Things to Do Near Camber Sands with Kids
Things to Do Near Camber Sands with Kids – People flock to Camber Sands on Britain’s south east coast for the vast beach of golden sand. It’s beautiful in most weathers, and often busy, with lifeguards on duty too. If you get temperatures over 20 degrees it feels like you’re abroad. Whatever the weather, there’s loads to do nearby. We took our car so we could explore the local area as much as possible.
[For a sense of the vibe on Camber Sands watch this v short video.]
Apsinal Port Lympne Nature Reserve – Things to Do Near Camber Sands
There are a few animal parks nearby but the Aspinal Port Lympne Nature Reserve is special. Set in 600 acres, it combines 900 rare and endangered animals, a safari, plus an extensive dinosaur trail. Any part of this experience would constitute a cool outing in itself, but combine what’s on offer here and you’ll spend a busy day. There’s also remarkable accommodation with views straight onto the animal enclosures! In practical terms, you book your tickets for the day (£22 for adults, and £20 for children), then pay extra for a safari at a specific time (which I’d recommend doing as it’s only £6 more per person).
Starting on foot, we found the main attraction for us was the Primate Trail. The Palace of the Apes is home to Aspinal’s family of Western lowland gorillas. Carnivore Territory was another highlight, with cats great and small.
Next, we entered the Dinosaur Trail, the UK’s largest dinosaur collection. Here, visitors explore the mighty beasts that are displayed in chronological order i.e. Jurassic period is probably the most infamous era. The animals are designed by palaeontologists, life size, and tucked away in the bushes or soaring overhead so quite a sight.
The Safari was next, and the only way to see the African, South American and Asian animals. Board the safari trucks to experience giraffes, zebras, deer, water buffalo and Brazilian tapirs. Top Tip – sit on the left-hand-side of the truck as the safari takes an anti-clockwise route, so those on the right-hand-side have far fewer photo opportunities. The safari team may change the route, so don’t hold me to this, but I was on the ‘wrong side’ and didn’t get a clear line of sight of the animals.
In terms of food, there are a mix of places eat on site. We opted for Babydoll, which serves wood-fired pizza, Prosecco and Italian dishes.
Cycle to Rye – Things to Do Near Camber Sands
From Camber Sands there’s a fantastic cycle path that links the beachside town with historic Rye. We put peddle to the metal and it took roughly 45 mins to cycle between the two towns in safe, green surroundings. En route you pass various little lakes, a cherry seller (who we bought fruity snacks from) and Rye Watersports (see below). Why drive if you can cycle? [Bike racks can be found round the back of the Tourist Information Centre in Rye (basically walk in a circle to find the racks in front of the church)]. FREE
Explore Rye – Things to Do Near Camber Sands
Rye itself is worth a stop whether you cycle, drive or walk. When we entered the town we passed a large playground – that was an hour of our life the kids merrily took from us, but it is a very fine playpark 🙂 We peddled up to the town gates, known as The Landgate, for a photo opp. The independent shops are gorgeous (making me wish I could spend an hour alone there) but I did make time to buy some Rye chocolate.
Mermaid Street is the most iconic location in Rye. An Instagram favourite, and wonderfully ancient, with buildings dating back to the eleventh century. Beautiful images, and such a lovely place to stay as well. Book the Mermaid Inn, previously headquarters to a gang of smugglers known as the Hawkhurst Gang, today a stylish inn with a two AA rosette restaurant (but some rooms do apparently feature hidden passageways!).
There are lots of cute cafes and quality restaurants in Rye. We dined al fresco at the Mermaid Street Café – we’re talking crab sandwiches to die for. Finally, we explored the exteriors of Ypres Tower and Rye Castle Museum, which was built to protect Rye against French invaders around 1250, and contains the grim remains of a local man who attacked the mayor (note to self, do not attack the mayor). Other sights include boat trips from Rye harbour (£17 per person) or visiting Lamb House, home to author Henry James, and today run by the National Trust. Before we knew it, it was time to retrace our steps and cycle back to Camber Sands.
Paddleboarding & Watersports – Things to Do Near Camber Sands
Rye Watersports can be reached easily via the cycle/hiking path from Camber Sands or by car. It offers a great variety of courses for kids, from two-day courses or two-hour coaching sessions to booking an experience as a family. We opted for a one hour hire of 2 stand up paddle boards to use between the four of us, which was roughly £30. The staff are great, and make sure you get on the water safely. Equipment hire, wetsuits and buoyancy aids are included in the price.
Visit Battle & the Site of the Battle of Hastings
I’d heard of the Battle of Hastings, and assumed it took place in Hastings. What a silly tourist I was. The battleground is located in the town of Battle, and run by English Heritage, covering the 1066 battle between the Saxons and the Normans. After taking in views from the Gatehouse, we set off to the gory battle site itself. The history and drama of the battle is summed up in a circular route. Adults read display boards, but the kids map is way more fun. It leads them from statue to statue as they play Spot the Saxons (from Standard Bearer to Foot Soldiers) and Know the Normans (from Knights and Archers to Swordsmen). Spoiler alert – King Harold was defeated when an arrow hit him in the eye and killed him. [English Heritage members can enter for free. A family ticket is £36.20.]
The town of Battle itself is picturesque and tourist friendly. We visited when the annual July Scarecrow festival was taking place, with scarecrows dotted all over the streets and houses. The kids enjoyed Battle’s playground, complete with pirate ship.
Visit a Biodynamic Vineyard with Organic Cola
After a history lesson in Battle we opted for indulgence. There are several vineyards around Camber Sands, so we chose one that welcomed children and suited our itinerary geographically. The Sedlescombe Organic vineyard is small, modern and welcoming. Plus it’s Britain’s oldest organic and biodynamic certified vineyard in the UK, established in 1979.
Many guests had experienced a tour, lunch and tasting, but, with two youngsters in tow, we did our own thing. After a brief wander through the vines (and coming across v unexpected WW2 bunkers) we ordered some vino. I went for a tasting deal, and the kids tried their organic cola. We only ordered one bottle as I was very dubious about homemade cola, but it’s SO good. In the shop we bought several bottles of wine, fizz and cola to take home with us. Lovely to support wine producers in Britain.
Dungeness Nature Reserve
On a bright day walking in the wilds of Dungeness feels like exploring the Australian outback. It’s a curious and quirky place. The miniature railway is an easy way to take in the scenery. The lighthouses attracted the children as landmarks to aim towards.
I believe it was quite an overlooked stretch of the coastline until Derek Jarman bought a house here and made it de rigour. Now, house prices are through the roof. His former home, set in the austere but beautiful landscape, has open gardens so visitors can respectfully explore. The house itself is closed to visitors.
The scenery and industrial waste make for great holiday photographs. For such a still and quiet beachside location there’s a notably strong police presence due to border control. The day after we visited, refugees landed on the shingle making national news. From Dungeness you can see France on a clear day. FREE
Dymchurch Beach & Railway
We spent a day at Dymchurch Beach. It seemed so much quieter than Camber Sands so a nice contrast. Plus the kids played within the groynes in the sand, so they were easy to keep an eye on and therefore got a little more freedom and space to themselves. Fish n chips for lunch was the cherry on the cake. FR
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway also operates here. Thirteen and a half miles of adventure on the tracks!
Overall we were overwhelmed with how much there was to do within a short distance of the busy beach of Camber Sands. For more family travel in England, click here.
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