Camber in East Sussex is not exactly a hidden spot. The village has long brought in tourists from around the world, thanks to its location next to the long golden beach of Camber Sands. While you might associate Camber with caravan parks and fish and chip shops, the area has become more upmarket of late, balancing those classic seaside elements with boutique hotels and upmarket restaurants.
Take The Gallivant, for example. This adults-only beach hotel came 66th in The Times’ 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2025. They described the hotel’s atmosphere as: “think New York’s Hamptons by way of Camber Sands” and praised the decor for its quirky touches: ” Sure, rooms are compact, but they’re stylish and fun (we love the framed vintage swimsuits). Who cares if the weather’s dicey for the beach across the road when the mid-century-styled lounge is a snug space for books and mid-afternoon cake, and the bar is such a beauty?”
The hotel’s restaurant, Harry’s, has also been praised by the publication: “[Chef] Matthew Harris has introduced classic French flavours to an interesting menu curated from seasonal British ingredients. Expect terrine de campagne with pistachios or crab with fennel and blood orange plus mains such as boeuf bourguignon and mash or hake fillet with samphire.”
Just down the road is The Owl, a pub with rooms on the seafront, just a short clamber over the sand dunes from Camber Sands. In addition to its cosy rooms with a boutique hotel vibe, it has a traditional English pub offering hearty breakfasts and locally-caught seafood. Visit in the colder months and you can enjoy a bracing walk on the beach followed by a pint in front of the open fireplace.
Camber has plenty of options for eating out, such as the Rye Bay Bar & Grill just steps from the beach, which is perfect for a relaxed lunch. Or you could simply enjoy takeaway fish and chips while you sit on the sand.
When Time Out compiled a list of the 37 Brilliant Beaches in the UK, Camber Sands came in third. They said: “despite its popularity, its vast size – almost three miles long and more than a mile wide when the tide’s out – means there’s usually somewhere to lay your towel, if not park your car (but really, the only quiet time is mid-week or off-season).
“With its backdrop of tufty dunes, sand stretching as far as the eye can see, and a scattering of dog-walkers (note the restricted zones from May to September) and horseback riders, it’s a hugely atmospheric bit of seaside – and perfect for combining with a day trip to the cobbled streets and medieval pubs of Rye.”
Time Out also gave a tip for nabbing the best beach location, saying: “If you are looking to escape the hordes, the western end, towards Dungeness, tends to be a bit quieter – just follow the windsurfers.”
On a sunny day, you’ll see plenty of windsurfers, kite surfers, paddleboarders and more. There are a few places along the sea front offering equipment hire and even running courses for beginners or those who want to hone their skills. Or you could simply take a dip in the sea when it’s safe to do so. During peak season, there are lifeguards on duty,
If you can tear yourself away from the beach, visit Camber Castle, just a 15-minute drive away. The remains of the castle, built by Henry VIII are surrounded by beautiful Sussex countryside and make for a great rural walk.
Rye is also just 10-minutes away, with cobbled, Medieval streets and charming historic architecture. Visit Rye Castle Museum, which is set inside a 14th-century tower, or walk down the narrow lanes full of independent shops.
Rye also has lots of amazing options for dining. The Fig, an independent cafe in town, gained attention when head chef Rosie Furnival took part in MasterChef: The Professionals. The Fig focuses on fresh, healthy dishes, with a wide selection of small plates and vegetarian and vegan dishes.