Quirky and Proud!

Last week was possibly the best week, weather wise, of the summer here in Sussex, and I was very fortunately on hols, at home, to make the most of it. On Wednesday we trotted down to St Leonards, having visited very quickly the other week and raved about it to my husband!

The beach is beautiful, clean and happy and very pleasant to stroll along. Naturally we stopped for coffee, and noted the rather delicious restaurants for later!

Needless to say, half the visitors were swimming, the other half had puffa jackets on...

The rest of the day was spent 'inland' as we walked up London Road and along Norman Road. We did cafes, clothes and cool art stuff - there is so much to enjoy and all with a touch of the quirkiness you would normally expect to find Brighton way...

Didn't we have a lovely time...

As the schools went back, the sun came out! A great weekend for the Bexhill Festival of the Sea which was all happening on the lawns by the De La Warr Pavillion...

The beach looked great in the sunshine!

There was a small fairground area which was very popular - I think this slide was the main event!

Lots of stalls selling lots of things - beer, food, crafts - you name it!

Music outside the pavilion and down on the lawns. 

We came for Tom Cole, a Hastings musician whom we love! 

Needless to say, it was incredibly popular and a great weekend...

The fickleness of the British Summer!

Yesterday, I drove past one of the many caravan & camping sites along the South coast, and I can only imagine how today is panning out; slightly damp I would guess! Fortunately, as the weather did its thing over the weekend, we did manage to enjoy all Pevensey & Normans Bay have to offer!

The weekend started off pretty well - hot enough for me to dip my toes...

We treated ourselves to an early evening at the Aqua Bar, situated at the top of Pevensey Beach. Lots of dogs to stroke and people to watch as the sun went down...

Sunday, not so hot! But, for those with wetsuits, a pretty good day for getting active...

Or, if you prefer to keep your feet dry, a refreshing afternoon for a spot of fishing!

I resisted the urge to drive down to the beach this morning just for a wet photo ;-) 

Yellow gold

As part of our staycation, we took the girls over to Camber Sands. Its about 40 minutes drive from our house, and the furthest beach we drive too, so its a rare trip! £5 parking for the whole day is definitely a bargain, and its only a short walk to the beach. You do have to negotiate the dunes, which takes camel feet and strong thighs but its worth it every damn time...

I see the sea; far far away!

We arrived at low tide to miles of the smallest of waves - and it pretty much looked like this even as the tide came back in!

Parts of the beach were busy (dogs are allowed at either end) and the rest of the beach was like this! 

On guard...

The sand dunes behind us. No filter required.

Mid afternoon, enjoying a bit of space on the sandiest beach ever!

Feeling that gentle breeze...

We had intended to go to the beach today, but decided it was a bit breezy for a day by the sea so instead, bizarrely, we decided to go up to the Firehills and then onto Hastings old town - an equally windy walk!! Fortunately the sun kept us warm and the views definitely keep you distracted...

We sneaked off the beaten path for our lunch with a spectacular view of a rocky beach which was quickly disappearing as the tide came in.

After lunch we rejoined the path along to the East hills and down to the tram stairs.

Love the views from the steps which run alongside the East Cliff Tram. Beautiful on the way down and the perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath on the way up!

We had to walk all the way down to the old town for a milkshake - this time, Crunchie, Galaxy and Aero Mint!!

Rye Harbour... where all the birds hang out!

Ok, I haven't been to Camber Sands since I was a teenager - and it was for the parties rather than the sandcastles! But, now I have a dog to wear out, I decided to return for a bit of sand between my toes. Unfortunately, for several reasons, we didn't quite make it through Rye, and instead parked up at Rye Harbour. However, there is nothing to complain about here - massive free car park, an excellent pub with a pretty fine seafood menu, a lovely long walk to the beach and of course, dogs are welcome.

So, once parked and stocked up on any drinks or nibbles you may need (I love the little shop's sausage rolls :-) ) you can set off along the path which takes you through the nature reserve, along the harbour 'lane' (I don't know what the proper term is!). When the kids are with us, it feels like quite a walk but on this occasion they were at school and so it seemed a perfectly reasonable stroll, with two stops to bird watch en route...

Eventually you reach the beach - this is Camber Sands, on the other side of the harbour mouth. You could swim across, but don't plan on a stroll!

It was low tide, and the ickle waves went on for miles across the flat sands...

So flat and shallow, this boat was probably grounded for the afternoon!

With no 'cooling breeze' the water felt really warm, it was a lovely day for getting your feet wet.

Looking into the harbour mouth (the deeper part flows towards Camber beach and out to sea).

The only rock pools to be found here - they have developed on the low wall next to the harbour mouth. I didn't see any fish though!

Hottest day ever!!

This week saw the hottest day on record in the whole wide world I think (or something along those lines!) Where were you on this momentous day? Sadly, like most people, our day was pretty standard, but once school and work was over, we hot footed it down to the beach, where luckily, the tide was low...

For once, the water was warm, and everyone went in!

Plenty of space for everyone and their dog...

and their horse!

finishing up with a barbecue and a beer.