The splendid gatehouse of Rye House is open free this Sunday 14 September as part of Heritage Open Day. There is usually an admission charge.

Rye House was built in 1443 on an island and the site, although stripped of the big house, still has the feel of an island. 

On Sunday you can climb up to the gatehouse roof and take a close look at the brick ‘barley sugar’ chimney. Inside there are details of the Rye House Plot to kill Charles II.

The best place for lunch is the Rye House pub although it is likely to be crowded.

The gatehouse will be open from 10am to 3pm.

See pages 76 to 80.