Camber Sands

I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I could reach the beach from London city using public transport. The beach is a combination of sand and pebbles and stretches for quite a distance. Although it was too cold for a beach day in January, we were fortunate to have some sunshine during our visit and enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the uncrowded shoreline. I anticipate that the experience will be quite different in the summer, when the large carpark spaces will likely attract more people. I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it as much then.

Despite the winter weather and some closures, we had a delightful time strolling along the beach and even managed to grab a bite at the cozy café on the shore. We're already looking forward to our next visit.

We visited Camber Sands in August and despite having been there before, the trip from the Midlands was still worth it. The beach boasts clear waters, sandy shores, and plenty of picturesque spots perfect for those posh Instagram posts. However, we did notice a lack of nearby options for snacks and drinks, so we recommend bringing a variety of packed lunch, beverages, and snacks for a long day. This is a cost-effective solution given the rising prices of everything. Fortunately, parking is available right next to the beach access, and it's not expensive. We found the RingGo app to be helpful since we didn't need to carry coins. Finally, we were pleased to see people picking up their litter as this helps keep the beach pristine.

I've visited this beach several times and it's absolutely stunning. Even during peak times, it's not overcrowded like some of the more popular beaches, so you'll have a bit more personal space. While there are cafes that offer typical beach drinks and fast food, I found the options to be limited, so it might be worth bringing your own snacks. The three main car parks are well-maintained and paved, and they require payment through coins, card, or the RingGo smartphone app. Unfortunately, I've encountered some out-of-order payment machines, which is frustrating since the app charges extra fees. The central "Camber Sands car park" has restrooms, which is a convenient amenity. I recently discovered a fourth car park called Broomhill, which is about a 15-minute walk away and doesn't cost anything, but it's made of pebbles and doesn't offer any facilities. I prefer using this one now because it's quieter and free.

The beach boasts a stunning shoreline and ample space for sunbathing and swimming. Despite being popular during warmer summer days, the beach doesn't feel overcrowded. However, reaching the beach from the car park requires a walk over the dunes, which may pose a challenge for some.