For one brief, glorious, late summer weekend, our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies and #TeamCocopup Charlie ventured down the quintessentially coastal town of Rye for a delightfully dog-friendly getaway at Lilly’s Pad in Camber.
Lilly’s Pad is a new, independently owned, self-catering holiday home that’s perfect for all kinds of weekend jaunts to Rye, whether you’re travelling with your gal pals or spending some much-needed quality time with your family.
A modern self-catering bolthole tucked behind the dunes in Camber Sands, Lilly’s Pad sleeps four guests with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a private garden and off-road parking. Perfect for pet friendly staycations with friends and family, with space for both days out and in – with enough room to chill and or bask in the sea air.

Decked out in a muted colour palette of greys, blues, and with plenty of feminine charm, Lilly’s Pad is the perfect bolthole for a weekend -or longer- in Rye. It is also located just a five-minute walk away from the beach, offering miles and miles of white sand, coastal walks, and plenty of sunshine.
We were lucky enough to visit Lilly’s Pad on the one perfect summer day of 2021, and, as if being transported to a Spanish beach in the peak of summer, spent one idyllic afternoon on the beach.


In nearby Rye, the Globe Inn Rye is one of the quirkiest, most distinctive, and wonderful places to dine in. This unique pub is a hodgepodge of colourful references, with one corner akin to the lower deck of a ship, while another is a colourful mix and match of underwater inspiration. Sample one of the numerous artisanal gins from The Globe’s Gin Wheel or enjoy the freshness of the Catch of the Day.
Elsewhere in Rye, The Gallivant is a fabulous member’s club where you can enjoy a delicious menu, made with only locally-sourced ingredients, and a vast collection of wines. The Gallivant oozes coastal chic and is a great place for a romantic evening or a luxurious coastal getaway.


No weekend in Rye will be complete without a visit to The Salon Rye, which might be the town’s best kept secret. Located just before the turning by Camber Road next to the Farm Shop, you will find The Salon where you can book all manner of beauty treatments and pamper yourself during your stay. It offers a complete menu of treatments from gel manicures and pedicures to Botox and blow dries too.
We had the gel manicures and pedicures, while also spending a few blissful hours, chatting with owner Emma, over warm cups of tea. Oh, and doggies are also more than welcome at The Salon, where #TeamCocopup got an honourary PAW-dicure too.

Lilly’s Pad is only a short 15 minute drive away from Rye town centre, which, covered in cobblestone streets, and filled with plenty of gorgeous antique shops, quaint cafés and home to Mermaid Street, one of the UK’s most photographed streets.

After a quick walk around town exploring and spending two blissful, enriching days on the beach, we wave goodbye to Lilly’s Pad, our home away from home in Camber Sands.

Stays from £115 per night with a 10% discount on weekly stays. To book, email lillyspadcambersands@gmail.com or visit airbnb.com/h/lillyspadcambersands