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Beach view with some houses

Coastal adventures: Exploring Winchelsea beach, Glyne Gap beach, and Camber Sands

Blog post author - Carla

by Carla Abreu

What’s in it for me?

  • Day out along the Sussex Coast: Explore Winchelsea Beach, Glyne Gap Beach, Camber Sands, and the historic town of Rye
  • Coastal and cultural experience: Enjoy tranquil beach walks, marine life exploration, and a visit to Rye's charming streets
  • Getting there by train: Reach these destinations easily by train, with smooth Southern Railway connections
If you're yearning for a coastal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the beautiful beaches of Winchelsea, Glyne Gap, and Camber Sands offer a perfect getaway. Recently, I embarked on a journey to these stunning seaside locations and ended the day with a delightful visit to the historic town of Rye. Here's a look at my wonderful day exploring these coastal gems and the charming town of Rye.

It’s one of the few sandy beaches in East Sussex and is particularly popular for family outings and water sports.

Morning at Winchelsea beach: Tranquility and natural beauty

I started my day at Winchelsea Beach, a serene spot known for its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. The journey from London to Winchelsea was smooth and scenic, taking approximately 90 minutes by train and a short taxi ride.

Upon arriving at Winchelsea Beach, I was greeted by expansive shingle shores and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the pebbles. This beach is perfect for those who love nature and tranquility, as it’s less crowded than many other beaches. I took a long walk along the shoreline, stopping at a pub for lunch and a Pimm’s Cup along the way. The natural beauty of Winchelsea Beach, with its vast horizon and calming atmosphere, was the perfect way to start the day.

Closeup of a hand holding a glass of Pimms with a pub in the background

Midday at Glyne Gap beach: A hidden gem

Next, I headed to Glyne Gap Beach, a lesser-known but equally beautiful destination. Located between Bexhill and Hastings, Glyne Gap Beach offers a mix of pebbles and sand, making it ideal for a variety of beach activities.

Glyne Gap is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure. The rock pools here are teeming with marine life, and if you’re lucky you can spot crabs, small fish, and other sea creatures. The beach is also popular for windsurfing and kite flying due to the breezy conditions.

Beach view with a person sitting on some old stumps

Afternoon at Camber Sands: Endless sands and dunes followed by a visit to Rye

My next stop was Camber Sands, renowned for its extensive sandy beach and impressive dunes. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in East Sussex and is particularly popular for family outings and water sports.

Camber Sands was bustling with activity, from families building sandcastles to enthusiasts partaking in beach volleyball. The dunes provided a perfect backdrop for a picnic, so I found a cozy spot and enjoyed a light lunch while basking in the sun. While it was too windy for me to brave the water, the beach is well-maintained and has lifeguards on duty, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming.

Grassy and sandy dunes with houses in the distance

Exploring Rye: History and Charm

As the day transitioned into evening, I made my way to the historic town of Rye, just a short bus ride from Camber Sands. Rye is a picturesque town filled with cobblestone streets, charming shops, and historic landmarks. My first stop was the iconic Mermaid Inn, a pub steeped in history dating back to the 12th century.

Closeup view of The Mermaid Inn

To end the day on a delicious note, I headed to The Fig, a lovely vegetarian restaurant in Rye. The Fig offers a delightful menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. I opted for a variety of small plates and a glass of wine. The whole meal was absolutely delicious! The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the flavorful and creative dishes, made for a perfect dining experience.

Shop front of The Fig

More coastal destinations accessible by train

In addition to Winchelsea Beach, Glyne Gap Beach, and Camber Sands, there are other beautiful beaches along the coast that are easily accessible by train. Here are a couple more you might want to explore: 

  • Littlehampton Beach: Easily reachable via Southern Rail, Littlehampton Beach is a family-friendly destination with a mix of sand and shingle. It offers a variety of activities including swimming, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the nearby Harbour Park amusement park is great for kids. 
  • Birling Gap: Accessible via a short bus ride from Eastbourne train station on Southern Rail, Birling Gap is part of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. This National Trust site offers breathtaking views, rock pooling, and a quiet, scenic beach experience. The dramatic coastline and stunning cliffs make it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. 

Final Thoughts 

My day exploring Winchelsea Beach, Glyne Gap Beach, and Camber Sands, followed by a visit to Rye, was truly memorable. Each beach offered its own unique charm, from the tranquil beauty of Winchelsea to the adventurous spirit of Glyne Gap and the sandy expanses of Camber Sands.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the sea, an exciting beach activity, or a charming historical town to explore, this itinerary offers something for everyone. I highly recommend taking this coastal journey and experiencing the best of East Sussex’s seaside and countryside. 

Buying tickets

You can buy Southern train tickets online and collect them from the ticket machine before you travel. You can also buy them from a ticket machine or ticket office at the station.

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