Family-run Camber Sands holiday cottages, personally managed by locals who live right here on White Sand.
We’re Richard & Sophie, the family team behind Beside The Sea Holidays. Since 2009, we’ve been helping guests enjoy relaxed seaside stays in Camber Sands — with handpicked holiday cottages, helpful local knowledge and the sort of personal service that’s harder and harder to find.
29 handpicked homes •
1,000+ genuine guest reviews •
Dog-friendly & family-friendly •
Book direct with local hosts
Why guests choose us
There are lots of places to book a holiday cottage. What makes us different is that this really is personal. We live here, we know the homes properly, and we care about the little details that help a stay feel easy from the start.
We’re genuinely local
Camber Sands isn’t just somewhere we work — it’s home. We live on White Sand ourselves, so when we recommend a beach walk, a good coffee, a dog-friendly pub or the best route to the dunes, it comes from real local know-how.
We only look after homes we believe in
Every cottage in our collection is carefully chosen and personally managed. We know each one inside out, so we can match you with the right stay — rather than leaving you to guess from a long anonymous list.
You deal with real people
When you book with us, you’re not dealing with a call centre or a faceless booking platform. You’re dealing with a small family business that cares about getting things right — before you arrive, during your stay and afterwards too.
We understand family holidays and dog-friendly stays
Whether you’re packing for children, bringing the dog, planning a celebration or sneaking off for a quiet coastal weekend, we know what tends to matter. Space, comfort, practical details and a stay that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in.
We know Camber properly
From beach days and rainy-day back-ups to the best places to eat in Rye and peaceful corners of the dunes, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction. It’s one of the joys of booking direct with local hosts.
Guests come back year after year
We’re proud that so many guests return to Beside The Sea Holidays again and again. For us, that says more than any marketing line ever could.
Meet the family
We’re Richard & Sophie — and Beside The Sea Holidays has grown around family life by the coast.
Back in 2009, we started with one holiday cottage and a simple idea: offer the kind of warm, thoughtful service we’d always hoped to find ourselves. What began as a small side project has grown into a much-loved family business built around handpicked homes, local knowledge and genuinely caring about our guests.
Richard looks after property care, maintenance, operations and all the behind-the-scenes practical bits that keep things running smoothly. Sophie handles bookings, finance and guest support. Arthur has grown up by the sea and knows Camber’s beach paths, ice cream stops and best sandy corners better than most adults. And Dougal, our Border Terrier, remains a very firm believer that every good holiday should include a proper walk.
We’re not a big agency, and we’ve never wanted to be. We’d much rather be known for being helpful, honest and easy to deal with.
What “personally managed” actually means
For us, personally managed means we know the homes, we know the owners, and we know the area.
It means we notice the details. We care whether the cottage feels warm and welcoming when you arrive. We care whether the kitchen is properly equipped. We care whether the Wi-Fi works well, whether the garden is secure for the dog, and whether guests have the information they need before they even think to ask.
It also means you can get in touch with real people who know what they’re talking about. If you’re not sure which cottage suits you best, we’re always happy to help you find the right one.
A few lovely things guests have said
We’re lucky to receive some very kind feedback, and we never take it for granted.
“Our second stay with Beside the Sea Holidays in beautiful Camber Sands. The houses are comfortable, spacious, clean and beautifully decorated.”
— Heather Norman, March 2026
“A lovely cosy property, well equipped with everything you would need. Easy to find a lovely peaceful location.”
— Fiona Humphrey, February 2026
“We stayed at Beachcomber cottage with our 3 month old daughter. Property was roomy, with a nice beach decor and a well-equipped kitchen.”
— Rupert Curno, February 2026
“Loved it! A short stroll from the beach, the cottage is brilliantly located in a quiet fenced-off area.”
— Sarah C, February 2026
Read more guest reviews on Google →
In the press
Over the years, a number of our cottages have been featured in national press and travel round-ups — which has been a lovely bonus for a small family business by the sea.
Featured in The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, the i paper and more.
Explore our cottages
Whether you’re planning a family beach holiday, a dog-friendly break, a romantic weekend or a bigger get-together by the sea, we’ve got a lovely selection to choose from.
Dog-friendly cottages
Family-friendly cottages
Romantic getaways
Large cottages for celebrations
Explore Camber Sands guides
Ready to plan your stay?
If you already know what you’re after, have a browse. If you’d rather have a bit of help choosing, just get in touch — we’re always happy to suggest the homes that might suit you best.
Richard & Sophie