Weekend Breaks
Winchelsea to Dungeness & Romney Marsh
April 2005

WHERE TO STAY
Most of the good accommodation is the area is made up of small, independent hotels and award-winning guesthouses clustered around Rye. The smaller ones tend to get reserved weeks ahead, even in winter, so book as far in advance as possible.

The Place
New Lydd Road, Camber, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7RB (01797 225057 /www.theplacecambersands.co.uk). Rates £75-£85 double; £95 triple, £120 family rooms (sleeps up to 5)
Until last year, the stretch of coastline that connected Rye with Dungeness was a desert when it came to decent hotels, and no more so than at Camber Sands, where the stunning beach was backed by an empty road. Then ex-adman Matthew Wolfman and business partner Mike Ashton turned a small chalet-style holiday park opposite the beach into The Place; a stylish, mid-price, high quality hotel featuring 18 small but wonderfully comfortable, modern rooms and a brasserie serving some of the best food in the region. Its child-friendly approach may not be to urbane singletons' tastes, particularly as its sprawling ranch-style openness makes it perfect for kids wanting to tear around while parents keep a watchful eye on them from the lovely outdoor terrace, but don't be put off; this is a relaxing haven in a great location that'll have you hooked from your first visit. No smoking in all rooms.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Really good places to eat used to be few and far between in an area that is reliant largely on atmospheric medieval pubs serving simply prepared Romney Marsh lamb and locally caught fish and shellfish, but in the last year two new additions to the food scene have brought the tally of excellent restaurants to four: The Landgate Bistro and the Fish Cafe in Rye, The Place at Camber Sands and Romney Bay House Hotel.

The Place
New Lydd Road, Camber, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7RB (01797 225057/www.theplacecambersands.co.uk). Lunch served noon-2pm Mon-Fri; noon-2:30pm Sat, Sun. Dinner served 6:30-9pm Mon-Thus, Sun; 6:30-9:30pm Fri, Sat. Main courses £7.95-£14.95 Credit Amex, MC, V
The light-filled and expansive brasserie and terrace at The Place is a welcome addition to the area's restaurant scene, and not just for the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff; the food is easily on a par with the best in the region. The excellent menu, which changes monthly, offers meat, game and fish in abundance. The extensive selection of starters included a celeriac and cinnamon soup that was delicate yet filling, and steamed Scottish scallops with garlic and ginger that were cooked to perfection, bringing out the intense flavour and meaty texture of the scallops. Mains and puds were equally delicious - and the portions generous, necessitating an eerie and wonderful midnight walk on the beach opposite before bedtime.