Rye House Gatehouse is all that remains of a fantastic fortified manor house constructed by Sir Andrew Ogard in 1443.

It was one of the first brick built buildings in the country and was one of the finest medieval moated sites in Hertfordshire.

The site has a vibrant history from the Rye House Plot – an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate King Charles II, to being a workhouse and a place where the Victorians came to enjoy landscaped gardens, banquets and the delights of the countryside.

Inside the building there’s a staffed information point and visitors can discover the history of the Gatehouse through various displays, including an interactive touch screen. A winding staircase takes you to a viewing platform where you can take a close look at a fine example of a “Barley Sugar” chimney, along with views looking over the Lee and Stort valleys.

Nearby on the River Lee Navigation is Rye House Quay. Once a chandler’s yard, it has been redeveloped to provide mooring for boats and an area for picnics.

If you really want to make a day of it you can also visit the nearby Rye Meads Nature Reserve or try your hand at go-karting at Rye House Stadium. There’s also a riverside pub, The Rye House, in case you get thirsty!

Toilets are available at the nearby Rye Meads Nature Reserve (restricted opening times).

There’s a car park on site, but the easiest way is by train from Rye House station on the Liverpool Street line (2 minute walk).

Buses C3 and 392 stop in Rye Road (10 minute walk).

If you've had fun on your family day out to Rye House Gatehouse, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk