Seafood. There’s nothing like it. And that’s the reason, we will be driving to Rye on the East Sussex coast next month -- the picturesque medieval town is staging the 2012 Rye Bay Scallops event from February 25 to March 4. I’m told this year’s festival will have more places selling scallops this year than ever before – so it will be scallops for breakfast, lunch and dinner for me and Mrs Grumpy.

If you are a dedicated seafood fan and are planning to head for Rye as well here are a couple of tips.

If the tide is right you may be lucky enough to watch the scallop boats come in with their catch. So kick off your day with a visit to Simmons Quay, that’s where the succulent scallop comes ashore. Wander over to Market Fisheries, where you’ll find  the sweet, fresh scallops straight from the boats. Scallop cookery classes, taster evenings, six-course scallop dinners are all part of the event, which spreads from Rye to nearby Camber Sands, Winchelsea and the Romney Marshes.

Taking the kids or grand-kids? There will be plenty of shells to be picked up for collection. Just bring along your own sack. And make sure you catch the What a Load of Scallops Race which traditionally takes place on the final Sunday of the week.

You’ll find more (and make reservations) on Rye Bay Scallops website.

To make the best of the the event why not make it part of a fantastic self-drive adventure around Kent and Sussex – with lots of foodie tips.