Camber Sands: A Seaside Story of Shifting Sands

While the summer months bring the majority of visitors to British seaside destinations, a beach possesses a unique charm during the off-season.

I decided to visit Camber Sands, and carry on some more new film photography in 2025, tim really enjoying this new vein of enthusiasm.

I decided on taking my Leica M6, loaded with my trusted Kodak 5222 / Double X and my large format 4x5 camera, The Chamonix 45n2 with some Fomapan 400. Both of these films are my trusted film choices. I buy the former in 400 ft bulk reels that I pre-load onto 30 exposure rolls. The latter constitutes the best value for 4x5 film, where 50 sheet boxes can be bought off the interweb for around £40. This coupled with my chosen black and white developer - Kodak hc110 - at dilution b (1:31), is about the best and most prudent and cost effective workflow that there is.

I’m at a crossroads as to what I'll actually shoot in the spring and summer of 2025, having not bought any colour film since my Kodak 250d 400 ft bulk reels purchase in 2023. Not only the cost of the film but the cost of the c41 developer kit. I may decide to just stick with black and white workflow above, let's see.

Camber’s vast expanse of sand feels even more expansive when devoid of crowds, and the winter storms can create dramatic landscapes.

This is a location that I regularly pass through, on my jaunts to Dungeness.

The dunes, often overlooked in summer, become a haven for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The crisp air and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore offer a sense of tranquility and peace that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Decline of a British Seaside Icon

Camber Sands, with its vast expanse of golden sand and rolling dunes, has long been a beloved destination for British holidaymakers. Generations of families have flocked to this East Sussex gem, seeking sun, sea, and traditional seaside fun. However, the recent closure of the Pontins holiday park has cast a shadow over the area, raising questions about the future of this once-vibrant coastal resort.

A History of Holidaymaking

Camber Sands' history as a tourist destination dates back to the Victorian era, when the arrival of the railway made coastal getaways more accessible. The beach's natural beauty and expansive sands drew visitors in search of relaxation and recreation. In the mid-20th century, holiday camps like Butlins and Pontins emerged, offering affordable package holidays that catered to working-class families. These camps became synonymous with the British seaside experience, providing entertainment, activities, and self-catering accommodation.

This is a complete contrast to the scenes broadcast from Barcelona, with local squirting water at tourists, with a populous movement of tourists go home, as a action towards over tourism, the shortage of housing (with Airbnb rentals sitting unoccupied for the majority of the year).

The Rise and Fall of Pontins

The Pontins holiday park at Camber Sands was a mainstay of the resort for decades. Its chalets, amusement arcades, and entertainment venues provided countless holiday memories for families. However, as travel trends changed and competition from overseas destinations increased, the park began to decline. In recent years, it faced criticism for its outdated facilities and lack of investment. The closure of the park in 2023 marked a significant turning point for Camber Sands, leaving a void in the local economy and raising concerns about the area's future.

I would love to take a work around the Interior of the site, it has an eerie atmosphere to it, akin to The Overlook Hotel in The Shining.

Whilst it was bitterly cold last Saturday, I thoroughly enjoyed the break to Camber and the visit to this part of the quirky Kent coast.

Until next time, keep snapping.

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Barcelona, is it over?

Barcelona, is a vibrant Spanish metropolis, which has been a magnet for tourists for decades.

The kids and I undertook our visit to this tourist hotspot in August 2022, as part of my 50th birthday celebrations.

The city's love affair with tourism may be facing a turning point. Local authorities are actively seeking to curb visitor numbers, with news this week that the plan is a cessation of ‘Airbnb style’ short term rentals in the city, by 2028.

This story in part, has started with local squirting tourists, with water pistols filled with water.

Biting the hand that feeds you? Or is this a drastic measure a necessary step for a city struggling to breathe?

Strains on the City:

Spain sees some 85.1m visitors pa, of which 12.4m visiting Barcelona.  The proposed plan on holiday rentals, would return c. 10,000 properties to the indigenous population for primary resident use.

Barcelona's immense popularity has undeniable downsides. Residents complain of overcrowded streets, rising rents fueled by short-term rentals, and a strain on local infrastructure. The city's unique character can be lost as tourist shops and restaurants replace local businesses.

Taking Back Control:

Discussions include limiting cruise ships, restricting hotel development, and promoting alternative destinations within Catalonia. This shift in focus aims to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure a more sustainable future for the city.

Tourism, Redefined:

Barcelona's move doesn't signal the end of tourism. Instead, it's a call for a different kind of tourism. The focus might shift towards attracting visitors who appreciate Barcelona's cultural heritage and architectural beauty, and who contribute positively to the local economy.

The Road Ahead:

While some hail Barcelona's initiative, others fear economic repercussions. Striking the right balance between tourism and livability is crucial. Barcelona's experiment will be closely watched, with the potential to reshape the conversation around tourism in popular destinations worldwide.

Whilst its clear that the tourism pilgrimage to Barcelona is generally bottlenecked into the 2, if not 1 season (Summer or Spring / Summer), here are some interesting numbers comparing Barcelona with London: 

Tourist Tale of Two Cities: Barcelona vs. London

While both Barcelona and London are major tourist hubs, their stories differ in scale and recent trends. Here's a comparison based on available statistics:

Visitor Numbers:

• London: As of 2023, London held the title of the most searched-for global tourist destination [most searched for global tourist destination ON standard.co.uk]. Though exact visitor numbers can be tricky to pin down due to different methodologies, estimates suggest London attracts well over 20 million visitors annually.

• Barcelona: Pre-pandemic figures show Barcelona receiving around 12.4 million visitors a year [STATISTA tourism barcelona ON statista.com]. While this is a substantial number, it falls short of London's massive tourist influx.

Length of Stay:

• London: Data suggests shorter stays are becoming more common in London, with a third of trips lasting only 3-4 days [most searched for global tourist destination ON standard.co.uk]. This trend aligns with "city break" style tourism, focused on short, action-packed visits.

• Barcelona: Barcelona might see slightly longer stays on average. While specific data is harder to find, the city's focus on cultural experiences and beach getaways could encourage visitors to linger a bit longer.

Tourist Spending:

• London: London benefits from a diverse tourist base, with visitors coming from all corners of the globe. This can lead to a wider range of spending habits.

• Barcelona: Recent reports show a promising trend for Barcelona. While visitor numbers might be dipping slightly, the average tourist spends more (€1,263 in May 2024). This suggests a shift towards a higher-value tourism model in Barcelona.

Local Impact:

• Both Cities: Both London and Barcelona grapple with the impact of tourism on residents. Housing affordability is a major concern, with rising rents due in part to short-term rentals.

• Key Differences: However, the scale of the issue might be more pronounced in Barcelona due to its smaller size. The sheer volume of tourists in a more compact city center can put a strain on infrastructure and contribute to a feeling of inauthenticity.

Barcelona could potentially strike a balance that promotes responsible tourism while safeguarding the city's well-being for the years ahead.

Lets hope so, as it’s a city I would very much like to visit in the future.

Until next time, keep snapping.