Local Information
About
Camber Sands is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, boasting miles of golden sandy beaches and picturesque dunes. Located on the south coast of England, it’s one of the few sandy beaches in East Sussex, making it a popular destination for families, water sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
A Brief History of Camber Sands
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Origins: Camber Sands was once a salt marsh.
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Over centuries, wind and tides formed the expansive dunes you see today.
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WWII Significance: During World War II, the area was fortified as part of Britain’s coastal defenses, with remnants like pillboxes still visible in parts of the landscape.
Things to Do in Camber Sands
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Beach Activities
Enjoy sunbathing, building sandcastles, or walking along the endless stretches of soft sand.-
Water Sports: Try kite surfing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding. Lessons are available for beginners.
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Horse Riding: Experience horseback rides along the beach for a truly unique perspective.
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Nature Walks
Explore the iconic dunes and nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, home to diverse bird species, wildflowers, and salt marshes -
Cycling Routes
Take scenic bike rides along the coastline or through the charming countryside.
Discover Rye
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A mere 3 miles from Camber Sands, Rye is a postcard-perfect medieval town. Known for its cobbled streets, historic landmarks, and artistic culture, Rye offers a fascinating blend of past and present.
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A Brief History of Rye
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Medieval Roots: Once surrounded by the sea, Rye was a major port in the medieval Cinque Ports confederation.
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Smuggling History: During the 18th century, it was a hotspot for smugglers, notably the infamous Hawkhurst Gang.
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Artistic Legacy: Over the years, Rye has inspired numerous artists, writers, and filmmakers.
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Things to Do in Rye
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Historical Attractions
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Rye Castle (Ypres Tower): A well-preserved 13th-century tower offering panoramic views and a museum showcasing Rye’s history.
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St. Mary’s Church: Climb the bell tower for breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside.
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Lamb House: Once home to novelist Henry James, it’s now managed by the National Trust.
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Shopping & Artisan Finds
Explore quirky boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries along Mermaid Street and The Strand. -
Food & Drink
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Savor fresh seafood and local delicacies at the many pubs and restaurants. Don’t miss Rye Bay scallops!
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Visit Rye Waterworks Micropub for local ales or stop by Rye Harbour Brewery.
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Events & Festivals
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Rye Scallop Festival (February): A celebration of the region's famous seafood.
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Rye Arts Festival (September): Showcasing music, art, and literature.
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Nearby Attractions
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Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Just a short distance from Camber Sands and Rye, this reserve is perfect for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and tranquil walks. Look out for avocets, marsh harriers, and seals. -
Winchelsea
A charming, smaller town with ancient gates, a historic church, and connections to the poet Rudyard Kipling. -
Great Dixter House & Gardens
Located near Rye, this magnificent manor house and its stunning gardens are a must-visit for horticulture lovers.
Seasonal Activities
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Summer: Perfect for beach fun, outdoor dining, and festivals.
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Autumn: Enjoy the changing colors at Rye Harbour and cozy up in Rye’s historic pubs.
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Winter: Walks on the quiet beach or festive events like Rye’s Christmas Market.
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Spring: Spot migratory birds at the nature reserve and enjoy Rye’s blooming gardens.
Travel Tips
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Getting Around: Both Camber Sands and Rye are best explored on foot or by bike. Parking is available, but spaces can fill quickly in peak seasons.
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What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, beach essentials, and layers for unpredictable weather.
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Local Transport: Buses and taxis are available to connect Camber Sands, Rye, and nearby attractions.
LOCAL INFORMATION
SUPERMARKETS/FOOD SHOPS
RYE
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​Rye Deli, 8-10 Market Road (open 9.00am to 5.00pm Mon-Fri​Sat 9.00am-5.30pm, Sun 11.00am-4.00pm)
Offering Fresh food, salads, cheeses, olives, oils etc. And lunch boxes, which include a piece of quiche and selection of salads.
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Rye Fish Market, Simmonds Quay, Rock Channel (open 9.00am to 5.00pm Mon-Sat, 10.00am to 4.00pm Sun
Specialists in local fish and seafood.
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Salts Farm Shop, East Guldeford TN31 7PA (open 9.00-5.30 Mon-Sat, 10.00am-5.00pm Sun)
Offering a selection of local produce, and coffee, cakes etc. and an EV rapid charging station.
Jempsons (together with Morrisons), Station Approach Rye – open
6.00am to 10.00pm Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday​
Jempsons Superstore located in nearby Peasmarsh
Part of the Jempsons group, Family run supermarket, offering a good range of products
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NEW ROMNEY
​Sainsbury’s, Dymchurch Road, TN28 8GU –
​Open 8.00 am to 8.00pm Mon-Sat. 10.00am to 4.00pm Sun
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EATING OUT
CAMBER
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The Galivant, New Lydd Road, Camber - Tel: 01797 225057 - Brasserie serving simple tasty food using locally sourced ingredients www.thegallivanthotel.com
The Owl Pub (dog friendly), 11 Old Lydd Road, Camber – Tel: 01797 225284 –
Serving delicious pub food, dog friendly, but no small children.
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RYE
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The Whitehouse, 24 High Street, Rye – Tel: 01797 224748
For great contemporary and healthy lunch time food (they also sell very good bread and cakes to eat in or take out). Dog friendly.
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The Fig, 2 High Street, Rye - Email thefig@gmail.com
A close second for great salads and quiche plus other tasty lunch time food
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Webbe’s at The Fish Café – 17 Tower Street, Rye – Tel: 01797 222226
Excellent fish. Fairly relaxed dining daytime or evening.
Menu: webbesrestaurants.co.uk
Reservations: webbesrestaurants.co.uk, opentable.co.uk
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The Standard Inn (dog friendly), The Mint, Rye
Our number one for a Sunday roast in Rye. Very friendly and laid back, it also offers a good selection of beer, great food and a varied menu. Dog friendly.
Please note you cannot book a table.
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Marino’s Fish Bar, 37 The Mint, Rye
​Excellent fish and chips to eat in or takeaway.
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Simply Italian, 12 Strand Quay, Rye
​Laid back Italian
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The Globe Inn, 10 Military Road, Rye (dog friendly)
​Very friendly, and good pub food.
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The Mermaid Inn, Mermaid Street, Rye – Tel: 01797 223065
​Dine in the 2 AA Rosette Fine dining linen fold panelled Restaurant.​​
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Landgate Bistro, 5-6 Landgate Rye – Tel: 01797 222829
​British Food with a classic or modern slant, ingredients sourced locally.
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​Knoops
​Delicious Ice cream, shakes, and hot chocolate.
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Seafood Bar
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The menu is focused on local fish, often includes, local crab, lobster rolls and oysters – fully licensed - Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Rye Fish Market.
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​Rye Waterworks (dog friendly)
​Micro pub serving local ales and ciders.
Waterworks Brewery & Taproom open Fri- Sun, located just outside Playden (dog friendly)
Proper Micro brewery, with an impressive array of local beers and ciders, live music venue and occasional food wagons
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​Mermaid Street Café (dog friendly)
​Light lunches serving local crab baps, sausage roll or pasties,
​Also delicious cakes and Jude’s ice cream
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DUNGENESS
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The Fish Shack (dog friendly), Dungeness Road, Dungeness, Romney Marsh TN29 9NE – Tel: 07949 002171
​Interesting outside eating, locally caught fish.
FAMILY DAYS OUT
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Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Miniature Railway – Dungeness TN29 9NA
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Grove Farm Riding School – Grove Lane, Iden, Rye TN31 7PY
e-bike – Electric and pedal bike hire – Camber 07960 587482
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Camber Kite Surf – Camber 07960 587482
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Rye Water sports – North Point Water, New Lydd Road, TN31 7QS – 01797 225238 (sailing, wind surfing, wing foiling, kite surfing, paddle boarding, lessons and hire). Please note they have kids courses through the Summer.
Sea Safari & Boat Trips – The Slipway behind Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station Rye – 07929 244996
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Rye Town Model – Rye Heritage Centre, Strand Quay, Rye TN31 7AY
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The story of Rye and the town model.
Port Lympne Zoo, near Hythe, Kent
Druscilla’s Zoo, near Eastbourne
Hastings Sea Life Centre
Dungeness nature reserve
Rye Harbour nature reserve
Tibbs Farm, pick your own fruit, plus café
Bodiam Boating Station, Newenden
Saddles Riding Centre, Bexley, Kent organises rides on Camber Beach during the year.
Lydd Go Cart circuit, Lydd
Rye Sports centre, local authority swimming pool
Kino Cinema and Café, Rye
LOCAL PETROL STATIONS
Rye - Murco, 74 Fishmarket Road, TN31 7LP
New Romney - Esso, 79 High Street, TN28 8AZ
Rapid EV Charging station, Salts Farm Shop
