Christmas comes around once a year… and somehow it still manages to whizz by in a flurry of notifications, tellybox schedules, and “quick, take a photo!” moments.
But what if this year felt different?
A Christmas in Camber Sands is the sort of festive break where you can properly exhale. Where the sea breeze does the resetting, the dunes do the distracting (in a good way), and the best kind of “face time” happens with rosy cheeks and salty spray.
So pop the phones on silent (or in a drawer—go on), and let’s make Christmas a little more real.
Swap screen time for tide times
There’s something about winter by the sea that gently presses pause on everything.
On Christmas morning, step outside and wander down to the beach. Camber Sands in winter is wonderfully wide, windswept and quiet—soft sand underfoot, dunes rippling like corduroy, and a sea breeze that clears the cobwebs faster than any coffee.
Instead of checking emails, check the sky. Watch the tide roll in. Let the smalls race ahead looking for “treasure” (usually a very important stick).
A few easy, unplugged seaside moments we love:
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A brisk Christmas Day stroll to the water’s edge (bonus points for a hot flask waiting afterwards).
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A slow wander over the dunes with the sea breeze in your hair and pockets full of shells.
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Storm watching from a cosy spot—marsh mists one way, whitecaps the other.
And if you’re bringing the pooch, winter is a brilliant time for beach days—just keep an eye on local signage for any seasonal rules, because beaches can be a bit like Christmas pudding recipes: everyone does it slightly differently.
Proper “face time” (the kind with pub fires)
Winter breaks are made for long chats and warm corners. Rye and Camber have some cracking places for an easy, festive pint—no scrolling required.
The Mermaid Inn, Rye
All creaky beams and candlelit atmosphere, with a fireplace that practically demands a good story. If you want that “old England at Christmas” feeling, this is the one.
The Globe Inn, Rye
A welcoming spot for a relaxed lunch after a blustery walk—unfussy, friendly, and just the thing when you’ve worked up an appetite on the marsh.
The Owl, Camber
Perfect for that “we’ll just pop in for one…” moment after the beach. It’s the kind of local where sandy shoes don’t feel like a crime.
Host tip: Christmas week can be busy, so it’s worth booking ahead where you can—future-you will thank you.
Festive Rye, no app required
Rye at Christmas is a proper little pocket of magic: cobbled streets, independents to explore, and shop windows glowing like something from a storybook.
Take your time. Wander. Get pleasantly lost. The best bits are often the ones you don’t plan.
Cosy Rye ideas for the week:
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An evening stroll for Christmas lights and that “ooh, smell that!” festive air.
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A browse of local shops for foodie treats (and last-minute stocking bits you’ll pretend were always the plan).
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A stop for something warming—mulled something, hot chocolate, or a good old cuppa.
If there are seasonal events on (tree festivals, carols, pop-up markets), they’re a lovely way to soak up the atmosphere—just check what’s running during your dates.
Back at your cottage: your own little festive bolthole
This is where the real reconnecting happens.
No timelines. No “just one more episode”. Just you, your favourite people, and that soft, cosy feeling that comes from being somewhere that isn’t home… but still feels like it.
A few of our favourite “home-from-home” traditions:
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A board game tournament (competitive? never us 👀).
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Cooking together—someone on roasties, someone “supervising” with a glass in hand.
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A post-walk sprawl: rosy cheeks, warm socks, and the gentle crackle of a log burner (if your cottage has one).
And yes—Wi‑Fi might be there if you need it. But you’ll probably forget all about it once the sea air does its thing.
Little ways to unplug without making it a “thing”
If you’re aiming for a calmer Christmas, you don’t have to go full “phones in the sea” (please don’t). Tiny tweaks make a big difference.
Try this:
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One photo a day (instead of 73 near-identical shots of the same mince pie).
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A “phone basket” by the door—especially during meals.
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A Christmas Day walk first, screens later (if at all).
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A beach scavenger hunt for the smalls: shell, feather, “the smoothest pebble”, “the weirdest bit of driftwood”.
You’ll be amazed how quickly everyone settles into it.
Between mince pies: where to wander
If you fancy stretching your legs between festive feasts, you’re spoilt for choice.
A few local favourites:
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Camber Sands dunes – windswept, wild, and properly refreshing.
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Rye Harbour & the marshes – big skies, reed beds, and that quiet Romney Marsh magic.
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Dungeness – wonderfully strange and beautiful, especially in winter light.
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A longer potter out towards places like Cuckmere if you’re up for a scenic drive and a big, blustery walk.
Bring layers. Bring a flask. Bring someone who won’t moan about sand in their sandwiches (Christmas miracle, that one).
The handy bits (so you can plan easily)
Because you don’t want the practical bits buried at the bottom when you’re trying to sort Christmas plans.
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Travelling with a dog? Look out for our dog-friendly boltholes so the pooch can come too.
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Parking: Many of our places have off-road parking—check the listing for the specifics.
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Bedrooms & sleeps: Each cottage is a little different, so you’ll find exact numbers on the individual property page.
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Distance to the sea: We’ll always tell you how close you are—whether it’s a quick flip‑flop stroll or a proper “wrap up warm” wander.
Ready for a Christmas in Camber Sands?
If your dream festive season looks like sea air, slow mornings, cosy evenings, and proper time together, then Christmas in Camber Sands might be exactly what you need.
And if you do come… share your snaps with us. We never get tired of seeing windswept dune walks, muddy paws, and that first “ahhh” moment when you arrive.
Ready to disconnect? Make this Christmas one to remember for the right reasons. Book your festive escape to Camber Sands and give your family the gift of your full presence.
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