I love to travel, and I’ve been around the world to some far-flung places. But often, there is nowhere quite like the UK. Towards the end of the summer holidays, we decided to have quick couple of days away, and looked for somewhere fairly near to our home in London. We decided on Rye and Camber Sands, which is a place I’d never been, and keen to explore.
Booking a late room in nearby Peasmarsh, we set off to East Sussex, with a stop off in Tenterdon, Kent for a picturesque pub lunch and on to our first destination which obviously isn’t in Rye or Camber, but so close and worth a visit, I thought I would mention it.
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a National Trust Property and is wonderfully maintained and run. You are immediately transported back to the 14th century, with the reconstructed castle community (complete with washing on the line!). The kids enjoyed a jolly time stamping their own coins and wandering around and interacting with the characters. Apparently, they all move in and actually live there in the camp was in mediaeval times, which is pretty darn cool.
The castle is quite awe- inspiring, with its turrets and moat, it really is a quintessential castle – a wonderful insight to the splendour of the mediaeval ages.
As it was the summer, various activities were on, and the kids tried archery. They successfully shot the boar•, so that was supper sorted that night.
•disclaimer – it was just a pretend boar!!
Camber Sands
After a night in a gorgeous pub in Peasmarsh, we headed to the coast. As we walked from the carpark (there’s three in total – plenty of spots and reasonable in price), through the dunes we were welcomed to a huge expanse of sand. In fact it is 5 miles of uninterrupted sand, grass fringed dunes and of course, huge blue skies (we were immensely lucky with the weather!). The beach easily rivals my favourites in Cornwall, Devon and North Norfolk – it had that wild feeling to it. It’s easy to use every superlative under the sun for the beach, but I will let the pictures do the talking.
Sadly, we visited shortly after the tragic accident at Camber Sands. When visiting, please note it is not lifeguarded, make sure you know the tide times, and be aware of the dangers of the sea.
Rye
Rye is one of the prettiest towns, certainly in the South of England. Perched on a hill above the river Rother, it’s the perfect maze of cobbled streets and mediaeval houses. It has a real arts feel to it,with many antique shops, galleries and small independents, and while we were there, a music festival was happening, with live music pouring from little squares and alley ways.
Mermaid Street
It caught my eye that there was also many a fine public house in the town, and the close proximity to the coast and river, meant there were plenty of places serving wonderful, fresh seafood. Im told they even have a scallop festival. In other words, Rye is perfect for any discerning foodie. What’s more, for the children we found a proper old sweet shop, selling all our childhood favourites (cola cube, anyone?) by the quarter.
Overall, our little expedition to explore East Sussex was immensely successful. We obviously went as a family of four, but equally as a couple it would be an ideal romantic location (I have my eye on a stay at either The George in Rye or the Gallivant in Camber!). I cannot recommend it enough – go and explore for yourself and see this beautiful little corner of South East England.
I’d love to know if you have any tips or favourite places in this area, do let me know.
PIN FOR LATER:
