Pictures of Smallhythe
in the county of Kent
About Smallhythe
Between the 14th and the 16th-centuries this lovely Wealdon hamlet was a flourishing port and famous ship building centre where one of Henry VIII war-ships was built. Henry himself visited the yard in 1537 to view the progress of 'The Grand Masters' the name given by the king to his new vessel.
The shipyards closed when the River Rother altered its course. Now it no longer flows through Smallhythe but follows a route from Newenden to Rye. None-the-less, Smallhythe continues as a popular village attracting a healthy number of tourists who mainly come to see the attractive home once occupied by actress Dame Ellen Terry.
Smallhythe Place was built in 1480 originally it was the Customs House for the port. The house is close-studded and of magnificent proportions, with the whole of the upper storey overhanging the lower front elevation. Smallhythe Place perfectly reflects all the charm and elegance of the English country house and we are fortunate that it has been preserved as a museum illustrating the life and times of Ellen Terry who lived in the house for 30 years, before dying there in 1928. On show in delightful room settings are some of the exquisite costumes worn by the great Shakespearean actress during her theatrical career, these are in stark contrast with mementoes of her private life from which there are captivating glimpses of her in the role of wife and mother. Smallhythe Place and it's stunning collection was given to the National Trust by Dame Ellen Terry's daughter. It is open to public view and makes a fascinating visit.
At nearby Tenterden you can see the handsome church dedicated to Saint Mildred, typical Wealden houses along its grass-verged streets and take a trip on the preserved steam line of the Kent and East railway.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Smallhythe
| Great Maytham Hall | (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Hole Park Gardens | (4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Lamb House | (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Rye Castle Museum | (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Sissinghurst Castle Garden | (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Bodiam Castle | (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Camber Castle | (7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway | (11.8 miles, 19.1 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Darwell Reservoir | (12.2 miles, 19.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Hastings Country Park | (12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Scotney Castle | (12.9 miles, 20.7 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Buckleys Yesterday's World | (13.2 miles, 21.3 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Battle Abbey | (13.5 miles, 21.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Hastings Castle | (13.5 miles, 21.8 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Stade Amusement Park, Hastings | (13.6 miles, 21.9 km, direction S) | Pictures |
All attractions in SmallhytheAll attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Smallhythe
Tenterden, in the county of Kent (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction N)
The town is located on slightly rising ground looking out over the vast agricultural landscape of the Rother Levels, which sweep down to the Romney Marshes and finally, the sea.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Rolvenden, in the county of Kent (3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction W)
Surrounded by a well-wooded landscape, this delightful village was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book, so we are assured of its long history.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Appledore, in the county of Kent (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction E)
This picturesque village with its wealth of attractive architectural properties sits quietly on the edge of Romney Marsh.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Playden, in the county of East Sussex (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction S)
Playden is situated just north of Rye. It is most noted for its beautiful Norman Church dedicated to St. Michael which dates from around 1190.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Rye, in the county of East Sussex (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction S)
Regarded by many as the prettiest town in England, Rye is a very popular place to visit along the south coast of England in...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Brookland, in the county of Kent (6.7 miles, 10.7 km, direction SE)
This is a pretty area full of natural wonders to be discovered on quiet walks or by taking a cycle ride along the paths of the many rivers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Cranbrook, in the county of Kent (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction NW)
Cranbrook is an old rural town of numerous streets and alleys, all still true to their medieval layout.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Winchelsea, a Historic Market Town in the county of East Sussex (8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction S)
This is a pretty, busy little town tucked along a ridge overlooking Pett Level.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Camber, in the county of East Sussex (8.5 miles, 13.8 km, direction SE)
Backed by the Walland Marsh, Camber has one of the finest stretches of pure sand and sand dunes found along the East Sussex coast.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Brede, in the county of East Sussex (8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction SW)
The delightful village stands on the southern slopes of the Brede River. It is but a short distance from the town of Battle, famous for the Battle of Hastings.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Pluckley, in the county of Kent (9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction N)
The village, which is scrambled on a ridge above the scenic River Beult, is said to be the most haunted village in England.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Ticehurst, in the county of East Sussex (12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction W)
For a village worthy of a picture postcard, Ticehurst would be hard to beat. It is all enchanting white weatherboarded cottages hidden beneath russet tiles interspersed around a pleasant square with a church.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Battle, in the county of East Sussex (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction SW)
Battle is a unique town in the county of Sussex built on the very site where William the Conqueror defeated king Harold of England and his Saxon army in 'The Battle of Hastings' in 1066.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Burwash, in the county of East Sussex (13.8 miles, 22.3 km, direction W)
It is from his home in this very English village that Rudyard Kipling penned the wise and wonderful words of his poem 'If'.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hastings, in the county of East Sussex (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction S)
Hastings is an old fishing town along the southern coast of England. It offers all the traditional amusements of the seaside but retains much of the character of its colourful past.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Appledore Station | (5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction E) |
| Rye Station | (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction S) |
| M20 Junction 9 | (11.1 miles, 17.8 km, direction NE) |
| M20 Junction 10 | (11.3 miles, 18.1 km, direction NE) |
| Lydd Airport | (12.4 miles, 19.9 km, direction SE) |
| London Gatwick Airport | (38.9 miles, 62.6 km, direction W) |
| Smallhythe to London | (48.2 miles, 77.5 km, direction NW) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Smallhythe
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Smallhythe center |
| Little Silver Country Hotel | (3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction N) |
| Best Western London Beach Country Hotel & Golf Club | (3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction N) |
| Rye Lodge Hotel | (6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction S) |
| The George In Rye | (6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction S) |
| The Hope Anchor | (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction S) |
| The George Hotel | (8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NW) |
| Olde Moat House | (8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction E) |
| New Inn | (8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction S) |
| The Brickwall Hotel | (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction SW) |
| Headcorn Lodge Hotel | (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction NW) |
| All hotels in Smallhythe |
