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.

Rye Theatre

Rye Museum: East Street

Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The … more

Accommodation

Haydens

Haydens is a small, family-run, environmentally friendly B&B right in the heart of the ancient market town of Rye, an area gilded in literary and artistic history. We aim to provide a comfortable and luxurious setting for guests to relax … more

Rye Harbour Cottage

A cosy 2 bedroomed cottage in Rye Harbour. Offers Lounge, kitchen/dining room, shower room downstairs, with one double bedroom + one twin room upstairs. Well situated to access local places of interest and close to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. … more

Landgate Cottage

15th century cottage opposite the medieval Landgate arch. Refurbished with to modern standard, retaining period features. Landgate Cottage has a cosy woodfire, pretty courtyard and WIFI. Close to galleries, restaurants, National Trust properties and wonderful beaches.