Camber Sands - things to do (for hyper children)

[Belle]

We are spending a week at Camber Sands over Easter with close friends. Realise if the weather is good, activities should be a no-brainer (beach, beach & beach). But need to plan for if it's not, and also for the fact that our two boys (6 and 3.5) are of the hyper/spirited/manic variety, so will need to run/do stuff whatever the weather. Where most people see sandy beaches as a plus, to me they spell many sprints after my 3 year old, so am trying to line up additional stuff to do. Any ideas for activities/places to visit? have vague memories of Dungeness and possibly stuff at Hastings, but last time I went was a long time before I had kids...

[Norfolkvillas]

My folks-in-law live in Rye, just down the road, and only a week or so ago, my brother-in-law, bless him, compiled a spreadsheet (!)of things to do with kids in the vicinity (his are 6 and 8). I would email it to you, but I've just realised I don't have your email - if you PM or FB it to me I'll forward his email.

[Pickle]

We had a brilliant week in New Romney a couple of years ago. Things other than the beach that we enjoyed:

A trip on the little railway, to Dungeness, up the lighthouse - great fun.

Military canals in Hythe (you may or may not want to risk hiring a row boat...)

Port Lympney safari park, big with lots of space to run, my kids loved it

[Jessicas429]

Second the steam railway! It stops in Hythe and dymchuch as well as dungeness. Hythe has a model railway exhibition (from memory) and dymchuch has a nice-ish beach with arcades and the usual around. Not too far from Hastings for a day trip as well with its smugglers and 1066 experiences.

X

[njc97]

There's loads in Hastings: smugglers experience, "lifts" up the hill to castle, good playground by beach and loads of seaside amusements. Plus if weather is really awful, Clambers soft play is good.

If you come inland, then Bodiam castle is excellent, and there's another steam train from Bodiam to Tenterden.

[snowboarder]

Also the aquarium on Hastings sea front, and cafes and little train there....

[Belle]

Ooh v helpful all! Thank you!

[Jules6862]

There are also a couple of large caravan parks ..pontins etc in Camber. I think you can use the facilities (swimming, soft play, bike hire etc ) for a small fee

[Tallulahdoesthehula]

The Rare Breeds Centre is good, they usually do an Easter egg hunt of some description. Lovely tea room at Lathe Barn, plus a small farm to look around.

The lighthouse at Dungeness is fab (as is fish and chips at the Pilot), Battle is worth a visit, beautiful Abbey there, Dover Castle is a great day out too.

There are lots of lovely pubs etc for eating out. It's a great part of the country.

[Lochie]

We've been to Camber a few times with kids. One rainy day we did Rye castle which killed about an hour...I think the author who wrote the Captain Pugwash books was born in Rye so they have pirate dressing up things in the castle for kids as a testament to him. Also lunch at the George but just realised I bumped into you there once so you obviously know it!!

I really cross my fingers for fine weather for you...we went this time last year and though it was not warm it was sunny and the beach was sensational.

Ooh and Dungeoness also defo worth a visit

[bluesuperted]

Just remembered we used the Pontins (?) on a rainy August birthday trip to Camber and it's not posh (at all) but we actually were very glad of it - indoor pool was fun and there was a good sheltered area to eat our picnic! It's a good option for the playgrounds and the pool and wasn't pricey, maybe ?6 each?