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Metro
17-05-2025
- Metro
This UK beach is ‘more relaxing than the Algarve' — two hours from London
We book a beach holiday to unwind, but some of Europe's most beautiful shores attract huge crowds that are more rat race than R&R. However, if you're looking to avoid sunbed wars this summer, you don't have to go far. In fact, you don't need to fly, because five miles of sand in East Sussex has been named one of Europe's least crowded beaches. Camber Sands, which is a two-hour train journey from London, is widely described as one of the best beaches in the UK. In a Wizz Air analysis of 50 European countries, it beat the likes of Nissi Beach in Cyprus, and Playa d'en Bossa in Ibiza. Some have even described it as more relaxing than the Algarve. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. @pocketwanderings Save for later 📌 Camber Sands is the perfect English coastal destination for when the sun is shining ☀️ 🏖️ The beach itself is huge, so even on the busiest summer days you can still find a nice spot. 🇬🇧 In East Sussex on the South Coast of England – close to the quaint town of Rye. 🚗 There is plenty of parking available or you can get a train from London to Rye then a bus to the beach. 🏄♀️ You can try a number of watersports at Camber Sands, including kitesurfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing and more. 🏡 Make sure you leave some time to explore Rye, it's a really charming town. 🌊 For a hotel option, check out The Gallivant – it also has an award-winning restaurant @The Gallivant Save for later or tag who you'd like to visit Camber Sands with ☺️ ——— #cambersands #uktravel #ukcoast #londondaytrip #visitengland Camber Sands Guide | South Coast of England | UK Coast | UK Travel Ideas | London Day Trip | Visit England | Travel England ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris The airline estimated how much space each beach offers per person by dividing its area by the size of a beach towel, and then dividing that by the average number of daily visitors. Camber Sands, according to those calculations, has space for 61.1 beach towels per person, offering visitors plenty of room to stretch out, take sandy strolls and play watersports. The East Sussex holiday spot was only beaten to the top by Durrës beach in Albania, which came first on the list with a score of 64.5. Meanwhile, Praia de Falesia in the Algarve, Portugal, was halfway down in seventh with space for 33.8 towels per person. And Camber Sands isn't the only English beach to make the list. Brighton, also in East Sussex, ranked sixth and has several direct trains from the capital that will take you straight to the shore in under an hour. According to the UK Beach Guide, Camber Sands is unusual for a Sussex beach. While most beaches along this part of the coast are lined with pebbles, Camber Sands is covered in fine golden sand and is home to the only dunes in the county. The website notes: 'Despite its fantastic natural assets, Camber Sands remains largely unspoiled. For the larger part of the year, there is a good chance of finding some solitude here. 'Even in the height of summer, the crowds are bearable even though it is within two hours of London.' One Tripadvisor review, left by 'Ruth M' described it as possibly the best beach in the UK, with 'miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches'. Reviewer Stuart added: 'I've been to a lot of beaches. This one takes some beating. A huge expanse of sand offers great views. A few coffee shops dotted around, but largely unspoiled.' Meanwhile, 'Bookthiefj' wrote: 'Lovely sandy beach, turquoise waters, and it was not too crowded on the day I visited. I loved this beach. I want to spend a day sleeping in the sun on the beach on my next visit.' The nearest train station to Camber Sands is Rye, and the journey from London to Rye usually takes just over two hours. Single fares start from £50. To get there, you can catch a train from London St Pancras to Ashford International and change at Ashford for Rye. From there, the 102 Wave bus goes to the beachfront, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Or, if you'd prefer to walk, it's just over an hour. The Rother District Council has a list of guidelines for anyone visiting Camber Sands. More Trending It advises visitors to follow the RNLI beach safety advice and check the beach safety sign for local hazards. These are the safety notices you should be aware of before you go: Beware of fast incoming tides – check the tide times Beware of sandbars – don't get cut off by the tide Always wear clothing designed for swimming – when wet, normal clothes can cause you to sink! Beware of soft sand and mud exposed at low tide Do not dig deep holes or tunnels in the sand Our coastal waters are home to an array of marine species. The following link shares some useful advice on how to avoid getting stung and what actions to take if you do. Stings, spines and sharp teeth: Your guide to summer sealife. Alcohol and swimming don't mix. Stay away from groynes and outfall pipes. Keep clear of the Harbour entrance. There are very strong currents and boats in the area. Safety signs are located along the foreshore. Make sure you read the information and familiarise yourself with the environment.' Beach of Durrës – Durrës, Albania: 64.5 (towel space per person) Camber Sands – East Sussex, England: 61.1 Zlatni Rat Beach – Bol, Croatia: 54.1 Borsh Beach – Borsh Albania: 43.0 Plage de Pampelonne – Ramatuelle, France: 33.8 Brighton Beach – Brighton, England: 27.0 Praia de Falesia – Algarve, Portugal: 24.3 Mogren Beach – Budva, Montenegro: 20.1 Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa, Cyprus: 19.3 Playa d'en Bossa – Ibiza, Spain: 17.7 This article was originally published on 30 September 2024 and has been updated. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent 96 hours in 'little London', where life is easier MORE: Inside 807ft skyscraper in a forest that's almost as tall as London's Shard MORE: People are sharing their favourite 'mega walks' — these are the best routes in London
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
William Sitwell reviews Harry's, Camber: ‘A menu that matches the spirit of the place'
Of course, I was invigorated by the sight of the sea, what seemed a vast and empty stretch of water, and an equal expanse of beach, with no one in sight but a couple of dog walkers. And there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Fortunately the car parks were also empty because, given they are also enormous, it suggests this place becomes less of a picnic mid-summer; a sort of Saturday night peak-time ITV1 grockle-fest. But my spirits soared further when I entered The Gallivant, just opposite one of those car parks by Camber Sands, near Rye, in East Sussex. Because it is nothing less than a visionary's accomplishment. What could be a single-storey motel by a busy road is a stylish retreat so well designed and propped that you want to take every idea, every cushion, book, chessboard and sconce home. Along with the staff, who usher you in offering beach towels, boots and water bottles. And now this little paradise has a great chef in its midst. The restaurant is called Harry's, named not after the chef, Matthew Harris, but owner Harry Cragoe. Harris is one half of a culinary sibling duo, his brother being Henry, of celebrated Bouchon Racine fame. And while Henry had classic chef itchy feet syndrome, also known as restaurateuritis, Matthew fetched up at London's Bibendum about a hundred years ago and stayed there until he felt it was time to cook in a nice place by the sea. Where he reigns over breakfast too, which I liked almost more than dinner; so cute is the array of granola, cured hams, cheeses and a Bloody Mary 'recovery station'. The menu is sort of French by way of Kent; French words like 'terrine de campagne', 'courchamps', 'montpellier' and 'remoulade' being in the mix with 'Salt Marsh Barnsley chop' and 'wild garlic'. And very gently reassuring it is too, a menu, indeed, that matches the spirit of the place: calm and restorative. My hot date Nima ('I've not been called that since 1972'), a beloved family friend, enjoyed her terrine, the rustic kind embedded with pistachios, though, she said, it wasn't groundbreaking. And I, similarly, nestled into a familiar Harris brothers starter of eel with celeriac and egg – gentle flavours, the sensible foundations of a house rather than its grand façade. Next I ate a bit of sheep like the ones I'd spotted grazing as I travelled from the station, the Barnsley chop, slow-braised and glistening, sweet but robust. It came with half a baby gem, fresh from the griddle. I never quite know how chefs do that with lettuce, try it at home and it turns to mush, a bit like my attempts at taramasalata which taste like cat food. Nima's main was veal, another decent plate, tender meat, charred at the edges and under a verdant, generous pour of montpellier butter. We shared buttery spinach and fries, all on point and elegantly served on handsome plates painted with an 'H', which I suppose, stops you pinching them, unless your name is Harry or Helga or Harvinder. Vanilla ice cream for pud came with room temperature chocolate sauce, which I think should be hot. But then it's a bit like a reverse of the braised lettuce thing: I can make hot chocolate sauce at home, but no restaurant can, ever. In the choppy waters of modern hospitality, as vessels smash against the rocks, The Gallivant sails a smooth and calm path – now resolutely, with a chef on board who doesn't want to change the world but instead reliably helps the boat to keep on chugging along very nicely.
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Britain's best historical reenactments – and how to visit them
There is something endlessly fascinating about key battles that shape a country's destiny: Hastings, Naseby and the Battle of Britain to name just a few. While the masses will happily immerse themselves in these historical events through museums and exhibitions, real enthusiasts – and there are more than you think – love nothing better than to take part in re-enactments of these titanic clashes, while dressing in the costumes and living the lifestyle of the relevant time. Such is their passion that they like to share it with others. There are multiple historical re-enactment events in the UK and many are open to visitors. You cannot simply turn up and take part – being a re-enactor takes a great deal of training – but you can go and watch and get a sense of what it might have been like. You might even get to throw the odd axe or two. The following 10 events give a flavour. Forward, march! England Battle of Hastings East Sussex The most famous of all battles fought on English soil, the showdown in October 1066 between Anglo-Saxon King Harold and William, the Norman conqueror, is commemorated with a re-enactment involving some 300 warriors on the Sussex field where the fighting took place. In addition to witnessing the action, visitors can wander around the Anglo-Saxon and Norman camps, watch weapon makers and log choppers and get a sense (and smell) of what they would have eaten. Children can try their hands at archery or sword fighting. The details October 11-12, £24 (adult); £7.50 (English Heritage members) Where to stay The Gallivant in Rye (01797 225057) has double rooms from £245, including breakfast. Tewkesbury Medieval Festival Gloucestershire Ever since 1983, the market town of Tewkesbury has hosted a commemoration of the Battle of Tewkesbury (May 1471), one of several key turning points in the War of the Roses between the houses of York and Lancaster. In addition to a reenactment of the battle itself (won by the Yorkists), participants set up authentic medieval-era encampments complete with banners, tents, board games and bottles of mead. Fancy trying on a suit or armour? This is the place. The details July 12 to 13, free, Where to stay Tewkesbury Park Hotel (01684 295405) has double rooms from £140 including breakfast. Battle of Naseby Northamptonshire In the mid-17th century, England was convulsed in another bloody civil war. This one – between the royalist forces led by King Charles and the parliamentarians of Oliver Cromwell – saw many ups and downs before the decisive defeat of the monarchists at Naseby in 1645. This event, staged by the Sealed Knot – the oldest re-enactment society in the UK – involves cannon and musket fire as hundreds of infantrymen, artillery and cavalry troops go head-to-head. There are weapon displays and fascinating glimpses into the way people lived in the 17th century. The details May 25 to 26, £10 (adult); £20 (family), Where to stay Rushton Hall (01536 713001) has double rooms from £120, including breakfast. Detling Military Odyssey Kent Not sure which era of battle to immerse yourself in? The Detling Military Odyssey spans warfare through the ages – from the ancient Romans to the World Wars of the 20th century via medieval jousters, Viking warriors and the armies of the Duke of Wellington. This event – staged over the August Bank Holiday on the former RAF airfield at Detling – sees thousands of re-enactors taking up arms and sharing their passion for their period with visitors. There are model displays and, for collectors, a vast array of uniforms and military memorabilia. The details August 23 to 25, £16 (adult); £7 (children 5-15), Where to stay Leeds Castle (01622 765400) has double rooms from £180, including breakfast. Victory Show Leicestershire The Second World War is vividly brought to life in this three-day extravaganza involving reenactors from more than 100 societies and displays of tanks, infantry, aircraft and pyrotechnics. Held at the 100-acre site at Foxlands Farm in Cosby, it was originally intended as a one-off but is now in its 20th year. Visitors are able to stroll through a huge army encampment, attend educational talks and should they be in the mood, attend a 1940s-themed dinner dance. The details August 29 to 31, £25 (adult); £15 (children 5-15), Where to stay Winstanley House near Leicester (0116 366 5642) has double rooms from £79, including breakfast. Napoleonic Living History Camp West Sussex The battles of the Napoleonic era were largely fought on the continent – but many involved British forces. The Napoleonic Association – an umbrella organisation for re-enactment societies on both the Allied and French sides – stages several events annually in the UK and Europe. The redcoats of King George square off against the bluecoats of the Grande Armée during a weekend of the summer festival at Stansted Park. Expect musket fire, marching drills and esprit de corps in the encampments. The details July 19 to 20, £12 (adult); £34 (family), Where to stay Millstream Hotel in Bosham (01243 573234) has double rooms from £162 including breakfast. American War of Independence Weekend Leicestershire The American War of Independence may have been fought thousands of miles away, but British troops were involved – and plenty of reenactors on this side of the Atlantic like to provide a flavour of the war that led to the creation of the United States of America. This year's commemoration – on the site of the old Moira iron works blast furnace – will involve participants from the Redcoats & Revolutionaries and a host of like-minded associations. A special focus will be the 250th anniversary of the 1775 skirmishes of Lexington/Concord and the British retreat to Boston. Tea anyone? The details July 5-6, donations requested, Where to stay Hoar Cross Hall in Burton-on-Trent (01283 477900) has double rooms from £321, including breakfast. Duxford Battle of Britain 85 Airshow Cambridgeshire Within living memory (just), the Battle of Britain was the term given to the fight between the RAF and the Luftwaffe for supremacy in the skies above Britain between July and October 1940. This year marks the 85th anniversary of that momentous battle, which will be commemorated at Duxford with a series of spectacular flying displays involving Spitfires, Hurricanes and other aircraft from the period – including the Duxford Big Wing formation. Visitors can wander around the Imperial War Museum's Duxford hangars and aircraft collection. There will also be music, dancing and plenty of people in 1940s attire. The details Sept 6 to 7 £49.50 (adult); free for children up to 15 Where to stay The Fellows House in Cambridge (01223 949499) has double rooms from £169, including breakfast. Scotland Largs Viking Festival The Vikings are coming! So ran the cry along the western coast of Scotland as King Haakon of Norway approached with 160 longships and thousands of fearsome warriors in 1263. The same cry has been heard every year since 1980 as residents of this Ayrshire town on the Firth of Clyde commemorate the Battle of Largs (won by the Scottish). In addition to the battle itself (staged on September 6 as part of a Festival of Fire), visitors may observe Glasgow Sword Breakers, Glima wrestling (a Nordic variation), archery displays and even turn their hands to some axe throwing. The details Aug 30 to Sept 7; Entrance to village, £10 (adult); £20 (families) Where to stay Pipers' Tryst Hotel in Glasgow (01413 535551) has double rooms from £120, including breakfast. Wales Plantagenets at Castell Harlech If a knight in shining armour is what you seek, look no further than this event staged by the Plantagenet Medieval Society in the grounds of the magnificent Castell Harlech in Gwynedd. This is less a re-enactment of an actual battle than a display of the skills, techniques – and chivalric code – deployed in the Hundred Years' War between England and France between 1337 and 1453. There are displays of how to shoot a long bow and joust, while the Ladies of the Court demonstrate medieval dances – all against a backdrop of the Irish Sea and the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia, Wales' largest National Park.). The details May 25 to 27; Entrance to Castell Harlech £9.50 (adult); £30.40 (family) Where to stay Portmeirion Hotel has double rooms from £244 including breakfast. Northern Ireland Magnus Barelegs Festival This bi-annual event staged bi-annually near Downpatrick in County Down commemorates the bloody fighting that took place in the early 12th century between indigenous Celtic tribes and Viking invaders under the leadership of the Norwegian king Magnus III Olafsson - better known as Magnus Barefoot. Quite possibly tricked by the self-proclaimed High King of Ireland, Muirchertach Ua Briain, Magnus came to a sticky end involving an axe when he was ambushed in a field close to Downpatrick and this weekend-long gathering in the Delamont Country Park aims to give visitors a sense of what those ancient battles would have entailed. In addition to re-enactments, there's a Viking School of Battle, a medieval market, and a boat-burning funeral pyre, while a star turn in the park is the miniature railway with Thomas the Tank Engine lookalike. Don't miss the nearby Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The details August 2026; £15 (adult, 2024 price); £40 (family) Where to stay Slieve Donald Hotel (028 4372 1066) has double rooms from £189 including breakfast.
