I do prefer to be beside the seaside – and spending hours on the lengthy golden seashore is without doubt one of the most tempting issues to do in Camber Sands with youngsters.
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However for those who can drag your self away from the dunes – or for those who’re dealing with just a few wet days in Sussex – there’s a lot to find close by as effectively, all inside round half an hour’s drive or much less.
From castles and the positioning of the Battle of Hastings to aquariums, countryside, historic cities and extra, I’ve picked out a few of my favorite issues to do in Camber Sands with youngsters.
When you’re on the lookout for locations to remain in Camber Sands, try my evaluation of Salt Bay cottage
Hit the seashore
Camber Sands is residence to probably the greatest sandy seashores in Sussex, with a whopping 5 miles to discover – even in peak season, yow will discover a nook to name your individual.
When the tide goes out, the seashore can really feel countless (try the tide instances if you wish to swim) with a path alongside the dunes on the again, and sand stretching all the best way to the River Rother and Rye Harbour on the opposite facet.
There are lifeguards in the summertime months, a restaurant on the seashore close to the principle automobile park, and canine are allowed year-round (though on a lead and in restricted zones from Could to September).
I by no means have any hassle spending hours on Camber Sands seashore, however in order for you a change of scene, head to Broomhill Sands to the east – quieter, with fewer services, there’s a kitesurfing centre and you may watch them out on the waves.
Or maintain going to Pett Degree. This shingle and pebble seashore, between Rye and Hastings, has some sand at low tide however the fossilised forest that pulls extra guests than sandcastles.
Head to the south-western part at Cliff Finish, and you may see the stumps believed thus far again to earlier than the Ice Age. When you go to in Spring, the low tides will even reveal the wreck of seventeenth century warship HMS Anne.
For extra concepts of seashores in East Sussex to go to with youngsters (in addition to choices in West Sussex) try my favourites
Bodiam Fortress
One of the vital picturesque settings of any fort within the UK, Bodiam Fortress appears to drift within the centre of its moat, towers and turrets mirrored within the water.
Solely round half an hour from Camber Sands, you may discover throughout the partitions and a number of the towers, which have survived since its medieval beginnings.
House to a colony of bats, there are sometimes household actions happening too, together with actors giving talks to carry the ruins to life, in addition to trails by means of the grounds.
Try my evaluation of a time out at Bodiam Fortress with youngsters
Battle Abbey
Set on the positioning of the Battle of Hastings again in 1066, Battle Abbey is one among England’s most vital historic websites.
Wander the battlefield itself, the place figures of archers and knights are dotted round together with info boards in regards to the fateful assembly of the Saxon and Norman armies.
There’s additionally a customer’s centre with interactive shows on the battle, and the occasions which led as much as it, together with a brief video and the possibility to vote to decide on who you suppose ought to have taken the crown.
You can even see the stays of the abbey, constructed by William the Conqueror after his victory, together with the Harold stone, marking the spot the place the final Saxon king of England is assumed to have fallen.
Time your go to for October and you may even see the battle re-enacted, in addition to wandering by means of the Norman and Saxon camps for a style of on a regular basis life, with different household actions throughout college holidays.
If a time out enjoying Normans and Saxons is in your wishlist, there’s extra info on this information to visiting Battle Abbey
Go to Rye
Half the enjoyment of visiting Rye is wandering round its historic streets, with cobbled alleys, twisty lanes and the well-known hill of Mermaid Avenue, residence to the Mermaid Inn.
Rebuilt in 1420, its cellars date again to 1156, however is simply one of many picturesque buildings to identify as you stroll, with half-timbered homes in addition to the twelfth century church of St Mary, the place you may climb the tower for a terrific view out over the city.
At one finish of the city stands the previous Landgate, the one surviving gate Rye’s former fortifications, whereas on the different you may go to Rye Fortress Museum, within the Ypres Tower (to not be confused with its sister museum in East Avenue).
In addition to extra pretty views from the highest, there are shows on the historical past of Rye itself, in addition to its former use as a jail, and a enjoyable interactive part on medieval knights and warfare, the place you may deal with a sword and see how laborious it was to attract the bowstring on a crossbow.
Faux to fireplace the cannons on the inexperienced subsequent door, browse a number of the quirky little retailers, spot the home with two entrance doorways (and decorative titties galore) earlier than stopping at a restaurant – Knoops has superb scorching chocolate, or ice cream in summer season – and you may simply whereas away a day.
In case your youngsters want extra persuasion to discover than the possibility of recognizing fairly previous homes, there’s additionally a Treasure Path for Rye.
For extra issues to do in Rye with youngsters, try my prime picks
Rye Harbour
There’s a stunning community of paths round Rye Harbour, between the city itself and the seashore at Camber Sands, separated by the River Rother.
When you’re fortunate you would possibly even spot seals, nevertheless it’s a haven for birds, with nearly 300 species recorded, and a terrific place for a stroll – even for those who’re visiting with a four-year-old.
Begin on the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre to be taught extra in regards to the space earlier than heading out to discover.
You’ll be able to spot the stays of Camber Fortress, and there are recommendations on the wildlife highlights to be discovered every month as effectively within the collection of various habitats.
There’s a restaurant on the Discovery Centre, or cease in at William the Conqueror pub.
For extra of the very best castles in Sussex, try my prime picks
Go to Hastings
There’s a terrific mixture of basic seaside and old style fishing historical past in Hastings, in addition to various points of interest for a wet day in East Sussex.
Take a wander alongside the entrance initially, with vintage anchors dotted alongside between the boats, loads of locations to get fish and chips in addition to the standard arcades.
Or head as much as uncover the ruins of Hastings Fortress, the primary to be constructed by William the Conqueror after he landed – you may take one of many city’s two funiculars, the West Hill Cliff railway up.
The city can also be residence to the World Loopy Golf Championships, with three 18-hole mini golf programs to strive.
There’s an aquarium on the seafront (learn on for extra particulars), in addition to the East Hill Cliff Railway, the steepest funicular railway within the UK, operating from Rock-a-Nore Highway to Hastings Nation Park.
For extra nice issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, try my prime picks
Hastings Museum and Artwork Gallery
The shows on the Hastings Museum and Artwork Gallery inform the story of the city, however there are just a few surprises you won’t anticipate out of your common native historical past museum.
Essentially the most dramatic is the Durbar Corridor, made for the 1886 Indian and Colonial exhibition in London and designed to point out guests what a typical Indian palace was like.
Saved afterwards by a rich native household as an extension to their very own home, it was later donated to the museum to include their world artwork assortment, however the intricate carvings and delightful decor is effectively value seeing for itself.
Don’t miss the ‘Story of Hastings in 66 Objects’ as effectively, which covers the historical past of the city from 1066 to at the moment, targeted on native characters, together with an eleventh century moneyer and medieval scrivener, in addition to extra well-known names together with John Logie Baird.
When you’re visiting with youngsters who love artwork, try Hastings Modern artwork gallery as effectively, and take a look at this publish from Museum Mum who visited along with her youngsters
Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings
Set proper on the beachfront, the Hastings aquarium won’t be the most important in Sussex nevertheless it’s very simple to whereas away just a few hours wandering round with youngsters – and perfect if you end up by the seaside in Sussex on a wet day.
Look out for the porcupine pufferfish and the stonefish, two of the extra uncommon inhabitants together with rays, sharks, vibrant reef fish, seahorses and the slightly fabulous big pacific octopus.
There are two pages of animals to tick off in a youngsters’s information as you go round, together with some nice info for mini marine biologists.
Learn extra about our time out at Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings right here
Hastings Nation Park
When you fancy a change from the seaside, Hastings Nation Park makes a terrific day outside with youngsters in Sussex – though with superb views of the south east coast, you would possibly even be capable to see so far as the coast of France on a transparent day.
For starters, you may get there from the city utilizing the funicular from Rock-A-Nore street, which positively beats your common journey.
Then there are walks galore to discover the 345 acres, containing coastal woodlands, grasslands and pasture – try the leaflet displaying a number of the walks to obtain.
Smugglers Journey
Uncover smuggling historical past at this uncommon household attraction in Hastings, heading into underground caverns and tunnels within the footsteps of rogues galore.
Within the caves, you’ll meet over 70 characters, from pirates to bootleggers, who used these secret passages to stash their booty.
There are interactive shows and video games as effectively at Smugglers Journey, whereas the bravest can head into the Chapel, colder than the remainder of the caves and mentioned to be probably the most haunted part.
Kent and East Sussex railway
Camber Sands is true on the border of Kent, so it’s simple discover extra day journey concepts among the many issues to do in Kent with youngsters.
And the Kent and East Sussex railway runs from Tenterden, round half an hour from Camber Sands, by means of the countryside of the Rother Valley in direction of Northiam and Bodiam Fortress.
There are each steam trains and diesel engines on the heritage railway route, together with further actions for teenagers throughout college holidays, and particular occasions for Halloween and Christmas.
You’ll be able to board at any of the three stops alongside the route (pedestrian entry solely from Bodiam), which takes round 45-50 minutes every means, with extra restricted companies throughout the winter months.
It’s additionally value understanding that your path to Tenterden will take you previous the Chapel Down winery – not prime of your youngsters’ record of issues to do maybe, however who wouldn’t be tempted by somewhat detour!
For extra issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, try my prime picks
*First revealed 2021, final up to date 2024*
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Hasting picture courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels
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