S.E. England Camber Sands - East Sussex
Camber Sands - East Sussex
General
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
Camber can be reached by road via the A259 Hastings to Romney road, turning off at Rye. There is a large (paying ) 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.
By public transport, Rye can be reached by train, then taking 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."
"There are occasional problems when Naturists "flaunt" themselves on the brow of the Dunes or on the beach itself, Purposely in full view of walkers etc. on the beach. The Beach Patrol is obliged to check a report out....you can clearly see their Land Rover driving along the beach from a mile away... It's the usual case of a few spoiling things for the rest."
"There were 2 small wooden signs, about 4 years ago... (stating "This is NOT a Naturist Beach'") One on the Path from the Car Park Field & one actually on the Dunes. The Car Park one quickly disappeared, the other was buried in Shifting Sands in the winter winds."
(See also visitor comments below).
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 car park has a shop selling beach articles, drinks and ice creams.
This page compiled with help from:
- 'Camber Jon'
Selected Visitor Comments
May 2005 - "A fantastic stretch of beach ... at low tide you can see the remains of a shipwreck .To the east the beach is usually packed, but [further] west you can go topless without bother, the west of the beach you may hear military gunfire."
June 2005 - " Having visited this beach many times at the far remote end nearer the estuary - most relaxing stress-free environment. Naturists are returning here despite a sign saying 'this is NOT a naturist beach' - but if you are discreet there is no problem. Many naturists in the sand/grass dunes.. [but] keep away from estuary area, where the river runs up into Rye harbour. A beautiful place."
May 12, 2008 - ".. a wonderful place, very quiet and we only saw one small group of goppers. Given the great weather, parking didn't seem to be a problem. The pebbles are a little hard work, so a mat and beach shoes would be advisable."
June 25, 2008 - "..a lovely hot day... the SIGN saying this is not a naturist beach HAS BEEN REMOVED. I spent all day there nude with no problem with the beach walkers passing by... apart from that I had the beach to myself ..."
July 01, 2008 - "..another trip to Camber Sands... another nude day this time with more nude sunbathers, again no problem with the dog & beach walkers or with the couples that sat near to me... "
September 23, 2008 - " From Rye take the A259 east, about one mile turn right onto Camber Road, keep going until you see the sign welcome to camber, about 100 yards past the sign turn into the large car park on your right, park at the far right end take the path to the beach & turn right keep walking until you pass the the white flag pole naturists mainly use the flat grassy part nearer the dunes to the rear of the beach."
November 01, 2008 -"I live across the road at Camber & go to the beach every day that's good enough for sunbathing. ... to find the private nudist part... take the sandy path at the western end of the car park. After 50yds. there is a display board about the wildlife & plants you can see. Turn right and follow the "Rabbit Fence" for about 400yds. It goes over a rise then runs parallel with the bank. Go up the bank on your left. At top turn right & Voila!! Paradise!!"
November 14, 2008 - "[being nude on the beach is] not really a problem. There are lots of "V" shaped gaps. People only usually come close when the tide's right in & they haven't any choice but it's only a short time as it goes out so far. You can see anyone coming from half a mile away. The Locals ignore you & any "Clothies" keep their distance. I swim in the nude whether the tide is in or out. It's such a huge area. The ONLY time I've known a problem is when someone deliberately went down amongst the holiday makers & the Beach Warden called the police."
March 20th. 2009 - "Just had a lovely week on the beach at Camber!! Absolutely Lovely week of super warm sunny weather!! What a surprise!"
May 11, 2009 - "... I often go down from Rye on my own, while hubby at work. As long as you dont mind being seen by the odd guy who inevitably comes over for a chat... They are normally pretty pleasant chaps who just want a closer look and a chat. I never bother to do anything when they come over except chat to them nicely."
July 06, 2009 - "... spent a lovely day in the dunes on sunday... beautiful sunny day with a lovely breeze, it was perfect. started off topless in a g-string with no one taking a blind bit of notice. became very relaxed and went naked for most of the afternoon. didn't notice any other nudists but the people that were dressed didn't blink."
July 21, 2009 - "Great place to go. Came down with my other half on Sunday, found a sheltered spot and had a good day. She was a bit nervous to start but everything soon came off and she enjoyed it. Nice talking to new people as well. Recommend it!"
August 19, 2009 - "...found a secluded place in the dunes to the west, After a while two families arrived with their children and I offered to move. They said that they were fine with me and it was not a problem."
August 19, 2009 - " When we've been down, we've found a spot in the dunes and had a great time on our own, except there have been occasional lurkers trying to have a look. We'd love to be on the beach itself, like we do in France, but haven't yet dared.. [but] I'm encouraged by some of the recent messages."
August 21, 2009 - "I don't hide in the dunes I always find a cutout on the beach just where the beach meets the large flat grassy bit, I'll often have a walk around the grassy bit as well..."
September 08, 2009 - "...a Lovely Hot Sunny Day yesterday 5 Super hours of Sun & Skinnydipping. Not another soul anywhere..."
September 12, 2009 - "I was down on Tuesday afternoon and went about two-thirds along from the main beach westwards towards the river. The only couples I saw kept their clothes on and there were no single women. I saw four men, including one who walked around in a G-string. The tide was up and there were a lot of dog walkers, too many for comfort so I didn't strip off. I guess low tide would be better."
September 22, 2009 - "The Beach Patrol/Police were in the Dunes today after a couple of Dog walkers reported a chap walking along the top of the dunes. PLEASE.. Any Fellers.. Keep your nude walks & other "Activities" in the bushes & on the back path! And NOT in view of the punters. Otherwise they'll put the Notices BACK up & it'll spoil it for ALL of us."
2010-05-19 nick
"Made several visits last year, and today at last my first this year. Beach seemed clean as tide came in enjoyed bit of sun with a friend and seemed to be no other naturist visitors. Parking is available on the field but a bit pricy £8 for 4 hours £10 for longer! Fortunately so quiet today found a spot opposite!"
2010-05-26 Steve G
"Police have been reported to ask naturists to cover up on this beach-signs saying no nude bathing permitted come and go. I used to use the beach but have stopped now."
2010-06-01 Camber Jon
"There's been no signs for 4 years. You are fine as long as you are sensible & don't flash about where there are families."
2010-09-04 01:12
"People who stay out of sight and are DISCREET are not a problem, it is the people who stand on the tallest dunes... that have forced the authorities to take action.... People who walk down onto the beach naked where families are with young children have caused the authorities to take action."
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