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
Ockman Cottage
Ockman Cottage is a boutique holiday cottage located in a quiet twitten situated in the heart of the citadel of Rye. An ideal base for exploring the towns cobbled streets, antiques, restaurants, inns,independent boutiques and galleries together with the surrounding … more
The Salty Shepherd
Combining the peace and quiet of a rural farm setting in the beautiful East Sussex countryside with Camber Sands, one of the most fabulous beaches on the South Coast, our shepherds hut offers you a genuinely unique luxury glamping experience. … more
Glencoe Farm
Set in 5 acres and yet just over a five minute walk to the town centre and citadel of Rye, Glencoe is peacefully situated overlooking fields towards the ancient town of Winchelsea. The many excellent restaurants and public houses of … 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.
The Gallivant
The Gallivant Restaurant With Rooms is across the road from the dunes and the beautiful sandy beach beyond. Inspired by the coastal motels you might find in California. It is a a relaxing hideaway from the stresses and strains of … more
Globe Inn Marsh
A traditional but modern country inn located in the heart of Rye, just a couple of miles from the coast. Specialises in using fresh and local produce to create good innovative home cooked food from Field Farm Sea and offer … more