Camber Castle Walk
This walk visits the 16th century Camber Castle in Rye, East Sussex.
The historic site is located in the Rye Harbour Nature reserve just to the south of the town. You can follow a section of the Saxon Shore Way to the castle from Rye town centre. It's about a 1.5 mile walk along the waymarked trail passing through the Castle Water Nature Reserve on the way. There is a bird hide just east of the castle on the Castle Water Lake where you can look out for a variety of water loving wildlife.
The ancient Device Fort was built by King Henry VIII to protect the Sussex coast of England against the increasing risk of a French attack in 1539. English Heritage provide guided tours if you would like to explore the interior of the fort and learn more about its history.
You could continue your walking in the area by heading north east to Camber Sands where there is a popular beach.
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Camber Castle Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Camber Castle Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Camber Castle OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Camber Castle Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The 1066 Country Walk runs close to the site. You could follow this long distance trail to Battle and visit Battle Abbey and the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. It's a nice idea if you would like to expand your historical knowledge of the area while also stretching your legs further.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Camber Castle. The finished castle was initially equipped with 28 brass and iron artillery guns and a garrison of 28 men, commanded by a captain. It may have seen service in 1545 when a French fleet attacked the coast, but its operational value was short lived.
Grazing land north of Camber Castle
Gorse by the Saxon Shore Way
Pasture near Rye. Looking North across sheep pasture between Camber Castle and Rye.
The ruins became a popular spot for picnics in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was painted by J. M. W. Turner. It is now protected as a Grade I listed building.
Inside Camber Castle