Camber Sands is a well-known gem and famous sandy beach that sits in the 1066 country area near Rye and Dungeness. The region has a surfing vibe and features lazy days on stunning sandy beaches, enjoyed by families, adults, students and well just about anyone.
Camber has watersports on the sea and also in nearby Lydd on the marshes. Kite surfing as well as surfing, kayaking and so much more can be enjoyed along the wide sweeping waters.
For years the area known as Rye Bay, which stretches from Dungeness in Kent to Fairlight in Sussex via Camber Sands and Rye, has attracted creative types with its big skies and wild landscapes — perhaps most famously the film-maker Derek Jarman, who lived in Prospect Cottage on Dungeness. Now there is a new wave of artists, architects, and interior designers who call the area their home.
Key attractions:
Camber and Rye
Camber Sands Beach — 300 steps from the door!
Rye Castle and medieval town: One of the best preserved medieval towns in England. Cobbled streets, a rich selection of specialist shops and places to eat and drink.
Dungeness
A unique shingle beach National Nature Reserve. Visit the RSPB sanctuary. Take in the extraordinary architecture, for example some houses built from old railway carriages. Look at the abandoned fishing and military infrastructure. Eat fish and chips at The Pilot.
Hastings and Battle, 1066 Country (30 mins)
Explore Battle Abbey and the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Walk in the footsteps of King Harold and William the Conqueror. Audio tour as you walk the battlefield. Good venue for a picnic.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Steam railway (40 mins)
Mini steam and diesel locomotives powering along a 13.5 mile track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, terminating in Dungeness (see separate section on Walks). Good day out, particularly with kids. Catering available at all the station stops.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Reserve (45 mins)
One of the largest wild animal parks in the UK, with plenty of wide open spaces for the animals to roam. A world leader in breeding rare and endangered species, committed to conservation. Animals include gorilla, tigers, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and a huge variety of primates.
Canterbury Cathedral
Most important cathedral in The Anglican community with extraordinary history. Established in 597AD by St Augustine and rebuilt in the 11th century, the cathedral was the site of the murder of Thomas Becket 1170. Can attend services.
Folkestone (45 mins)
Hunt for Jurassic ammonites and belemnites in the Gault Clay on the beach foreshore at Copt Point. Tide dependent: better at mid/ low tide. Eat fish and chips beside the old Folkestone harbour.
The Harbour arm is a wonderful day out, with a shopping area, kiosks on the beach. Beachfront eateries and cocktail bars. Little Rock is a definite visit or its larger restaurant Rock Salt. Wildbox cocktails and you can enjoy the harbour walks and just grab some fresh seafood, or hot fish and chips and sit admiring the view.
