East Sussex, Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Camber Beaches

Overview

Camber is a standout beach destination in East Sussex, primarily known for its expansive sandy shores. Unlike many nearby shingle beaches, Camber boasts the only sand dune system in the region, making it a magnet for visitors. This unique landscape offers a classic seaside experience and a refreshing coastal escape.

The main attraction is Camber Sands Beach, a vast expanse perfect for families and ideal for swimming when the tide is right. While popular and sometimes busy, its size offers ample space. For a quieter alternative, many locals enjoy the shingle shores of Winchelsea. Nearby, Broomhill Sands is a haven for kitesurfers. Those seeking dramatic scenery can explore the iconic cliffs at Birling Gap or the unique, otherworldly landscape of Dungeness Beach.

These highlights offer a taste of the diverse coastal charm around Camber. Whether you seek lively sands, peaceful retreats, or striking natural environments, there's a beach to discover. For a comprehensive guide to all the coastal gems in the area, explore our longer list of beaches.

FAQ

Is Camber Sands good for a family holiday?

Yes, Camber Sands is a popular destination for family holidays. Its main attraction is the large sandy beach, which is ideal for building sandcastles and paddling. The area also offers facilities like holiday parks with indoor pools and entertainment, and nearby attractions such as Rye and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve provide additional activities for families.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Can you swim at Camber Sands and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Camber Sands, especially during the summer months when the weather is calm. The beach has extensive shallows at low tide, meaning you might have a long walk to reach deeper water. It's advisable to check tide times. Water temperatures in August average around 17°C. Always be aware of currents and pay attention to any safety flags or information provided by lifeguards.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Are dogs allowed on Camber Sands beach?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Camber Sands, but there are seasonal restrictions. From May 1st to September 30th, dogs are not permitted in certain zoned areas, which are typically the busiest central sections of the beach. Outside of these zones and during the rest of the year (October 1st to April 30th), dogs are allowed on the entire beach. Always look for signage indicating dog-friendly and restricted areas.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

What's the best way to get to Camber Sands from Rye?

You can get to Camber Sands from Rye by car, bus, taxi, or by walking/cycling. By car or taxi, it's a short drive of about 4-5 miles, taking around 10 minutes. Several bus routes, including the 100, 102 and 293, connect Rye to Camber Sands, with the journey taking approximately 12-20 minutes. There is also a dedicated walking and cycling path between the two locations, which takes about an hour to walk.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

What kind of accommodation is available near Camber Sands?

There's a variety of accommodation near Camber Sands. Options include holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts offering caravans, lodges, and chalets, often with on-site facilities. You can also find numerous holiday cottages and houses for rent, from cosy retreats to larger properties suitable for families or groups. Some hotels are located in the nearby town of Rye or within a short drive.
See the full list of accommodation options here.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Is there parking at Camber Sands and is it free?

There are several pay-and-display car parks at Camber Sands, including Camber Central, Old Lydd Road, and Western Car Park, operated by Rother District Council. Parking charges can be significant, especially during peak season. There is a free car park at Broomhill Sands (Jury's Gap) on the eastern end, but it can fill up quickly. Some on-street parking in white marked bays in Camber village is also free, but limited.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

What facilities are available at Camber Sands?

Camber Sands offers essential facilities for visitors. There are public toilets located at the main car park areas (Central and Western), which include accessible toilets and outside taps for rinsing sand. You'll find a few cafes and shops in Camber village and near the beach. The Camber Sands Welcome Centre at the Central Carpark is undergoing refurbishment to improve toilet provision, first aid facilities, and add a kiosk.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

When is the best time to visit Camber Sands?

The best time to visit Camber Sands for warmer weather and swimming is during the summer months, particularly August, which typically has average air and water temperatures around 17°C and more sunshine. However, summer weekends and sunny days can be very busy, leading to traffic congestion. For fewer crowds, consider visiting on weekdays, early in the morning, or later in the afternoon, or during the late spring or early autumn.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

People Also Ask

Is Camber Sands suitable for kitesurfing?

Yes, Camber Sands is a very popular and well-regarded location for kitesurfing in the UK, known for its consistent winds and wide, sandy beach. There are designated zones for watersports, including kitesurfing, usually accessed via the Broomhill car park. Several kitesurfing schools operate in the area, offering lessons and equipment hire. It's important to be aware of tide times, as kitesurfing is not possible for a few hours around high tide.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Are there lifeguards at Camber Sands?

RNLI lifeguards patrol Camber Sands during the peak season, typically from May to September. It's always important to swim in lifeguarded areas and pay attention to the flags and safety advice. The Rother District Council website provides specific information on lifeguard service times and beach safety.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

What is there to do near Camber Sands besides the beach?

Besides the beach, you can explore Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, a large coastal reserve with diverse wildlife and walking trails. The historic town of Rye, with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and independent shops, is only a few miles away. You can also visit Camber Castle (exterior views year-round, guided interior tours seasonally) or explore nearby towns like Hastings or Tenterden.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Can you have BBQs on Camber Sands beach?

Gas-powered BBQs are permitted in certain areas of Camber Sands, specifically at the western end of the beach. Disposable, wood, or coal BBQs are not allowed. It is illegal to have a BBQ in the sand dunes. If you are planning a BBQ for a large group (10+ people), you should seek permission from Rother District Council in advance.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Is Camber Sands different from other Sussex beaches?

Yes, Camber Sands is quite different from most other beaches along the Sussex coast. The main distinction is that Camber Sands is a large, sandy beach with an extensive system of sand dunes – the only one in East Sussex. Many other Sussex beaches are predominantly shingle or pebble.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

Are there any warnings about quicksand at Camber Sands?

While quicksand is not a daily, widespread hazard, there have been reports and incidents in the past where quicksand or soft mud has been a concern, particularly during low tide or near the river mouth. It's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, stick to firmer areas of sand, and supervise children closely, especially in wet, unmarked sandbanks or mudflats. Check local safety advice and be mindful of tide times.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach

How busy does Camber Sands get and are there quieter alternatives nearby?

Camber Sands can get very busy, especially on hot, sunny days and during summer holidays, leading to traffic congestion and crowded car parks. To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You can check apps like Beach Check UK for real-time crowd levels. While Camber Sands is unique for its sand dunes in East Sussex, nearby beaches like Pett Level (more shingle) or Greatstone (further east in Kent, also sandy) might sometimes be less crowded, though this can vary.
Camber Sands Beach
Camber Sands Beach
Greatstone Beach
Greatstone Beach

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