Trip To The Sussex Seaside with baby: Camber Sands and Eastbourne mini break

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.

Camber Sands Camber Sands

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.

Camber Sands

Camber Sands

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).
The Gallivant at Camber SandsThe Gallivant at Camber Sands

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.

IMG_3973 IMG_3967

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.

Promenade at Eastbourne

Mrs T in Eastbourne

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.

Eastbourne

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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

16 Comments
  1. Ahh glad you made it down to Camber/The Gallivant. It’s amazing isn’t it. And you had perfect weather!

  2. 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
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    1. 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

    1. 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

    1. 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

    1. 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

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