Address: 24, High Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7JF.

Telephone: 01797 224748

Website: rye-tourism.co.uk/whitevine

First impressions: Gorgeous wisteria-covered guesthouse smack in the middle of Rye's high street, which itself neatly dissects the hill-top cinque port town. Built as the Whyte Vyne Inn in 1560, the house went on to acquire a Georgian facade that is now festooned with vines and hanging baskets.

What are the rooms like? Large and welcoming in the country-house tradition, with oak beams and old books.

The bed test: Big and soft, with fresh white linen. Two rooms have four-posters; the family suite in the attic has a teddy bear on every bed.

The bathroom: All seven rooms have ensuite bathrooms or showers.

The restaurant: Yes and no. The White Vine does a smashing breakfast and serves up lunch to passing shoppers. But at night, staff point the way to local eateries and the White Vine's sister hotel, the Hope Anchor, which offers Dover sole and lamb from the Romney marshes.

What is there to do nearby? Explore the exquisite cobbled streets (and inhale a whiff of Rye's smuggling past); climb the church tower for a great view of the town and the marshland below; haunt the dozens of antique shops; hire a bike and follow the cycle path to the dunes at Camber Sands, or take the road further on to the beachhuts and nuclear power station at beautiful, bereft Dungeness.

How much? £95 for two on a B&B basis; special break deals include a three-course dinner at the Hope Anchor and range from £65 for a single to £145 for two sharing the antique four-poster room.