If you’re based in London and dreaming of salty air, soft sand, and a break from the city, you’re in luck. A number of the UK’s best beaches are only a short train ride or drive away, making them perfect for a day trip. Whether you want to paddle, picnic, stroll the promenade, or just soak up the sun, heading to the coast from London is an easy escape.
Londoners love escaping to the coast because the change of scene is dramatic: skyscrapers and concrete give way to sea breezes and horizon lines; the hustle slows to the rhythm of waves; and even a few hours beside the sea can recharge you. The fact that you don’t need a long-haul flight makes these trips all the more appealing.
In this guide, we’ll cover why the coast calls, then explore the best beaches near London, how to get there, what to do when you arrive, and some handy tips for the day-trip. It’s all aimed at helping you pick the right destination and make the most of it.
Why Londoners love escaping to the coast
The draw is simple: fresh sea air, the sound of waves, and a sense of space. After a week of city rhythm, a seaside outing offers contrast: wide open skies, stretching coastline, a slower pace. The coast invites you to pause.
Also, many of London’s easiest beach escapes are remarkably reachable: within about an hour to two hours from central London by train or car. That means you can set off in the morning, be on the sand by lunchtime, and still be home by evening. With ease of access, these spots become realistic, not just weekend escapes.
On top of that, there’s something deeply British about the seaside: fish & chips by the promenade, colourful beach huts, piers, a mixture of modern cafe culture and heritage resort vibes. Whether you go as a family with kids, as a couple seeking a laid-back break, or even solo with a book and a towel, the coast has something.
Top 9 Beaches Near London
1. Brighton Beach (East Sussex)
Often, the first beach that comes to mind when thinking of day trips from London. It’s reachable in around an hour from London Victoria or Blackfriars on a direct train. Brighton offers a lively resort feel: a long promenade, the iconic pier, lots of cafés, shopping, and a vibrant atmosphere. A caveat: the “beach” is more pebbles than fine sand, so if you’re specifically after soft sand, it might not fit all expectations.
Still, for accessibility, amenities, and the sheer variety of things to do next to the seaside, Brighton remains one of the best beaches near London.
2. Camber Sands (East Sussex)
If you’re on the lookout for fine sand and dunes, Camber Sands ticks those boxes. It’s one of the rarer stretches of sandy beach in the south‐east. Getting there is a little less straightforward than Brighton (you may need a change of train at Rye) but the reward is a wide golden beach, rolling sand dunes, and a quieter, more relaxed feel. For anyone seeking the more classic “sand beaches close to London” experience, this is a top pick.
3. Whitstable (Kent)
This charming seaside town is around 1 to 1 ½ hours from London via train. Whitstable gives you a mix of beach time, good food (it’s famous for its oysters), independent shops, and a relaxed harbour front. The beach itself is more pebbly than pure fine sand, but the overall experience is very pleasant.
For a seaside day that combines quality town character with the coast, Whitstable is one of the “British beaches near London” you’ll keep in mind.
4. Bournemouth (Dorset)
This is a bit further afield than some other options, but still reachable for a full-day outing if you start early. Bournemouth is known for a classic beach resort vibe: a long stretch of sand, resort amenities, piers, cafés, and a lively atmosphere.
5. Southend‑on‑Sea (Essex)
If proximity is your number one factor, Southend is tough to beat. Direct trains from London stations (such as Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street) take around an hour.
Though the beach is more of a classic seaside resort style and the water quality/sand texture may not be the same as more remote beaches, its ease and accessibility make it a top choice for a quick coastal escape. A great pick when you want a seaside dose without too much travel.
6. West Wittering Beach (West Sussex)
This spot appears in many lists of the best beaches near London. According to guides, it’s “perfect for families and regularly draws crowds who come for paddling in the shallow lagoons or hitting the waves”.
While the train will take roughly 2 hours or more, depending on connections and your start point, the payoff is a more peaceful, sandy beach environment. If your schedule allows, this is one of the more relaxed “great beaches near London”.
7. Margate Beach (Kent)
Margate is another favourite for a seaside day trip from London. With direct train journeys of around 1 hr 20 to 1 hr 40 from central London, it’s feasible for the dayIt combines a beach with town life (trendy cafés, vintage shops, the restored amusement park “Dreamland”) for a stylish yet accessible beach outing. If you’re looking for something a little different but still handy from London, Margate fits well.
8. Botany Bay (Broadstairs) (Kent)
This beach is slightly lesser known compared to some of the big names, but it’s lovely for sand, cliffs and a quieter atmosphere. The town of Broadstairs lies nearby and offers charm. Many lists of “best beaches close to London” include Botany Bay. If you prefer something a little off the beaten track, this is a fine choice.
9. Eastbourne Beach (East Sussex)
Eastbourne is listed among the go-to seaside day trips from London, reachable in about 1 hr 20 via train.
It has a classic resort vibe: promenade, pier, broad beach space, and easy access. While the beach itself may not always have the fine sand texture of dune-backed beaches, the town and surroundings make it a convenient and enjoyable escape.
How to Get There
Train routes and travel times
One of the great advantages of these coastal picks is that many are easily accessible by train from London.
- Brighton: direct trains from London Victoria/Blackfriars in about 1 hour.
- Whitstable: around 1 to 1½ hours.
- Margate: approx 1 hr 20–1 hr 40.
- Southend-on-Sea: about 1 hour.
- Camber Sands: around 1 hr+ (train + bus) depending on connection.
When planning a day trip, check the departure station (Victoria, St Pancras, etc), the arrival station, and whether there are additional local buses from the station to the beach.
Driving options
If you prefer driving, many of these beaches are reachable in around 90 minutes to 2 hours from London (traffic permitting). Do check parking availability, tide times (for wide sand stretches), and peak traffic (especially weekends/summer).
As you drive, the freedom to stop en route, enjoy coastal roads, and adapt your schedule can add flexibility.
Taxi / ride-share
If you reach the train station near the beach and want to get to a more remote part of the coast (e.g., dunes at Camber Sands, or a quieter cove) then a taxi or local ride-share may save you walking or bus waiting. If you’re already exploring the area as part of broader London tours, factoring this extra travel into your budget and time can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Things to Do
Beachfront cafés and restaurants
Whatever beach you pick, part of the pleasure is hanging out by the seaside café: fresh fish & chips, an ice-cream, a drink overlooking the sea. Towns like Brighton, Whitstable, Margate, and Eastbourne have vibrant café/restaurant scenes.
Whitstable in particular is known for its fresh seafood and harbour-front eateries. If you enjoy discovering unique food spots—much like exploring hidden gem restaurants in London—you’ll appreciate the coastal towns’ charming, lesser-known eateries just as much.
Watersports and beach activities
- At dune-backed beaches like Camber Sands or West Wittering, you’ll find more space for activities.
- Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding or kite-surfing may be options at beaches with good conditions (e.g., West Wittering).
- Even at more built-up resorts, there are often deck-chair hires, beach games, and sometimes boat or kayak rental.
Coastal walks
A great way to make the trip feel special is a walk along the shoreline: perhaps up to a headland, between beach huts, or through dunes. For example, if you stay at Broadstairs/Botany Bay, you can combine beach time with cliff views and scenic walking. Many of the “best beaches near London” lists highlight these kinds of coastal strolls.
Tips for Visitors
Best time to go
- Sunny weekends obviously draw the crowds; if possible, aim for a weekday or early morning departure.
- Late spring through summer gives you the best chance of beach weather, but even in shoulder seasons, the coast is refreshing.
- Tide times matter (especially for sandy beaches): if the tide is very high, you may lose much of the sand, so check ahead.
Conclusion
Heading out from London to the coast is one of the simplest, most effective ways to refresh your mind, give yourself space, and enjoy a change of scenery, all without needing to travel far. Whether you’re after the bustling resort feel of Brighton, the fine sand dunes at Camber Sands, or the charming seaside town ambience of Whitstable, there is a beach for you.
When you count in accessibility, amenities, variety, and sheer pleasure of being by the sea, these destinations rank among the best beaches near London for a day escape.
So pick your favourite from the list, check train times or driving traffic, pack your beach-kit and set off for sand between your toes.
If you want a smooth and stress-free journey from London to any of these beach destinations, you can also book private transfers with My London Transfer. Whether you’re heading to the station, the seaside, or travelling with family and luggage, a pre-booked ride ensures comfort and convenience.
FAQs
Among the easiest to reach is Southend-on-Sea – direct trains from London take around an hour.
If fine sand is your priority, then Camber Sands (with its dunes) or West Wittering are top choices for sand rather than pebbles or shingle. These are often cited among the “sand beaches close to London”.
