Along the coast east of Eastbourne lies a rare treasure on this mostly shingle shoreline: miles of soft, golden sand. Camber Sands, near Rye, is the only proper sandy beach for miles — a vast, dune-backed expanse beloved for sandcastles, kite-flying and kitesurfing. It’s a bit of a drive, but for a true sandy beach day it’s well worth it. Here’s your guide.
Why go
Most of the Sussex coast — Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings — is shingle, with sand appearing only at the lowest tides. Camber is the glorious exception: several miles of soft, fine golden sand backed by rolling dunes, giving it an almost otherworldly, wild feel. It’s the only sand dune system in East Sussex, protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and at low tide the beach opens out into a vast playground stretching hundreds of metres to the sea. Little wonder it’s regularly named among the best beaches in the country — and has stood in for everywhere from the Sahara Desert to the beaches of Normandy in films over the years.
Things to do
The main event is simply the sand. It’s a wonderful spot for classic beach days — sandcastles, beach cricket, paddling and picnics — with acres of space even on busy days. The steady sea breezes and huge open beach make it one of the UK’s top spots for kitesurfing, with a dedicated watersports zone towards the eastern end and a kitesurfing centre offering lessons and hire; kite-flying, windsurfing and paddleboarding are popular too. The dunes are lovely to explore (keep to the marked paths to protect the habitat), and the whole beach is superb for long walks, beachcombing and photography, especially in the softer light of early morning or evening.
Local tip: Camber gets packed on hot summer days, and its single access road can gridlock. Arrive early — for both a parking space and a stretch of sand to yourself — or visit in spring or autumn, when it’s quieter, the light is beautiful and dogs can roam more freely.
Getting there and parking
Camber is a fair way east of Eastbourne — around an hour or more by car, via the A259 through Hastings and Rye, then along Lydd Road through Camber village. There are several pay-on-entry car parks giving direct access to the beach, but they’re in high demand and summer day-parking can be pricey, so arrive early. Without a car, take the train to Rye (changing at Hastings) and then a short local bus or taxi ride to the beach — or, if you’re feeling energetic, walk or cycle the roughly three miles from Rye along the National Cycle Network route.
Tides and safety
Camber is a beautiful beach, but its tides deserve real respect, so a little care makes all the difference. The sea goes a very long way out at low tide and comes back in quickly, and there are shifting sandbanks where one step can take you into deeper water. The single most important rule: in season, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach, and you should always swim or paddle between the red and yellow flags, which mark the area they’re actively watching. Check the tide times before you go, keep a close eye on children, and don’t use inflatables when the orange windsock is flying, as offshore winds can carry them out to sea.
Good to know: Lifeguard cover is seasonal (broadly late spring to early autumn, with reduced cover at the shoulders), and the deep, soft sand and dune paths make wheelchair and pushchair access difficult. Check the Rother District Council and RNLI pages for current lifeguard dates, parking prices and dog restrictions before you visit.
What’s nearby
Camber pairs perfectly with a visit to the medieval town of Rye, just three miles inland, making a brilliant combined day of cobbled streets and golden sand. The wildlife-rich Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, with its flat, family-friendly trails and bird hides, is close by, and the atmospheric shingle landscape of Dungeness lies a little further east across the Kent border. Back towards Eastbourne, our guide to Eastbourne’s own beaches covers the closer options.
Camber Sands: FAQs
How far is Camber Sands from Eastbourne?
Around an hour or more by car via Hastings and Rye. Without a car, take the train to Rye and a short bus or taxi from there to the beach.
Is Camber Sands actually sandy?
Yes — it’s genuinely sandy, several miles of soft golden sand backed by dunes, which makes it a rarity on the largely shingle Sussex coast.
Is it safe to swim at Camber Sands?
It can be, but the tides are strong and fast, so take care: swim only between the red and yellow flags when RNLI lifeguards are on patrol, and always check the tide times first.
Can you kitesurf at Camber Sands?
Yes — it’s one of the UK’s best-known kitesurfing beaches, with a designated watersports zone at the eastern end and a centre offering lessons and equipment hire.
Make a day of it: combine Camber with medieval Rye, explore Eastbourne’s beaches closer to home, or plan the trip with our days out by train guide.