Naturist / Nudist Beaches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Camber Sands - near Rye

East Sussex

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Sand dunes at the far end of a small resort's long sandy beach.

Camber Sands are situated between Rye in East Sussex and Lydd in Kent, just to the east of Rye Harbour and the Rother Estuary. The large dune system is a site of scientific interest and nature conservation. The beach is several miles long, with about 2 miles of sand at Camber itself. During the summer, the eastern end attracts thousands of (textile) visitors and families, many from the the nearby Pontins holiday centre. Despite this, naturists have long used the "remoter parts" - particularly mid-week.

In past years there have been some complaints about naturist use of this beach. (see below for more information). Naturists should always behave with consideration and respect for other beach users.

Camber Sands is notable for having been used as a location for a number of films, standing in for the both the Sahara - in "Carry On - Follow That Camel" - and the Dunkirk evacuation beaches!

Getting There

Google Maps

Camber can be reached by road via the A259 Hastings to Romney road, turning off at Rye. There is a large expensive car park as you approach from the direction of Rye along Lydd Road, just after passing the golf club. From the car park two paths lead to the beach, the westernmost being the more direct. There is a free car-park at Broomhill Sands, on the coast road about 1 mile beyond Camber (the wrong side for the naturist beach).

By public transport, Rye can be reached by train. Either (i) follow the River Rother down to the sea, or (ii) take the number 711 bus (approx. every 30 minutes Mon-Fri daytime) Get off at Camber Post Office and walk down lanes opposite Pontins to reach Old Lydd Road. From there walk onto the beach near the tea huts/amusements. Turning right (westwards) the section of the beach used by naturists is about 1km away.

Description

Camber beach is a long , backed by extensive sand dunes and mostly composed of fine, soft sand. Behind the beach is the Rye Golf Club. At low tide the sand is about half a mile wide narrowing to about 50 yards at high tide . However, perhaps due to the proximity of Pontin's holiday camp, the beach itself seems to be wholly textile - only the dunes at the western end (nearest Rye Harbour and the golf links) are said to be used for naturism.

The further west you go towards Rye channel (Rother estuary) the more likely you are to find suitable spots - easier to find a suitably secluded spot during the week, when you may find naturists among the dunes.

"The Western end is very quiet. with secluded spots & pathways in the bushes & dunes, between the beach & the Golf Club. (But not visible from the Golf Course OR the Beach. ) It comes to an end at the outlet of the River Rother."

CAUTION: Bathing at this location can be hazardous.

The presence of the Rother Estuary can create dangerous currents, bathers can, and have been, swept out to sea. Also, if you venture onto the estuary mudflats, quicksands are also a hazard and you may be cut off by an incoming tide.

Facilities

The Camber Sands car park has a shop selling beach articles, drinks and ice creams.

This page compiled with help from 'Camber Jon'

Map

Comments

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Photos

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Photos should be of the beach, or show the way to it. They should NOT have people in them.

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