Winchelsea Beach
Winchelsea Beach in East Sussex Village Guide
About Winchelsea Beach in East Sussex
Leaving medieval Rye with its narrow streets and old worlde charm, a 3-mile westward drive finds a different world. The natives simply call it “The Beach”, The village looks remarkably uninteresting from the road. However, what it does have to offer is a rare thing nowadays – a sense of space and freedom.
Winchelsea Beach is one of the few remaining comparatively undeveloped parts of the south coast. Just inland, between the coast road and the sea is this strange shingle landscape known as “The Ridges”– pebbles and rough land with a straggle of 1930’s bungalows spaced out along the unmade roads. The whole area is much valued by those who like fresh air – flocks of birds and open and empty spaces. The beach is peaceful and never crowded with shingle at high tide and level sand at the low.
When the tide is far out, there is a large, almost flat area – ideal for walking and shrimping.. Swimming is safe and best at high tide and Winchelsea has regularly received a Clean Beach Award. A wonderful 4-mile walk is to follow the sea wall eastwards- first stopping at the hides of the Bird Reserve, next following the River Rother towards Rye and then returning across the field tracks past Camber Castle.
The whole area provides a wonderfully refreshing escape from the fumes and fret of work and city life.
Text supplied with the kind permission of Jennifer Powrie.
Attractions and Activities
Winchelsea Beach
Winchelsea Beach is a pebble beach located between Camber and Pett Level. With views over Rye Bay, Dungeness can be clearly seen to the east and Fairlight cliffs to the west.
Camber Castle
Camber Castle lies between Rye and Winchelsea, and was originally located on a shingle spit which protected the approach to these towns.
Accommodation
The Coach House
The Coach House is the newest addition to Cadborough holiday cottages. It is recently converted and offers luxury accommodation for two people. The large spacious open plan living area is light and airy and offers everything for a comfortable, relaxing … more
Old Borough Arms
The Old Borough Arms is a family run guest house, with 9 en-suite rooms in the heart of Rye. All guest rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, TV, towels and good quality comfortable beds so that you can have … more
Quarter House
Enjoy stylish, romantic beamed surroundings in the heart of the historic walled Citadel of Medieval Rye. This unusual, converted Grade II listed two-storey apartment retains original features including an open log fire, original wooden floors & beams dating back to … more
Restaurants
Haydens Coffee Shop
Fair trade and organic tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and cakes served in a warm friendly atmosphere every day. Fully licensed.
Webbe’s at the Fish Café
Welcome to Webbe’s in Rye. A vibrant lively restaurant atmosphere with open plan kitchen area where you can view your meal in its creation, for serious diners and families alike. This upbeat eatery will meet your every need when you … more
Flackley Ash Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Located in the Sussex countryside 4 miles from the historic town of Rye, Flackley Ash is a delightful Grade II listed Georgian country house with an award-winning restaurant, a bar and spa facilities. The hotel’s spa features various treatment rooms. … more