Strand Quay, Rye, TN31 7AY.
Tip: The Heritage Centre itself recommends Gibbets Marsh; it’s the easiest long‑stay option for evening shows.
From Camber without a car: Stagecoach 102 runs Camber ↔ Rye; the ride typically takes around 10–15 minutes—check the timetable on the day.
Build your night around Rye After Dark
Use the show as the anchor for a spooky evening:
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Pair it with a guided stroll—see our guide to Ghost Walks Around Rye for routes and how to book. (Starts points vary; some walks begin by Town Hall.)
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Hit the classics after dark—our Haunted Rye roundup covers the Mermaid Inn lore, Ypres Tower and St Mary’s churchyard for extra chills. (The Mermaid Inn’s haunted reputation runs deep.)
Getting to Rye After Dark from Camber
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Drive: about 4–5 miles to Rye town centre (allow 10– minutes).
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Bus: Stagecoach 102 Camber ↔ Rye; typical journey ≈10–15 minutes; check live times. stagecoachbus.com+1
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Parking: Aim for Gibbets Marsh (height barrier 1.9m). Then walk riverside to Strand Quay / The Old Sail Loft.
Practical tips for the show
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Arrive a bit early: doors and seating run to a tight cue.
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Respect the guidance: jump scares; 15+ only; not advised for some health conditions.
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Groups: The Centre often offers private showings/talks for larger groups—perfect for societies or team socials; enquire directly.
Stay by the beach, haunt the town
Love the idea of a beach‑and‑ghosts break? See Camber Sands availability
We’re not affiliated with the Rye Heritage Centre; we just love spooky Rye and we’re based in Camber Sands, where we run local cottages perfect for coastal nights and eerie lights.
P.S. If you meet “Mildred,” tell us after—over fish and chips on the quay.
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