Camber Sands is one of the South East’s most distinctive coastlines, known for its wide sandy beach and rolling dunes. Unlike much of East Sussex, it offers miles of open sand—ideal for long walks, sea air, and a sense of space that’s increasingly rare. 

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Formed over centuries from what was once salt marsh, the landscape is shaped by wind, tide, and shifting light. Even today, it feels slightly apart from the rest of the coastline—quieter, elemental, and unspoilt.

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Things to Do

Life here naturally revolves around the beach and the surrounding landscape:

• Beach walks & swimming – endless shoreline, especially at low tide

• Watersports – kitesurfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing

• Horse riding – along the sand at certain times of year

• Nature walks – particularly around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

• Cycling – flat coastal routes and countryside lanes

It’s less about ticking things off, more about settling into the rhythm of the place.

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Discover Rye

Just three miles away, Rye offers a striking contrast to the openness of Camber—compact, historic, and full of character.

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A Brief History

Once surrounded by the sea, Rye was an important medieval port and part of the Cinque Ports. As the coastline shifted, the harbour receded, leaving the town inland but remarkably well preserved.

Smuggling was rife in the 18th century—most famously by the Hawkhurst Gang—and that slightly rebellious edge still lingers beneath the postcard beauty.

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Food & Drink in Rye

Rye has quietly become one of the best places to eat on the South Coast.

• Fresh seafood is a highlight—especially local scallops from Rye Bay

• Relaxed but high-quality pubs sit alongside more refined dining

• Independent cafés, bakeries and delis are scattered through the town

A few reliable favourites:

• Webbe’s at The Fish Café – excellent, unfussy seafood

• The Standard Inn – relaxed, well-loved, especially for Sunday lunch

• The Fig – modern, fresh, great for brunch or light lunches

• Rye Waterworks Micropub – small, characterful, local ales

You can arrive without a plan and still eat very well.

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Rye Festivals

Rye’s calendar is part of its charm—events that feel local rather than overly commercial:

• Rye Scallop Festival (February) – celebrating the local catch

• Rye Arts Festival (September) – music, talks and performances across the town

• Rye Bonfire Night (November) – a dramatic torchlit procession unique to Sussex

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Film & Photoshoots

Camber Sands and Rye have long been used as filming locations, thanks to their distinctive and largely untouched character.

The beach has appeared in productions ranging from The Monuments Men to Dunkirk, as well as campaigns and fashion shoots. 

The quality of light, open landscape, and absence of modern development make it particularly versatile.

 

Local Information (For Your Stay)

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Food Shopping

• Rye Deli – excellent prepared food, cheeses, salads

• Rye Fish Market – fresh local fish and seafood

• Jempsons – main supermarket in Rye & Peasmarsh

• Salts Farm Shop – local produce + café (and EV charging)

Eating Out Nearby

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Camber

• The Gallivant – relaxed, locally sourced menu

• The Owl – good pub food (dog-friendly)

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Rye

• Webbe’s Fish Café

• The Standard Inn

• The Mermaid Inn

• The Globe Inn

• Marino’s (fish & chips)

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Getting Around

• Rye and Camber are easily explored on foot or by bike

• Parking in Rye is limited—use public car parks

• Taxis and buses connect Camber, Rye and surrounding villages

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Useful Extras

• Bike hire, watersports schools, and boat trips all operate locally

• Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for walking and wildlife

• Day trips to Dungeness or Winchelsea

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Nearby Highlights

• Winchelsea – smaller, quieter historic town

• Great Dixter House & Gardens – exceptional gardens

• Dungeness – stark, unique coastal landscape