Camber is much more than a strip of sand for sunbathing. It is one of the UK's premier kitesurfing beaches, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a film location twice over, and a winter walk you remember. Here is what to actually do once you arrive.
Camber is one of the UK's best learner beaches: consistent southerly winds, shallow water, miles of flat sand. The Kitesurf Centre (established 2007) is the only fully licensed school here, with a designated teaching zone. Camber Kitesurfing and Rye Watersports also operate locally. Lessons from around £99. Kite buggying, landboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking are all on offer.
The Sustrans coastal cycle path passes through Camber and connects to Rye via a flat three mile shared route, ideal for families. Ebike Hire offers fat-tyre electric bikes for the lanes, lakes and nature reserves. From Camber, riders push on east towards Lydd and Dungeness.
The dune system is the only one in East Sussex and an SSSI. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve next door has over 4,300 recorded species, including avocets and marsh harriers. Seals are sometimes spotted offshore. Bring binoculars; stay on marked paths in the dunes.
Horse riding is permitted with seasonal rules. From late March to early October, riding is only allowed on weekdays before 8:30am and after 7pm, at low tide. Outside the season the rules are more flexible. Contact the Coastal Officer on 01797 225207 for the current details.
Sunrise over the dunes, golden hour reflections on the wet sand at low tide, winter storm light: Camber rewards photographers. Empty winter mornings are often the best conditions. Just remember the gates at Central are locked at 8pm on summer Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your exit.
Camber doubled for the Dunkirk beaches in the 1958 film and again in Christopher Nolan's 2017 Dunkirk. It stood in for the Sahara in Follow That Camel, where filming reportedly paused when it snowed. It also appears in The Theory of Everything, and is name-checked in songs by Squeeze, Fatboy Slim and Feeder.
Miles of soft golden sand make Camber a brilliant family beach. Sandcastle building, kite flying, beachcombing, paddling at low tide. Disposable BBQs are banned. Only raised gas BBQs are permitted, and only on the western end. Groups of ten or more need council permission four weeks in advance.
Out of season the beach is often deserted. Dogs are allowed across the whole length from 1 October to 30 April. Pair a windy walk with a Rye pub on the way home. This is when locals come.
Sea fishing is popular at Camber and at neighbouring Rye Harbour. Best results around the tide changes. Stay clear of the harbour mouth at the western end, where currents are strong.
Camber sits in one of the most rewarding corners of England. Medieval Rye, an internationally important nature reserve, a Henry VIII fort and the otherworldly landscape of Dungeness are all within easy reach.
One of England's best-preserved medieval towns. Cobbled Mermaid Street, ancient inns, independent shops, art galleries and the Rye Castle Museum. The natural after-beach destination.
Coastal wetland with more than 4,300 recorded species. Flat, accessible paths through saltmarsh and shingle, with five bird hides. Look for avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers. Bus 313 from Rye serves the reserve directly.
Henry VIII's coastal fort, built in 1544 and stranded inland when the sea retreated, leaving it abandoned shortly after. A remarkably intact example of Tudor artillery fortification. Open for guided tours in summer.
An extraordinary, otherworldly landscape: shingle, the lighthouses, the miniature railway and Derek Jarman's famous garden at Prospect Cottage. The Pilot Inn is a long-standing local fish and chip choice.
A picture-perfect 14th century moated castle managed by the National Trust. The exterior walls are virtually complete and the moat is spectacular. Excellent with kids.
The Rother Wine Triangle links award-winning vineyards between Rye, Hastings and Flimwell. Chapel Down, Gusbourne and others offer tastings and tours. A good rainy-day alternative to the beach.