This post provides a suggested itinerary for getting out of town for a flexible break. It assumes a mix of cyclists and non-cyclists (drivers) for flexibility. Derek Jarman's House still with the black and yellow paintwork.
This uses one of the routes from the Lost Lanes book by Jack Thurston.
Thursday
07:39 St Pancras - Ashford International 08:18 (cycles). I believe this high speed train has an orange band and a discrete wheelchair logo around the doors for bikes rather than a big cycle logo with the front (and rear?) carriage having one of these. Departing from St Pancras International rail station on Southeastern Railways enter the station opposite King's Cross (and the German Gymnasium) and immediately take the lift up to platforms 11-13. On the day I travelled in 2025 there was only one carriage for wheelchairs and bikes; station staff can advise which end. From Ashford you follow the NCN 18 to Singleton, Shadoxhurst and onwards.
07:15 Depart Kenton for the 2 hour 15 minute drive to Shadoxhurst near Ashford (cars)
09:30 Drivers and cyclists rendezvous at The Kings Head in the village of Shadoxhurst (Woodchurch Rd, Shadoxhurst, Ashford TN26 1LQ) which is a 30-minute cycle ride from Ashford International and a 2-hour 30 minute drive from Kenton. From Shadoxhurst it is 64km (40 miles) for the cyclists to cycle to Rye via a circuitous route while the drivers drive.
10:30 Drivers and cyclists meet in Appledore for a late breakfast at Miss Molletts High Class Tea Room, TN26 2BX, or a similar high class establishment.
13:00 Drivers and cyclists meet for refreshments at The Star Inn in St. Mary in the Marsh, TN29 0BX.
An afternoon exploring Romney Marshes and Dungeness will provide interesting landscape whether by bike or car. If following the Lost Lanes route take a diversion into Dungeness towards the power station and Prospect House.
15:00 is typically the earliest checking in time for accommodation. The beauty of Rye is that it is compact - which is code for no accommodation parking - but being small it is very easy to park up and walk to your accommodation. Bedford Place Car Park is about £6 per day and is on Fishmarket Rd, Rye, TN31 7LR just off the A259 and opposite Lucknow Place Car Park. City Centre accommodation in, say, Church Square is a 10-minute walk from Bedford Place Car Park.
18:00 is a sensible target rendezvous at the accommodation given the cycling distance.
Friday
If you don't have breakfast foodstuffs then Rye has plenty of options including the traditional Jempson's Café (45 Cinque Ports St, Rye TN31 7AD).
Those keen to pedal can look up the choice of rides from Komoot. If you want a day off then there is plenty to see and if the coast is your thing and you have already passed through Romney Marshes and Dungeness then try a 70-minute drive over to Deal, Sandwich, or Canterbury.
Saturday
If there is a parkrun enthusiast in your group then Hastings parkrun is the closest with free car parking in Grosvenor Place, Seaside Road and Sea Road. "Continue on the A259 seafront road until you see the 'Bo Peep' pub on your right. Turn into Grosvenor Gardens and left into Seaside Road."
Cyclists may wish a shorter route after parkrun efforts.
Non-cyclists may want a local walk, Camber Sands, Winchelsea or Rye attractions.
Sunday
Check out from accommodation is typically 10:00.
The drive back to Kenton is 2 hours 15 minutes though check the roads especially the situation at the M25/A3 junction as that is being developed through 2024-25.
It is only 35km of lumpy cycling terrain from Rye to Ashford International rail station so some diversion/extension is possible if you have the time and energy. Trains back to London Victoria start their journey at Ashford so you would have plenty of time to find cycle space and a seat rather than getting busy Sunday trains coming up from the coast into Charing Cross or St Pancras; though the London Victoria train is slow. The 15:56 train gets into Victoria at 17:37.
The Rides
There are plenty of options on Komoot or other platforms. Maybe try and limit overlaps with the route in and out of Rye but here are some options.