​Winchelsea Beach is a seaside village in the parish of Icklesham in the Rother district of East Sussex, England. Winchelsea is a small, rural hidaway with a gently sloping beach is made up of shingle. Rye Bay Caravan Park is directly behind the beach and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve a short walk to the east. From the top of the sea wall there are views to the south-east towards Camber and the Dungeness headland. Looking west, on clear days it is possible to see the red cliffs at Fairlight.

St Mary's has been one of the most iconic features of the skyline for more than 900 years. Held under a Royal deed by the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy and an important member of the Cinque Ports Confederation, work on a church which befitted the powerful town began in the early 12th century. In 1377 the town was looted and set on fire by French invaders. The church was badly damaged and the bells carried off to France. The following year, men from Rye and Winchelsea sailed to Normandy, set fire to two towns and recovered much of the loot, including the church bells - one of which was subsequently hung in Watchbell Street, to give warning of any future attack. ​St Mary's is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day, from 9.15am - 5.15pm in summer and 9.15am - 4.15pm in winter. The Tower, which  is open every day (weather permitting) has become a popular place for marriage proposals!