Fancy some water sports, if so then just a 20 minute drive from the campsite is The River Rother. Running from Rotherfield down to the medieval seaside town of Rye close to Camber Sands, The non tidal River Rother is ideal to enjoy a paddle by rowing boat, kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board (SUP) Bodiam boating station on the border of Kent is one of the river access points where you can enjoy tranquil cruises. Paddle boarding to the archetypal 14th century Bodiam Castle near Robertsbridge will give you a glimpse of quintessentially English medieval splendour.
Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a surface water sport whereby you harness the power of the wind on a controllable power kite. Kitesurfs similar to wakeboards are designed for propulsion with a modified surfboard to propel the rider across water. This fun activity is ideal for all abilities and in comparison to windsurfing has no prerequisite for fitness as the waist harness used takes all the power of the kite. However, being a competent swimmer is essential.
If you fancy whizzing along miles of a flat sandy beach, Kitebuggying is a fantastic and exhilarating sport perfect for adults and children over the age of seven years. Both the “Kitesurf Centre” and “Camber Kitesurfing” have glowing reviews and offer kitesurfing lessons and equipment rental.
Hastings overlooks the English Channel and is a lovely seaside resort town. Snuggled between two hills with a slightly bohemian feel, Hastings Old Town is a wonderfully quaint old quarter that lies within the easternmost valley. There is a shingle beach known as The Stade which is home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Britain.
Originally named Market Street, the High Street is one of the oldest locations with very interesting buildings that reveal the heritage of Hastings. With Old Tudor buildings the Old Town is steeped in history with quaint shops, second hand gems, quirky boutiques and arty havens.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink including fantastic seafood restaurants and historic locations like the Stag Inn with its Georgian frontage. During the summer months, you can enjoy events such as the Seafood and Wine Festival.
For me history and particularly fishing enthusiasts along Rock-a-Nore Road stand prominent net huts made of clinker weather boarding that date back to the 19th century. An average of 25 feet high these unique wooden buildings were originally used as workshops and are still used for storage today.
Hastings National Park is a local nature reserve and a prestigious area of biodiversity. This beautiful public open space consists of the Pett beach site of scientific interest, Hastings Cliffs and is a renowned area of archaeological interest. At the southernmost point of the High Weald Area, The Hastings Country Park has sandstone valleys, rare mosses and acres of ancient woodland, with cliffs and heathland. There is plenty to see for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts including migrating bird species, black redstarts breeding in the cliffs, and Dartford warblers among the valley gorse and some of the most stunning views from the cliff tops.
Constructed in the late 1940’s the miniature railway that runs along the beach is much smaller than the two funicular railways rattling up and down Hastings sandstone cliffs.
The older West Hill Lift opened in 1891 and serves Hastings Castle and St Clements Caves. This railway runs through a tunnel and has thankfully kept the use of its lovely Victorian coaches for the ultimate experience. With an amazing range of cafes and antique book shops George Street is a book worms dream and is where the lower station departs from. The East Hill Lift gets you up to Hastings Country Park and the line opened in 1902.
Pett level beach is lovely with a vast expanse of open sky and at low water you can see the remains of an ancient forest.
Comprising of shingle, sand and shear stone cliffs the beach is great for both discovering and relaxing. Fossils can be found and rock pools explored along this lush coastal stretch. Over the years people have found dinosaur bones and footprints, fresh-water bivalves, and fish remains. The exposed foreshore and among the boulders and shingle are great places to find fossils.
This beautiful campsite with meadows with woodland is located on land designated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. To find out more click here and feel free to contact us.