If you’re planning on a family weekend break on the Sussex coast, Camber Sands offers a fantastic seaside retreat for year-round fun. Along with its gorgeous stretch of beach and paddle-friendly waters, it boasts nearby history-filled villages, nature reserves and family attractions guaranteed to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
The following two-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of weekend breaks in the Sussex coast for families in this picturesque part of England.
Day One: A Chilled Day by the Sea
Grab your flip flops and take a walk to the golden beach outside your door. As the kids sprint to the sea, grab a spot of sand and set up camp beside the waves. If you’re arriving during the warmer months, bring your swimsuits and enjoy a dip in the surf — Camber Sands’ relatively shallow waters here are ideal for little ones to splash and play.
Be sure to bring buckets and spades too — the soft beach here is perfect for building sandcastles. Travelling with older kids? Spend the afternoon racing kite buggies, windsurfing, or arranging kitesurfing lessons.
After an activity-filled day on the beach, share an evening meal at The Owl. Just a 5-minute stroll from our coastal cottages, this family-friendly pub and grill serves up a hearty menu, local ales and wines, and a great selection of dishes for the kids.
Later, curl up for the evening in your cottage and relax before your next big day of adventure.
Day Two: Time to Explore
Set the alarm early and go for a sunrise walk along the shore (or leave it to the kids to give you your early-morning wake-up call). After a refreshing walk in the sea air, brush off the sand and tuck into breakfast at The Ship Inn – an historic pub that was once a warehouse to store contraband seized from smugglers!
Spend the rest of your time exploring nearby villages and scenic towns. Hop in the car and take a short drive to medieval Rye. The kids can experience a magical adventure at The School of Wizards & Witches, or go undercover at The Rye Mystery Treasure Trail. On rainy days, you might want to catch a family movie at Kino Rye cinema followed by a visit to Knoops for a warming cup of their decadent hot chocolates.
For a walk on the wild side, drive 7.5 miles to the rugged Dungeness National Nature Reserve. Embark on a bracing stroll beside the shore, try to spot an incredible array of bird life at the RSPB Nature Reserve, or take the kids to the play park at the New Romney station. When weary little legs need a rest, we recommend stopping for lunch in The Pilot Inn – famous for serving some of the best fish ‘n’ chips in Kent.
Just 17 miles away, there’s more family fun to be had in history-filled Hastings. Wander around the crumbling remains of England’s first castle, then visit Hastings Pier, a modern, 21st century attraction with its history and heritage at its heart. In the afternoon, head to Blue Reef Aquarium to see the creatures of the deep before playing a round of pirate-themed mini-golf.
End a packed day with a warming meal by the fireside at The Standard Inn in Rye. Order fresh seafood, or sample tasty pub classics, including their Sussex beef & chorizo burger. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a relaxing family night in, why not watch TV and grab a takeaway supper from Marino’s Fish Bar?
weekend in Camber sands
The Perfect Family Weekend Break in the UK
Our cosy and spacious cottages are ideal for Sussex family weekend breaks by the sea. Ready to book your trip away? We also have a range of baby-friendly holiday cottages, which feature all the essentials, including travel cots, high chairs and stair gates.
Find out more and start planning your weekend break today.
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