Camber Sands & Rye with Kids: our favourite East Sussex staycation
If you’re craving a classic bucket-and-spade beach day and a storybook town full of cobbled lanes, independent shops and hot chocolate stops, Camber Sands and Rye is one of those weekend breaks that just works for families. Add neighbouring Winchelsea for a breezy stroll with big views, and you’ve got the perfect East Sussex trio.
Below is a family-friendly weekend itinerary, a simple walking route you can actually do with little legs, plus a very practical Camber Sands guide (parking, loos, baby change, food, accessibility, dunes, tides).
Why we love Camber Sands + Rye for a family weekend
We have been coming to Rye + Camber Sands for years. Its less than 2 hours from our home in Essex making it the perfect staycation. We love the combination of the long sandy beach of Camber combined with the historic, cobbled streets of Rye. Its a winning combination for both parents and kids!
Easy add-ons: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for wildlife spotting, and Winchelsea for a quiet walk with coastal views.
Where to stay: family-friendly options we’d recommend
1) Holiday park for maximum convenience (pools + entertainment)
If you want that “everything on site” ease, Camber Sands Holiday Park (Parkdean Resorts) is designed for families, with indoor pools and lots of activities (great if the weather turns).
Beechwood 20
2) Self-catering cottages (best for families who like early nights + space)
For a chilled, flexible stay (especially with toddlers), a Rye/Camber cottage is hard to beat: separate bedrooms, a kitchen, and space for sandy gear. There are lots of cottage options in and around Rye. This is also a great option for multigenerational stays or weekends with friends.
Tip: look for parking included if you’re staying inside Rye, and check whether the stairs/cobbles are workable for your crew.
Here are some of our favourites:
3) Stay in Rye for the “walk everywhere” vibe
If you want to park up and wander to dinner, Rye is the one. The Ship Inn highlights family-welcoming rooms and puts you right in the centre for an easy evening stroll.
Here are some of our favourites:
The Cottage, Mermaid Passage - Our Favourite!
4) Quieter base near Winchelsea
Winchelsea is peaceful and countryside-feeling, while still being close to Rye and Camber. The 1066 Country site has a “where to stay around Winchelsea” hub if you fancy that slower pace.
Here are some of our favourites:
5) Beach Views in Camber
Camber Sands is host to some idyllic holiday homes right on the beach. From sea view apartments to beach houses with their own entrance to the beach, why not make you East Sussex staycation a beach holiday.
Here are some of our favourites:
What we pack for a Camber + Rye weekend
Windproof layers (Camber breezes are no joke)
Sunglasses (dunes + wind = sand in eyes)
A big picnic blanket + a pop-up windbreak if you have one
Wipes, spare outfit, and a “car-change kit” (because someone always ends up sandy)
Tide check + a basic beach-safety chat with the kids
The easy 48-hour family itinerary
Day 1: Rye town + sunset at Camber
Morning | Rye wander (1.5–2.5 hours with kids)
Start with a slow potter through town. Think: Mermaid Street vibes, little shops, and “who can spot the wonkiest house?” If you’re up for a mini “adventure climb”, Rye Castle (Ypres Tower) is a brilliant history stop with great views.
Note: some of the streets in Rye are cobbled and the paths a small. Use a baby carrier if you can.
Parking: There is a handy car park at the bottom of old Rye. We usually park at Wish Street Car Park or The Strand Car Park.
Lunch | family-friendly bites in Rye
The Fig is a gorgeous option for brunch/lunch (they confirm they’re family-friendly at those times).
Knoops is our go-to “reward” stop for hot chocolate (and they’ve got loads of options).
Afternoon | Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (buggy-friendly, big skies)
If your kids love nature trails, do this before the beach. There are multiple easy paths, and the Discovery Centre is a handy base with the Lime Kiln Café and an easy “reset” moment (hot drinks, cake, toilets).
Evening | Camber Sands for golden hour
Head to Camber late afternoon for dunes + sunset. It’s the best time if you want space, softer light, and fewer queues.
Day 2: Camber Sands beach day + Winchelsea walk
Morning | Camber Sands (2–4 hours)
Aim to arrive early in peak months. Settle in, build duneside sandcastles, paddle at low tide, and keep an eye on tide times (more on this below).
Lunch | beach picnic or quick-and-easy food
Camber is brilliant for picnics. We take a pack punch and grab extras locally. (If you want a café lunch, Rye is only a short drive for more variety.)
Afternoon | Winchelsea stroll (1.5 hours, easy pace)
Winchelsea is peaceful, pretty, and feels like a different world. There’s a recommended 3-mile circular countryside walk with beautiful views across the area (allow longer with kids, stops, and snacks).
A simple family walking route (Rye → Rye Harbour → Camber option)
Option A: Rye Harbour “little legs” loop (buggy-friendly)
Start at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
Do one of the shorter marked trails, stop at a hide, then loop back for cake/ice cream
Why we rate it: flat paths, wildlife spotting, and a café/toilets base.
Option B: Big fresh-air day (older kids)
Morning in Rye (castle + shops)
Drive to Rye Harbour for a nature walk
Finish at Camber Sands for dunes + beach play
Camber Sands with kids: the practical guide
1) Parking (and what it actually costs)
Camber has several council-run car parks (including Camber Central, Old Lydd Road and Western Road). Charges vary by season and length of stay. As of 1 April 2025, summer daytime rates (08:00–19:00) are:
Up to 1 hour £6
1–3 hours £12
3–6 hours £24
Over 6 hours £30
Winter rates are much lower.
Our tip: if you’re doing a full beach day in summer, it’s worth deciding in advance whether you’re committing to “all day” (and budgeting for it), or doing a shorter dunes-and-paddle visit.
2) Toilets, showers & baby changing
A big update: a Camber Sands Welcome Centre has opened at the Central Car Park to improve visitor facilities, including toilet and shower facilities.
The Welcome Centre plans also reference “Disabled Toilets and Baby Change” as part of the toilet provision/signage.
(You’ll still want to bring wipes, a spare towel, and a “quick-change” layer for kids, because sand happens.)
3) The dunes (and how to enjoy them responsibly)
The dunes are genuinely stunning and a huge part of what makes Camber feel special. They’re also delicate, so keep little explorers to paths where possible, avoid trampling planted areas, and never BBQ in the dunes (also: windy days + dunes = sandblasting… pack sunglasses!).
4) Beach safety, tides & lifeguards
Camber is wide and shallow in places, but tides can come in quickly and sandbanks can surprise you. If you’re swimming, stick to lifeguarded areas and follow flags.
RNLI lists Camber Central as a lifeguarded beach (seasonal) and publishes patrol dates/times (for example, in 2025 it included daily patrols late May to late September, 10am–6pm). Always check the current season before you go.
5) Accessibility (buggies, wheelchairs, little legs)
Buggies: Rye’s cobbles can be a workout. A compact buggy with good wheels (or a carrier) makes town exploring easier.
Beach access: sand is, well… sand. Expect wheels to struggle once you’re on the soft stuff. If you have mobility needs, aim for the flattest access points and plan a shorter visit with lots of stops.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a lovely accessible swap when the beach feels like “too much”: the reserve has wheelchair/mobility-scooter accessible hides and the Discovery Centre is an accessible hub.
6) Dogs
Dogs are not permitted in zoned areas between 1 May and 30 September at Camber, so check the map/signage when you arrive.
Where to eat: family-friendly cafés + pubs (Rye & nearby)
Rye (easy wins with kids)
The Fig – family-friendly for brunch/lunch (worth knowing they’re adults-only later in the evening).
Knoops – hot chocolate heaven (perfect after a blustery walk).
The Ship Inn – a cosy pub stay/eat option that explicitly welcomes families.
Rye Harbour (great with outdoorsy kids)
Lime Kiln Café at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre – easy, scenic, and perfect after a nature walk.
Mini FAQ
Camber Sands good for toddlers?
Yes — as long as you plan for the practical bits (wind, toilets, and the walk across sand). The dunes are a brilliant “natural playground”.
Is it doable in winter?
Absolutely. Rye is gorgeous year-round, Rye Harbour is fantastic for crisp walks, and Camber is stunning on a bright winter day (just pack layers and warm drinks).
