Another day out to the Beach

As the weather has stayed so beautiful in the UK and I don't have a holiday abroad booked, I've been keen to make sure I get out and about and make the most of what England has to offer. 

Intent on spending minimal money, myself and my partner headed down to Camber Sands Beach. I'd been told it is a beautiful sandy beach with dunes and blue water, and it was! It really is a gorgeous beach. BUT - it didn't end up being as cheap a day out as I'd have liked it to.

We decided we would treat ourselves to some lunch when we got there. I figured a cone of chips wouldn't cost me the earth right?

I couldn't have been more wrong. When we arrived all of the car parks were council controlled (I agree this is a good thing if the car parks and beach are maintained from the profits, but there isn't even a life guard on duty and we noticed an extreme amount of litter!). They wanted £5 for 3 hours, £10 for 6 or £12 for all day. I found this very restrictive and expensive, it's not a great car park and the area isn't commercialised like, say Brighton. 

I let this one go and paid for 3 hours worth of parking. I didn't think my partner would last more than this in the sun, typical man.We trekked up and over the sand dunes and there was the beach in all its glory! Picture perfect.

I wanted to get food first so we walked up the beach. There are about 3 cafe/takeaway places and a couple of beach shops. As soon as I saw the menu I knew we wouldn't be eating. They were charging £6.50 for a small sausage and chips. When you times that by 2 and add 2 drinks, plus waters for the day, I would be spending around £20-£25. I can think of much nicer food to spend £25 on! (Think of what you could get from M&S).

The  beach itself was fantastic, and aside from the litter very beautiful and well maintained, but you're a sitting duck, so make sure you pack essentials like water. If you smoke, stock up on cigarettes, unless you want to pay over the odds to the deck chair salesman! 

I'd advise mums to pick up a few inflatables and beach games to give to the children from your local Poundland/world as the beach shops are stocked to the roof with dinghys, bats and balls, arm bands, rubber rings etc and not much more. You can pick up character printed inflatables like Barbie, Peppa Pig or Ben 10 from Poundland and they are of course only £1 each! Much cheaper. 

Peace & Love

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