What to do and what to see in Rye Bay and the surrounding area

Camber Sands is one of the great beaches of the world, let alone England. Its five miles of golden sand are backed by traditional dunes straight from central casting. Whether you're looking for simple days on the beach, exploring castles, cycling or walking in Kent and East Sussex or even kite and windsurfing, it's all there. And when you're hungry, there's something for everyone from fish and chips to the gastronomic delights of some great local pubs and restaurants in Rye, Winchelsea, Hythe, Tenterden and beyond. If you're cooking yourself, there's fantastic local produce including fish fresh off the Rye fishing fleet and award-winning wine.

When you want to get the sand out from under your toes, pop into Rye, a town in a rather pleasing time-warp. Wander through the maze of lanes, taking time to browse around the many and varied shops selling everything from old fashioned sweets weighed out of jars to hand blown glass. Climb the tower in the Church and enjoy fabulous views across Romney Marshes, stop for a cream tea, buy some fish straight off the boat, relax and let life take you by the hand. www.visitrye.co.uk

Just 12 miles along the coast is Hastings, with its artists community, delightful old town, fishermans' huts, funicular railway, Smugglers Adventure and seaside pier. For the odd rainy day there is Clambers Indoor Play Centre and The Blue Reef Aquarium. For a more educational trip, visit the site of The Battle of Hastings in the aptly named Battle, a delightful market town with the English Heritage site of Battle Abbey where King Harold fell and history changed forever.

On the opposite side of the River Rother lies Rye Nature Reserve - just perfect for a walk or cycle along its flat paths towards Winchelsea. Discover Camber Castle, one of Henry VIII's coastal forts on your way and look out for any number of bugs, beetles, reptiles and birds. www.wildrye.info

Seasonal Goings On in the Rye Area

SPRING

As the days hint at getting longer and nature starts to unlock her treasure trove, a walk around The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a delight. Welcome back the swallows and sand martins and make a date to attend the RX Wildlife Festival at the end of May. Lots of environmental activities are on offer for all the family at Hastings Country Park, Pett Level, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Camber, Dungeness RSPB and the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre.

Late spring also sees the start of the 'Open Garden' season, with lots of private gardens generously open to the public throughout the spring and summer months. A great opportunity to be inspired by other people's efforts and go back to your Bramley & Teal house for tea and scones and do - nothing!

SUMMER

There are few beaches to rival Camber Sands. With fabulous undulating dunes, perfect for hide and seek, running along and launching yourself off no matter what your age. When the tide goes out, it goes out a long way unveiling a myriad of paddling pools. The damp sand makes perfect temporary cricket pitches as the beach more than doubles in size.

Cycling in this area is a joy as there are very few hills! Explore the coastal roads and feel the wind in you hair - a fabulous way to compensate for the excesses of a holiday.

AUTUMN

Many of the beautiful gardens open to the public in Kent and East Sussex look stunning in early Autumn with a surprising amount of colour and great structure. Great Dixter in nearby Northiam is open until the end of October and keen gardeners could do no better than attend a course there with Head Gardener Fergus Garrett.

Sussex has a great tradition of Bonfire Societies who celebrate the thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot with a bonfire, procession and fireworks. The Rye Bonfire Society holds their event in early November.

WINTER

Crisp bright days walking on Camber can be fantastically restorative. Take the dog and the kids and blow the cobwebs away. Explore the famous churches of Romney Marsh and then back to one of the cosy Bramley & Teal houses to snuggle up with a good book, play some board games or find a good DVD to watch on the flat screen telly. February is the month of the Rye Bay Scallop Festival. There are scallop tastings, demonstrations on how to cut and cook scallops, even scallop races. All sounds like a good excuse for a bit of a gourmet extravaganza!

Where to visit

There is a wealth of amazing places to visit in this part of the country and we are recommending the places we have visited and enjoyed with our families and friends. If you come across a hidden gem, please let us know.