Camber SandsCamber Sands is a vast beach, which is so dramatic and undeveloped that it has become popular among filmmakers for desert scenes.
Camber Sands is a beautiful, dune-lined beach near the village of Camber, in Sussex, close to the Kent border. This vast and windswept expanse of sand is popular for a variety of sports, including kitesurfing, kite-landboarding and kite buggying. The fact that Camber Sands has stood in for the Sahara Desert in a number of films, including Carry On Follow That Camel, indicates just how dramatic and unspoilt the landscape here is. Whether you want to take a bracing dip in the sea, enjoy a long stroll or just sunbathe, Camber Sands is a wonderfully relaxing place to do it. Its five-mile stretch of sands is home to the only network of dunes in the region, and there’s so much space that it’s never difficult to find a secluded spot to lay down a towel.
The village itself is far busier in the summer than out of season. There are a couple of nice pubs, some interesting shops and a number of excellent cafes and restaurants. For classic British dishes, including steak and ale pie and Sussex pork, try The Green Owl, a welcoming pub and hotel with a great selection of local ales.
Beachy Head To eat in style, just a few yards from the beach, check out Dunes Bar and Restaurant, where the chef takes pride in using local produce, such as lamb from the nearby Romney Marsh and fresh shellfish from Rye Bay. For good food and a lively atmosphere, check out the award-winning Camber Castle. Alternatively, try Antonio’s Pizzeria for some of the area’s best Italian cooking.
Apart from the magnificent beach, there are plenty of interesting historical attractions to explore in and around Camber. Camber Castle was originally built to defend the port of Rye by Henry VIII, and features an impressive artillery fort.
The countryside surrounding Camber Sands is some of Southern England’s most beautiful and is home to a remarkable variety of birdlife. A short drive away is Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, where you can see tern, plover, redshank and lapwing in their natural habitat.
There are plenty of interesting cities, towns and villages which are easily reached from Camber Sands for a great day out. Rye is a pretty, historic town where you’ll find attractive Georgian houses, narrow, cobbled streets and spectacular views of Romney Marsh.
“Camber Sands is a vast beach, which is so dramatic and undeveloped that it has become popular among filmmakers for desert scenes.”
Rye is also the home of the excellent Rye Bay Scallop Week, when you can sample a variety of delicious scallop dishes, fresh from the bay.