Literary house & garden / RYE

Lamb House

Henry James and E. F. Benson both lived in this Georgian house on West Street. Explore the rooms that connect their writing with life in Rye, then step into the walled garden for a different pace. The Green Parlour is a particular literary focus; the separate garden writing room was destroyed during the Second World War, so the present visit combines surviving interiors with the garden.

Before you go

Check the National Trust date calendar before planning around the house. Opening is not daily, and the garden and upper rooms require different access arrangements.

The practical details

Where to find it: West Street, Rye TN31 7ES
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Ordinary admission is paid, with National Trust membership arrangements available. Check the date-specific opening calendar and current concessions. Exhibitions change; confirm a particular display before travelling, especially around the autumn season end.
Access and getting around: Three steps lead into the house, and two flights of stairs reach the first floor. Small rooms and changes of level restrict access. The garden has narrow, uneven and loose-gravel paths; discuss a suitable visit with the team. Toilets are listed on the ground floor/courtyard. There is no on-site visitor parking.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Best for children who enjoy stories, old rooms and a short garden explore. Keep the route manageable around stairs and historic interiors, and check any current family activities before promising them. Assistance dogs only are admitted.

Practical information checked 14 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1–1½ hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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