Broad Oak

Broad Oak in East Sussex Village Guide

About Broad Oak in East Sussex

Located around a crossroads offering quick access to Rye, Tenterden and Hastings, Broad Oak is a well-placed village that can serve as a useful and enjoyable stop-off en route to any of these three locations.

It boasts the essentials in a shop and a good pub (more on which below) but also has a playing field along the Rye road complete with large wooden pirate ship that younger children will enjoy clambering all over. It even, wonderfully, has a well-known independent bakery selling a wide variety of fare including their famous speciality sausages (hot chilli flavour, anyone?) and sausage rolls – there hot and ready for you to take away.

The village is well served by local buses making hourly trips to Tenterden, Northiam and Rye. These are taken advantage of by the walkers who either start or end their treks here – with the Brede Valley below offering several footpaths to and from the coast for those up for a challenge.

Many of those ending their walk at Broad Oak will take advantage of the well presented and friendly pub called – to avoid any confusion – The Broad Oak. There is a strong sense of community here, evident with the varied and sometimes unusual events being hosted. For example, on our visit posters advertised ticketed talks by a local historian and actor as well as ‘live but not loud’ music for you to enjoy with your evening meal.

Aside from this convenience as a rest stop and transport hub for walkers who’ve made it all the way up from Rye or further, Broad Oak is essentially a residential community in a good location for those needing a break in their journey.

And if you do have children, and they’ve already played on the pirate ship, we do wonder who can spot the huge wooden polar bear roaring over a fence in the vicinity of the bakery … ?

Attractions and Activities

Lamb House

Lamb House was built in 1723 by James Lamb. Henry James leased the property and later purchased in 1899. It was here he wrote the Awkward Age, The Wings of the Dove, the Ambassadors and The Golden Bowl. In the … more

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is a captivating cultural institution nestled in the heart of Hastings, East Sussex, England. This museum and gallery showcase a diverse collection of exhibits that span a wide range of topics, offering visitors a fascinating … more

St Nicholas Church

Accommodation

Rye Harbour Cottage

A cosy 2 bedroomed cottage in Rye Harbour. Offers Lounge, kitchen/dining room, shower room downstairs, with one double bedroom + one twin room upstairs. Well situated to access local places of interest and close to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. … more

River Haven Hotel

A Warm welcome awaits you at the River Haven Hotel & Restaurant. This family run comfortable Hotel of 22 en-suite rooms in the Ancient town of Rye is situated on the Strand Quay over looking the River Tillingham. Our conservatory … more

The Highlands

This large secluded Victorian house sleeps 11 and has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside towards Rye. Inside the rooms are light and airy. The property has undergone a total restoration and refurbishment. Period features have been lovingly restored and … more