The Gallivant
Hamptons-meets-Soho House coastal chic. Bold colour splashes against sober neutrals, custom headboards, well-stocked bookshelves, and quirky vintage swimsuit artworks on the walls. Part casual surf shack, part stylish English country inn. The whole place has a quietly confident warmth.
Book 'The Whole Gallivant' rate — it includes a £65pp Harry's dinner allowance, yoga, English wine at 5pm and continental breakfast, which works out better value than adding bits on
Why It Matters
One of the first UK hotels to receive a Michelin Key. VisitEngland's Small Hotel of the Year 2024. Harry's restaurant has its own Michelin listing. Complimentary English wine at 5pm, freshly baked cake at 4pm, daily yoga, and a Bamford Cabin spa in the coastal garden are all part of the experience. Adults-only (12+).
A 20-room boutique hotel sitting directly opposite Camber Sands — one of England's finest stretches of sand — about a 10-minute drive from the medieval town of Rye. The exterior looks deceptively modest, like a converted 1950s motel, but step inside and it's a different story: individually designed rooms by a former Hollywood costume designer, an acclaimed French brasserie helmed by ex-Bibendum chef Matthew Harris, and a wellness programme built around daily yoga. It holds a Michelin Key (2024 & 2025) and was named VisitEngland's Small Hotel of the Year 2024.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Baby Hampton
Elegantly coastal rooms with calming colours and chic details. The bespoke sofa built into the window niche is a lovely touch. White marble bathrooms include both a bath and an overhead shower. Note that some guests have found the overall footprint to be on the compact side.
KingGarden Room
Calming coastal rooms, each individually designed with their own personality. Feature shower rooms (no bath), and French doors leading directly to a private secluded deck and the shared coastal garden beyond. Oak floors and beamed ceilings give them a warm, cottage feel.
KingLarge Hampton
More spacious than a Baby Hampton, this room is built for long mornings and slow evenings. Feature wall in warm oak, white ceiling beams, soft blues throughout. The secret daybed — which can convert to a small double — is the standout quirk. Marble bathroom, drinks chiller, larder, and plenty of wardrobe space. Shared access to the coastal garden at the end of the corridor.
KingLuxury Garden Room
The largest and most impressive category. French doors open directly onto a private coastal garden. The bed sits against a full library wall, and sliding pocket doors reveal a large roll-top bathtub. All feel quiet and calm, with soft coastal light in the mornings.
Super king
Snug Cabin
The entry-level rooms and the most character-forward. Inspired by Scandinavian beach cabins: weathered timber walls contrasting with soft golds and ocean blues, vintage swimsuit artworks. Wet room lined in Welsh slate with a custom marble vanity and nickel fittings. Genuinely small — honest about that — but beautifully executed for two people who just want to sleep, shower and get to the beach.
King or doubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Free to join beach clean sessions run from the hotel on Camber Sands. Open to guests and the local community.
Seven classes per week across multiple styles: Flow Yoga (Mon–Sat 8am), Yin Yang Yoga (Mon 6pm, Thu 8am), Dynamic Flow Yoga (Sun 8am), Slow Flow Yoga (Thu 6pm), and Mat Pilates (Fri 9:30am). Classes held in 'The Open Space' yoga studio or on Camber Sands beach when weather allows. All levels welcome. Intro offer at £20 for newcomers. Monthly unlimited membership at £75/month.
One-to-one or small group private yoga in the studio or on Camber Sands beach. Available with any of the resident teachers. Good for beginners who want personalised guidance or advanced practitioners wanting a bespoke practice.
Hotel packs a bottle of your choice — often English wine — and points you to the beach to watch the sunset. A signature Gallivant experience that costs nothing extra for guests staying on relevant packages.
Complimentary daily glass of English wine at 5pm in the bar for guests on The Whole Gallivant package. A brilliant introduction to the region's growing wine scene.
Camber Sands is a well-known kite-surfing destination. Hotel can help with equipment hire and referrals for kite-surfing, windsurfing, and horse riding on the beach.
Special evening yoga sessions (90 minutes) timed to the full moon, followed by community hot drinks on the dunes to watch the moon rise over the sea. Ticketed events open to guests and locals alike.
Hotel can arrange tours to nearby award-winning East Sussex wineries including Gusbourne. The region has a growing reputation for English sparkling wine.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Hotel provides wellington boots, dry robes, and blankets for beach walks.
2 meeting rooms, approx 1,000 sq ft (93 sqm) of conference/event space. Used for board meetings, off-sites, product launches and private parties.
Fast complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property and in all rooms.
Gift cards and spa escape vouchers available online.
Belu filtered still and sparkling water refreshed daily in every room.
Egyptian cotton linen, feather and down duvets and pillows as standard across all rooms.
Sustainable 'Inspired by Nature' bathroom amenities by Wildsmith, a British skin health and wellbeing brand originating at Heckfield Estate.
32-inch Smart televisions in all rooms with digital channels and Netflix.
Shared coastal garden with terrace seating. Some rooms have direct French door access; others share via a guest corridor.
Two car charging points exclusively for guests. Must be reserved in advance by email.
Car park directly outside. Free for all guests.
A small number of dog-friendly rooms available (up to Labrador size). Dog bed and bowl provided. £25/day charge. Dogs welcome in Sitting Room, Bar, Terrace and coastal gardens. Not permitted in Harry's restaurant.
The Gallivant does not have a pool.
House cake from the kitchen served at 4pm daily, included in all room rates.
BUILD YOUR THE GALLIVANT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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