Once the staple of my annual family summer holidays when I was young, the UK coast has, in recent years, taken a back seat to more exotic locations. But, with the heatwave seemingly here to stay I felt a compulsion to get out of London, let Mrs T see the sea, enjoy the sun and I relive some childhood memories. We packed up the car, booked a night’s accommodation in Eastbourne, Sussex and took a trip to the seaside! Yes, the English seaside. I was also keen to share the experience with my husband whose UK seaside experiences lie mainly in the north with resorts such as Blackpool, Scarborough and Whitby.
We decided upon Sussex, mainly because it is SO easy to access from London (took around 1 hour 45 by car). We booked a night in Eastbourne stopping for lunch in Camber Sands, near Rye in East Sussex. Recommended by a friend, this is a true gem! Hidden behind grassy sand dunes lies the beautiful sandy beach of Camber Sands. Looking more like a quiet picturesque beach along the east coast of Australia, this is the perfect place to reconnect with the UK coast. Certainly it was nothing like the summer holidays of my youth when we would frequent the likes of Bournemouth and Bognor.
We went for lunch at The Beach Bistro at The Gallivant. It is very close to the beach and served us the most delicious seafood. We splashed out on some Oysters which I would be so bold as to say were the best I have ever had. Mrs T seemed happy with some fruit and bread (which stayed glued to her hand for most of our time on the beach).
Eastbourne
We left the beautiful scenery of Camber Sands to head west along the coast to Eastbourne. We drove through some faded seaside towns in need of investment, such as Hastings. It was sad to see a place with such a rich historical background a fragment of its former splendour with tatty seafront buildings and a pier which had fallen victim to fire.
Arriving in Eastbourne, the sun was shining and the promenade and seaside busy with a multi-generational mix of residents and tourists. One exuberant man was hoping to find hidden treasure on the beach as he swept the sands with a metal detector.
Lacking the golden sands of Camber, Eastbourne’s seafront and pebble beach is a typical British seaside town far more consistent with my childhood memories. A long pier with an amusement arcade and small shops selling candy floss and rock, restaurants serving afternoon tea and fish and chips, colourful beach huts lining seafront, middle aged couples falling asleep on deck chairs. We had such a lovely time. Mrs T thoroughly enjoyed herself. It was brilliant to get away together as a family, to wake up at the British seaside, the sound of seagulls circling, the fresh sea air blowing on your face as you wander along the promenade.
We will definitely be exploring more of the UK, especially now we have Mrs T. She too has to experience the British seaside and cherish the memories in years to come.
Ahh glad you made it down to Camber/The Gallivant. It’s amazing isn’t it. And you had perfect weather!
It was stunning! Thank you so much for the recommendation. Was perfect. X
Camber looks so pretty! I would love to explore Sussex more. I once went to Rye and was totally captivated by the antique shops and tea rooms. When we need a seaside fix we go to north Norfolk – very pretty too and with a good selection of traditional sea towns. It’s a bit further to drive from London though! #CountryKids
Lizzie Woodman recently posted…My Week
I’ve never been to Norfolk – it is pretty far for us- but have heard very good things. We didn’t really explore Rye so will have to revisit sometime! Xx
What a great idea to take a spontaneous trip. I love that! It is a shame that so many seaside towns are looking a bit tired theses day but if more people had staycations the money would be there to invest. I love a UK beach holiday and have had two this year. It looks like you had a great time #countrykids
Claire at Tin Box Traveller recently posted…Banish post-holiday blues #KeepSummerGoing
I know – spontaneity doesn’t happen very often but we just went for it. It is a shame the investment isn’t there with some of these seaside towns. Just felt like it had become a bit forgotten. We really must do more UK trips too. Hope you had fun on yours. Xx
She’s adorable, I can see she loved the beach 😀 Looking at your photos has made me wish I were on a beach instead of the office, luckily I’m going to Barcelona in one week. 😀
Vlad recently posted…Looking For A Good Restaurant In Copenhagen
Thanks Vlad. Yes, beach infinitely better than the office. Always great to have a trip lined up! Barcelona – awesome!! We were there a couple of months ago. Look forward to hearing about it x
I do love the seaside – Camber Sands are fantastic aren’t they, and I always hear good things about The Gallivant. How cute does Mrs T look here as well. #mondayescapes
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Florida in photos – visiting the Gulf Coast
I know, it’s so lovely to look back at them when they were younger. Camber Sands was such a fab surprise – must go back x
Lovely pictures, we discovered Camber last year quite by accident and keep meaning to go back. Looks like you had a great time lovely to re create memories of your childhood 🙂 #MondayEscapes x
Mudpie Fridays recently posted…Niagara Falls with a 3 year old
I was so impressed with Camber Sands – so beautiful! Really brought back memories. X
I keep meaning to visit Camber sands. About a year ago I was toying with staying at The Gallivant but then our plans changed – great to hear about it.
#MondayEscapes
Trish – Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Review of Mondrian Hotel, London
I’d definitely stay at the Gallivant if we go again. I can’t get over how beautiful Camber Sands is! X
Camber Sands is one of my favourite places to go – when you get the beach to yourself it can feel like you’re in another country! But I know that’s rare! Lovely post and we must try The Gallivant next time we’re there. It sounds lovely! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: Airbnb Apartment in Malasaña, Madrid
Haha – it definitely doesn’t feel like an English seaside – you are right. It’s a great place – need to pay it another visit I think. Oh, the Gallivant is worth going to. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes