Camber sands, Rye, East Sussex

Explore Rye (East Sussex) Coast and Beaches

Rye is a small harbour town in East Sussex approximately two miles from the sea and at the point where three rivers of Tillingham, Brede and Rother all meet. In medieval times, Rye is one of the five Cinque Ports which were set up to increase the defence of the coastal towns in the south-east, where men and ships were ready at all times to defend the south coast. Today Rye is an excellent mix of medieval and Georgian houses on narrow streets, and is an excellent base for touring some fine beaches and nearby Romney Marsh. Whether you intend visiting just for the day or for a longer stay, Rye will leave you wanting to return again and again – and many people do. Rye is just a 90 minute trip from London which also makes it a very popular weekend destination at all times of the year. Rye and its nearby beach of Camber Sands is arguably the jewel in the crown of East Sussex and once visited is never forgotten.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 23 beaches in East Sussex. You can even take a look at our list of East Sussex dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Rye East Sussex Coast Map

Rye East Sussex Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Place to eat

Rye Bay Cafe

Beach: Camber Sands View: Situated just behind the sand dunes of the beautiful Camber Sands beach. What’s on the menu?: Open throughout the day, offering light snacks & refreshments, afternoon teas, homemade cakes. Fully licensed. Read more…
History and heritage

Rye Castle Museum

Rye Castle Museum has two sites. The East Street Site, a former brewer’s bottling factory, is the main exhibit area for the Rye Castle Museum. The local history exhibits include fire fighting equipment, trade changes caused by the sea’s retreat, maritime history and shipbuilding, antique toys and games, photos, town seals, and archaeological artifacts. Ypres Tower is the other site. Read more…
Camber-Sands-beach

Camber Sands Beach

Camber Sands beach is hidden behind dunes and is a popular family sandy beach, with picturesque dunes and interesting wildlife. Camber Sands is very popular as it offers golden sand and dunes rather than the more traditional Sussex pebble beach. The beach is divided into zoned areas (bathing, dog restricted, watersports), please check the beach signs. The dunes are formed Read more…
Rye-Watersports

Rye Watersports

Rye Watersports is a long-established teaching centre offering lessons in Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Dinghy Sailing and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Rye Watersports is a recognised BKSA Kitesurfing school and Royal Yachting school for windsurfing and sailing. Lessons in kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing are taught on our coastal lake, mid-way between Rye and Camber, a beautiful location surrounded by the vast expanse Read more…
Camber-Castle

Camber Castle

Camber Castle, Until the late 16th century, most of the low lying ground between Rye and Winchelsea was a shallow harbour, called the Camber, protected from the sea by a long series of shingle banks. Henry VIII built a chain of artillery forts along the south coast to protect vulnerable and strategic areas. The existing tower at Camber was incorporated Read more…
The-Kitesurf-Centre

The Kitesurf Centre

The Kitesurf Centre is a leading BKSA Kite School offering kitesurfing lessons, kiteboarding courses, power kiting, kite buggying, kite landboarding, hydrofoiling and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Located on Camber Sands beach, East Sussex but also teaching at Greatstone Kent on the South East Coast of England and just 1 hour from South London. Read more…
Jurys-Gap-beach

Jurys Gap Beach

Jury’s Gap beach is also known as Broomhill Sands and is located at the eastern end of Camber Sands near Jury’s Gap, hence the name. The beach is sandy with groynes and as the tide goes out you have a massive beach to play on. Excellent windsurfing and kite surfing beach with shallow water and lagoons on either side of Read more…
Rye-Harbour-lifeboat-station

Rye Harbour lifeboat station

Rye Harbour has had a lifeboat station since the start of the 1800s. Now operates an inshore lifeboat. Limited station opening. Read more…
Place to eat

The Beach Bistro

Beach: Camber Sands View: Part of the Gallivant Hotel, the Beach Bistro can be found opposite the dunes of Camber, overlooking 5 miles of pristine sandy beach. What’s on the menu?: A New England style bistro with a menu centred around freshly caught, local fish. And something else… When the sun shines, they open a marquee on their driftwood decking, Read more…
Lamb-House

Lamb House

Lamb House, a fine brick-fronted 18th century house home to writer Henry James from 1898-1916, authors E. F. Benson and Rumer Godden. Read more…
Winchelsea-beach

Winchelsea Beach

Winchelsea Beach is mainly shingle/pebbles at high tide but as the sea goes out a very long way at low tide you get a large expanse of sand. You do need to be a little careful in that at low tide you have a lot of muddy patches. This is a good all-round family beach that never gets crowded although Read more…
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