On the south coast of England there are some great beaches, on a sunny day I think they sort of make you feel like you’re actually overseas. Two of the popular beaches down on the East Sussex coast of England are Brighton Beach and Camber Sands. They’re both very different beaches so comparing them will come down to what you’re looking for in a beach.
In the summer everyone flocks to these two beaches and they’re only 1 hour 30 mins apart from each other. Both beaches offer a unique experience, but which beach is better Brighton Beach or Camber Sands Beach?
Brighton Beach
Brighton is one of the most famous beaches in the UK. As it’s accessible to London and hosts some huge events and it’s surrounded by a coastal city that is Brighton and Hove. Brighton itself is a seaside destination filled with busy bars, shopping areas, a huge gay community and some cool, arty backstreets. In my opinion, it’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least once while in the UK.
Camber Sands
Camber is a quieter coastal town that is purely centered around its beach. Nearby towns such as Rye are popular for tourists but Camber itself. It is the only sand dune system in East Sussex and is one of the longest on the south coast. I think it’s an amazing beach but visitors here are often visiting Camber for this reason alone.
So let’s compare the two beaches across four key categories:
1. Beach surface
2. Nearby Amenities
3. Beach Tide
4. Parking
1. Beach Surface
Brighton Beach is famous for its pebbly surface. To me, the pebbles are pretty excruciating to walk on at times so most people find these pebbles far less comfortable than sand. There are some advantages in that they keep sand from getting into everything and means you feel less dirty/sandy after a visit or swim. However, lying on pebbles is just less comfortable than sand, it’s just not the same so it’s best to use the deck chairs or blankets.
As the name suggests, Camber Sands offers miles of fine golden sand, which is perfect for building sandcastles, sunbathing, and just everything a good, sandy beach offers. It’s one of my favourite beaches in the UK in terms of the quality a sandy beach should be.
There’s a huge amount of sand dunes which are great for exploring and these add a few good photo opportunities to the landscape as well.
Winner: Camber Sands
2. Nearby Amenities
As we know, Brighton is pretty big. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and alternative, arty vibes mixed together in one huge coastal area. The beach itself is close to so many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. The famous Brighton Pier is full of classic amusement rides and arcade games, while the city’s mix of independent boutiques and huge mainstream stores ensures that whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Brighton. I think Brighton is a great day out even without the beach.
Camber Sands is definitely more isolated, with fewer amenities directly on the beach. However, there are a few cafes and kiosks around where you can get some snacks and refreshments so you’re not completely deserted. Most people usually bring their own picnics and refreshments. However, the nearby village of Rye is only a short drive away, and that’s an attraction for the beach-goers as it has the old charming English village historical streets, independent shops, and restaurants so it’s a good little stop off before or after the beach. Though the area is more limited compared to Brighton, the quieter atmosphere can be a reason to come here and get away for some peace
Winner: Brighton Beach
3. Beach Tide
Brighton experiences a moderate tidal range so it’s not too crazy. While the tide does go out far, the pebbly surface is still there all the way, there’s still plenty of space for beachgoers to enjoy whether it’s in or out. The tidal changes don’t hugely alter the usability of the beach. There’s no real waves here on a regular day so not quite surfing quality but you can get in and enjoy some moderate water movements.
Camber Sands has a huge tidal range, with the sea moving far out during low tide, revealing even more stretches of walkable sand. This creates lots of space for beach activities but it can mean a long walk to reach the water if you’re there at low tide. At high tide, the beach area can be a bit more tight, so timing your visit is essential.
Usually arriving late in the morning is fine on most days but it’s worth checking the tide to be sure. Again no real waves here it’s quite mild on the height of waves and swimability.
Winner: Draw
4. Parking
Parking in Brighton can be a pain in the a**, especially during peak times. There are several car parks and street parking options, but these can be expensive and they all fill up quickly by late morning. Public transport, including trains and buses, isn’t such a bad idea here, with the Brighton railway station being a short walk from the beach.
Camber Sands has a few car parks close to the beach, and parking is generally more accessible and affordable compared to Brighton. During peak summer months, the car parks can get busy, but the availability is usually better than in Brighton and it’s fine if you’re arriving in the morning. There can be some congestion on hot days but it is generally manageable
Winner: Camber Sands
Final Verdict
While both Brighton Beach and Camber Sands offer good but very different beach experiences, Camber Sands edges out Brighton Beach for me in this comparison. I just can’t grow to love a pebble beach to be honest. The combination of Camber Sands soft sand and better parking makes it more comfortable for a beach day if you’re happy to lounge around and enjoy the sand and water.
However, if you’re looking for a beach day out with shops, bars, cafes, activities and are happy with chilling on pebbles then Brighton will win it for you.
My rating
Brighton Beach: 3.5/5
Only let down by the pebbles
Camber Sands 4/5
Only let down by the isolation