One of East Sussex’s most picturesque towns has been ranked one of the top ten prettiest towns in the UK.

Rye, known for its cobbled lanes and medieval half-timbered houses placed seventh in the list compiled by FBM Holidays.

Topping the list was Keswick in the Lake District, followed by Tenby, Pembrokeshire and Salcombe, Devon.

A spokeswoman for FBM Holidays said: “Rye has been ranked amongst the top ten prettiest towns in the UK for a number of reasons, which include the plethora of National Trust sites nearby, awards for its spectacular natural areas such as being a part of High Weald AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), a Site of Special Interest and being a Special Area of Conservation.

“This, paired with its beautiful aesthetic has meant Rye has firmly earned a place in the top 10.”

The news comes just months after one of the town's streets, Mermaid Street, was ranked one of the most Instagrammable in the country.

Full list of the top ten prettiest towns in the UK:

  1. Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria
  2. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
  3. Salcombe, Devon
  4. Cirencester, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
  5. Bamburgh, Northumberland
  6. Whitby, North Yorkshire
  7. Rye, East Sussex
  8. Bakewell, Peak District, Derbyshire
  9. Aberaeron, Ceredigion
  10. Burford, Cotswolds, Oxfordshire

Among prettiest villages, only Beaulieu from neighbouring Hampshire made the list to represent the South East, placing third behind only Castle Combe in the Cotswolds and Portmeirion in Gwynedd.

The spokeswoman added: “We’re so proud to have such stunning towns and villages right here in the UK. Whilst cities are so often highlighted for their Instagrammability, it’s been a pleasure to shine a light on some of the smaller locations which are just breathtakingly beautiful.

“The data has been relay fascinating to analyse, and we hope that this will inspire everyone to experience the breathtaking scenery on offer right across the UK.”

Full list of the top ten prettiest villages in the UK:

  1. Castle Combe, Cotswolds, Wiltshire
  2. Portmeirion, Gwynedd
  3. Beaulieu, Hampshire
  4. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
  5. Bibury, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
  6. Polperro, Cornwall
  7. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
  8. Llanberis, Gwynedd
  9. Beddgelert, Snowdonia
  10. Hathersage, Peak District, Derbyshire

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.