Camber Sands Beach

Camber Sands Beach is hidden behind dunes and is a popular family sandy beach with picturesque dunes and fascinating wildlife. Camber Sands is popular as it offers golden sand and dunes rather than the traditional Sussex pebble beach, which means it can be very busy on a hot summer day.

The beach is divided into marked zoned areas (bathing, dog-restricted, and watersports). Although you can bring your dog to Camber Sands, dogs are prohibited in zoned areas between 1 May and 30 September.

The dunes are formed from the sand blown inland, which builds up around plants, debris and fences. A large section of the western end sits within the Camber Sands and Rye Saltings Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), while the rest is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance.

The marram grass you see covering much of the dunes has a deep root system that helps hold the sand in place. Traditional chestnut fences along the beach help sand to build up more quickly. The combination of plants and fences at Camber Sands prevents the dunes from moving and burying the village.

Facilities at the beach include seasonal lifeguards, public telephone, toilets with disabled access, children’s play area, slipway, Coastal Control Office for lost children, first aid, cafe and deckchair hire.

The village of Camber is very close to the beach, and you have a selection of holiday parks to the east of the village. In Camber Village, you have a selection of cafes, chip shops, general stores, a post office and a couple of pubs.

There are three main car parks: the Western car park on New Lydd Road, the Central car park, and the car park on Old Lydd Road. Both Western and Central also have large overflow car parks. Only Central has direct access to the beach, and you have to tackle soft sandy paths over the dunes to reach the beach from the Western car park, making this unsuitable for those with prams or wheelchairs.