Smallhythe Place

This gorgeous 16th century half-timber framed cottage was once the country home of Ellen Terry, reportedly the highest paid actress of her time. Inside houses a collection of Ellen's theatre memorabilia, while outside in the pretty grounds you will find a nuttery, rose garden, orchard and her barn theatre.

Now owned by the National Trust, Smallhythe Place was once named Port House due to a shipyard that once, amazingly, operated here when the River Rother was still navigable by sailing ships. You can access the nearby St John the Baptist church via a path through the grounds.