Experience coastal glory at its best when you visit the golden beaches of Camber and the historic streets of Rye.
Camber and Rye stand as timeless jewels along the Kent and East Sussex coastline. As the waves dance upon the golden sands and the salty breeze whispers through the dunes, visitors are transported to a world where quaint charm meets vast sandy seascapes plus a little gastronomic delight and boutique shopping thrown in for good measure.
Besides from the generous 15 pubs in Rye, it’s worth visiting to see its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, which bears witness to centuries of trade and seafaring adventures. Its enchanting lanes echo with tales of smugglers and merchants, while its imposing medieval fortress, Ypres Tower, stands as a sentinel guarding the town’s history. Camber, adjacent to Rye, is famous for its expansive stretch of beach, adorned with picturesque sand dunes, and has been a beacon for holidaymakers and nature enthusiasts for generations.
Camber Sands is for sun-seekers and adventurers alike. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the family in summer or embarking on a windswept dog walk in winter. Camber’s vast sands stretch for miles leading down to shallow waters perfect for family swimming in the summer months. With photo opportunities galore, the dunes with their artistic tufts of beach grasses provide the ultimate natural beauty backdrop to any photograph. For those looking to explore the beach in other ways, opt to hire a bike with Ebike Hire. These rented fat tyre ebikes are ideal for exploring the area – families, friends and individuals can enjoy miles of cycle paths and routes scenic with lakes, castles, bird reserves and lighthouses. Or those who’d rather be in the water can enjoy it by taking to the waves with The Kitesurf Centre, who offer everything from equipment hire to group and individual lessons.
Take every member of the family to Camber as this beach has dog-friendly areas all year round, check where you’re allowed to walk the dogs here. If you’re looking for a seaside holiday check into Lark Rise, one of the largest plots on the famous dunes, designed by its owners to capture the relaxed ruggedness. Even the bedroom walls are clad with hand-sawn timber to continue the surf shack vibe. This Camber holiday home on the beach sleeps six guests and comes with a handy outdoor shower, hot tub and a living area designed for rainy days when the British weather gives us no option but to keep the wetsuits hanging for another day.
As well as the beach, Camber has plenty of other attractions. Dive into coastal history when you visit Camber Castle and enjoy a guided tour around this historic fortress built by Henry VIII. The ruin is an unusually unaltered artillery fort designed to guard the port of Rye, lying between Rye and Winchelsea. Extend your visit to the castle by turning it into a circular walk on one of the many footpaths of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, seeing other military structures such as a martello tower and WWII pillboxes as you go. Vistas include old and new sea defences, changing coastlines and incredible wildlife, especially the birds that can be watched from hides. Make a real day of it by visiting the 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, just a 30-minute drive away – the site of the very roots of our current day British monarchy, which has lasted hundreds of years.
Staplecross is another charming area within the Sussex border, great for those who can’t decide between countryside walks or beach strolls. Wheelwrights Cottage is a wonderful base to spend a long weekend, whilst your morning coffee brews you can plan your day ahead by exploring the nearby towns of Tenterden and Rye just a 20-minute drive away. This holiday cottage in Staplecross near Rye sleeps 5 plus your four-legged friend.
The old and very picturesque town of Rye draws plenty of visitors every year. The Mermaid Inn, an early-timbered building down a cobbled street, is one of the most famous. Rebuilt in 1420 over the devastating French raid over 40 years before, the inn was the headquarters of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang in the 18th century! The most infamous band of smugglers on the south coast, in their day, legend has it that they always sat with their pistols close to hand… Today, instead of smugglers, The Mermaid Inn offers AA Rosette awarded dining in the Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, where you can enjoy real ambience and wonderful food. For those that want cosier surroundings, dine in The Dr Syn Dining Room or enjoy the privacy of the boardroom for your evening meal, lunch and breakfast. Drew King, the Head Chef, is focused on using quality, seasonal, local ingredients and cooking them perfectly.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly pubs in Rye check out The Globe Inn, they proudly serve local and seasonal produce on their menu. Or located in the heart of the town you’ll find The Ship which dates back to 1592, originally built as a warehouse to store contraband seized from smugglers. This is a great spot for Sunday roasts or seafood platters.
As well as a myriad of ancient inns, artisan shops, indoor antique markets and boutiques, Rye is home to some incredible foodie spots. Pop into Rye Chocolates for homemade chocolate bars in every flavour or sample the famous milkshakes from Knoops Chocolate located just beyond The Landgate. Stop by at The Fig an independent lively café, serving vibrant healthy food, cocktails and a renowned brunch after a morning mooching. If you need after-dinner entertainment then relax in a former Victorian library now known as the Kino, a stylish cinema venue showing the latest films. If you get thirsty head to the large café-bar for great coffee or sample something cold from their fully licensed bar.
Allow a full day for exploring Rye as there are lots of hidden gems tucked down all the side streets that you won’t want to skip past. Our team is local to this area so if you need a few more restaurant ideas or pit stops for coffee just get in touch and we’ll share our recommendations.
