Nestled along the East Sussex coast, Camber Sands offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches and tranquil dunes waiting to be explored. This seaside gem has become a beloved destination for city dwellers looking to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the fresh sea air.
With its family-friendly waters and array of activities, Camber Sands provides something for everyone, and in this ultimate guide, we’ll highlight the best ways to experience Camber Sands and its surrounds, from sights to see to activities to enjoy and where to wine, dine and relax at the end of the day.
Where is Camber Sands Located?
Camber Sands is nestled along the south coast of England in East Sussex, close to the Kent border on its eastern side. It stretches for miles from the estuary of the Rother River in the west to the shorelines of Dungeness in the east.
The beach sits around 4.5 miles southeast of the historic town of Rye, known for its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. As you travel west from Camber Sands, you’ll come across the peaceful villages of Winchelsea, Pett Level and Fairlight before reaching the lively seaside town of Hastings. Heading east takes you past the otherworldly landscape of the Romney Marshes. So, whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or seaside adventures, Camber Sands’ prime location places it all within easy reach along the beautiful Sussex coast.
Best Times to Visit Camber Sands
As a seaside destination on the southern English coast, Camber Sands experiences temperate weather, with cool winters and mild summers. During the winter months, average temperatures reach about 3-7°C, though the sea breeze can make it feel chillier during beach walks.
By August, the warmest month, temperatures average a pleasant 14-17°C. Summer also provides the most sunshine, with approximately 8 hours of daylight. For swimming and watersports, August offers the warmest sea temperatures, averaging 17°C — refreshing but not frigid. Wetsuits are recommended during other months though.
If you want to maximise the chances of dry days during your trip, plan summer or early autumn trips. While the weather may be variable, the expansive sandy beach and dunes provide the perfect landscape for seaside strolls in all conditions.
Where to Stay in Camber Sands
A visit to Camber Sands is all about enjoying the beautiful coastal surroundings, and our beachfront cottages are the perfect spot to rest, relax and enjoy all that this area has to offer. Our cottages sleep between 4 and 10 people and are dog-friendly, so you can enjoy time away with your whole family. Boasting a prime location close to all of Sussex’s main attractions, you can spend your days making the most of the southeast then return to a cosy, welcoming home to rest and relax for the rest of your trip.
Things to Do In and Around Camber Sands
Strolling Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands boasts one of the longest stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches in the region, spanning nearly 5 miles along the East Sussex coast. It stands out as one of the few sandy escapes in an area known for its stone and shingle shores
The beach showcases pristine rolling sand dunes that provide a beautiful natural backdrop for hiking, dog walking and scenic photography. With its wide-open sands and strong winds, Camber Sands offers prime conditions for watersports. It’s one of the top spots in southern England to try kite surfing or sign up for lessons.
Whether you’re looking to surf the waves, build sandcastles or stroll the shoreline with your pup, Camber Sands promises a quintessential seaside escape for visitors of all kinds. Its natural beauty and variety of activities make it one of Sussex’s true coastal gems.
Sampling Local Wines
The rolling landscapes around Camber Sands provide the ideal terroir for English wine production. Charles Palmer Vineyard situated just outside Winchelsea is a prime spot to sip local vintages. Stop by the vineyard for wine tastings showcasing their crisp and fruity wines. For an indulgent experience, book a cheese and wine pairing to sample regional cheeses alongside their handcrafted wines.
The nearby vineyards around Sussex and Kent produce award-winning sparkling and still wines. Sampling them straight from the source provides a delicious taste of the south England terroir. A wonderful afternoon wine tasting makes for a refreshing outing between beach days, immersing you in the food and drink scene surrounding Camber Sands.
Exploring Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Sitting alongside the River Rother lies Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, spanning over 1,150 acres of diverse coastal habitats. As a designated Special Protection Area for threatened birds, the reserve provides critical nesting and feeding grounds.
Birdwatchers flock to Rye Harbour to spot rare species along its trails and hides. Over 280 different types of birds have been recorded here, including endangered terns, gulls and waders. Even amateur birders are likely to tick off feathered friends like avocets, oystercatchers and skylarks.
Beyond birding, Rye Harbour offers walking and cycling paths to suit all abilities. Miles of trails allow you to explore salt marshes, coastal meadows and sandy shorelines, while well-placed information boards detail the ecosystems and wildlife to spot throughout your ramble. With its wealth of biodiversity and scenic trails, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve lets you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sussex coast.
Browsing Camber Castle
Take a tour of the historic , built by Henry VIII in the mid-1500s which sits between Rye and Winchelsea. Today, Camber Castle’s unusual circular design can be appreciated from the outside year-round – to see the interior, join one of the guided tours offered by English Heritage. While exterior views provide a good overview, the tours allow you to fully explore the castle’s structure and learn about its rich history.
Camber Castle makes for an atmospheric stop while exploring Rye Harbour and the nature trails along the East Sussex shoreline. As one of Henry VIII’s lesser-known fortifications, it offers a glimpse into an era of political turmoil and the defence of Britain’s coastlines.
Exploring the Town of Rye
Located just a few miles inland from Camber Sands lies the quaint and historic town of Rye. This medieval gem makes for an easy and engaging day trip while visiting the Sussex coast. Wander the cobblestone streets and soak in the antique charm of Rye’s Old Town. Many of the homes and buildings preserve Tudor, Georgian and Victorian features, transporting you back in time as you explore.
For a dose of literary history, stop by Lamb House, the former residence of renowned authors Henry James and E.F. Benson. Bibliophiles can also browse the expansive collection of books and prints at Rye Heritage Centre. Beyond the historic sites, Rye offers a vibrant food scene driven by local farmers, fishers and artisans – don’t miss the chance to sip real ales at one of Rye’s storied pubs.
As an antidote to the coast, Rye provides a quirky country retreat full of culture, cuisine and photo-worthy charm. Its proximity to Camber Sands makes it easy to couple a beach day with an overnight stay in this unique English destination.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
With its seaside location, Camber Sands offers plenty of dining options to fuel up before or after a busy beach day. Here are some of our favourite spots for delicious local fare:
- The Gallivant: This chic, upscale beachfront restaurant boasts a menu of beautifully plated modern British dishes steps from the sand, from ingredients that are locally foraged and sourced.
- Owler’s Beach Grill: This casual eatery is where locals flock for imaginative seafood, meats and classic fish and chips made with regional produce. It’s a dog-friendly spot for a laid-back lunch or a hearty Sunday lunch.
- Rye Bay Café: A family-friendly option serving up delicious milkshakes, classic fish and chips, and generous portions.
- Dune’s Bar and Restaurant: Affordable, friendly and with a varied menu ranging from pasta dishes to tasty seafood.
- The Globe Inn: A unique spot that offers some of the best lamb dishes you’ll find in all of Sussex. Pop by for one of the best Sunday roast dinners in the area.
Offering rest, relaxation and family-friendly activities, Camber Sands has something for everyone. Explore our beachfront cottages for your stay in Camber Sands and book today.
Want to learn more about Camber Sands beach?
Has our Camber Sands beach guide left you wanting to explore further?
Check out our blog for in-depth looks at everything—from Camber’s dog-friendly pub scene to seasonal activities and local festivals to beach-going.
Or take a glimpse at our insider guide, where we’ll link you to our favourite restaurants and locales throughout Camber, the beach, and the surrounding areas.
If you’ve read enough and you’re ready to book your visit, browse our selection of cottages by the sea (including baby-friendly cottages like Owlers and dog-friendly options like our Driftwood cottage).
We look forward to welcoming you to your perfect Camber Sands beach holiday cottage very soon!
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