United Kingdom
 Best of British: seaside getaways

The best seaside holidays in Britain Sunday

June 15, 2003
The Observer

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands has been a secret haunt of fashionistas for years. Many a glossy magazine spread that looks as if it was shot in The Hamptons was actually snapped just down the coast from Hastings on Camber's miles of sandy beach and dunes, the models lending a touch of style that the area has sadly lacked. Now The Place is set to change all that.

The hotel and restaurant was opened in April by two friends who have loved Camber's wide open skies and windswept shores for years, but couldn't find their kind of place to stay or eat. Matthew Wolfman, former London ad agency owner, and his business partner Mike Ashton, who worked in the City, hope they have created it. The Place, an old motel, has been made over simply but stylishly with touches of luxury including linen sheets. The rooms aren't huge, but some can accommodate up to two adults and three children and are extremely good value.

Camber Sands is literally just across the road, brilliant not just for buckets and spades but wind and kitesurfing, or even lying down to think about dinner. The Place's brasserie-style restaurant aims to create the kind of food and ambience you'd find in any groovy capital city - at about half the price - but with an emphasis on local produce.

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel and the beach, head into quaint Rye nearby, or visit Romney Marsh's medieval churches and old inns (also good to down a few pints). Because the area's very flat, it's great for cycling, so make sure you take your bike.

Need to know

The Place, Camber Sands, New Lydd Road (01797 225057).
A weekend break including breakfast costs £130 for two nights, based on two people sharing; a family room sleeping four costs £190 for the same deal.
Hilly Janes