Top 8 Beaches Near London for the Perfect Escape

17 September, 2025 Sadia Jabeen 0 Comments 1 category

When city life becomes too hectic, nothing compares to the soothing sound of crashing waves, salty sea air, and soft sand beneath your feet. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far from the capital to take a relaxing seaside holiday. There are numerous stunning beaches near London that make ideal day outings or weekend getaways. There’s a beach for everyone, from typical beach towns with arcades and fish-and-chip shops to peaceful expanses of sand perfect for long walks. Here are the top eight beaches you can visit from London, each with its own distinct attraction.

Find out how much the air ticket may cost

1: Brighton Beach, East Sussex

A list of beaches near London would be incomplete without including Brighton. This beach, an hour’s train trip from the city, is one of the UK’s most popular beach destinations. It’s a traditional pebble beach known for its lively pier filled with tourist attractions, arcade games, and food vendors. Brighton is more than just a beach; it’s also a cultural hotspot.

You can spend the morning sunbathing before exploring The Lanes, an array of odd shops and cafés, or visiting the Royal Pavilion for a historical experience. It’s ideal if you want to combine seaside enjoyment with a dynamic city vibe.

2: Camber Sands, East Sussex

If you are looking for golden sand rather than pebbles, Camber Sands is the place to go. This is one of the few sandy beaches in the southeast of England, stretching approximately five miles long. The giant dunes give the area a wild and untamed feel, in contrast to the crowded resort towns. Camber Sands is a popular spot for kite surfing and beach walks, especially when the tide is out and the flat sand appears to extend eternally. Families also enjoy being here—children can build sandcastles and paddle in the shallow seas, while adults appreciate the sense of wide space and fresh sea wind.

Find out how much the hotel room may cost

Golden sandy dunes at Camber Sands beach in East Sussex

3: Whitstable Beach, Kent

Known for its oysters, Whitstable is a charming seaside town with a pebble beach that’s perfect for a relaxing day by the water. The beach may be pebbly, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Brightly painted beach huts line the shore, and the sunsets here are among the best on the south coast.

Foodies will especially love Whitstable. You can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water or try oysters straight from the spring. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, take a walk along the Tankerton Cliffs, which offer beautiful views over the sea.

Find out how much car rental may cost

4: West Wittering Beach, West Sussex

West Wittering Beach is a long stretch of pristine sand that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of London. It has Blue Flag status, meaning it is clean, safe, and family-friendly. It is one of the most picturesque sandy beaches in southern England, with dunes, salt marshes, and wide open spaces.

Furthermore, it is also a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are particularly popular here, thanks to the steady coastal winds. On calmer days, you will see families picnicking, children splashing in the shallows, and couples strolling hand in hand along the coast.

5: Margate Beach, Kent

Margate is another traditional seaside town that has recently been reinvented. While its sandy beaches and fun arcades remain as charming as ever, the city has been given a trendy, artistic edge. The Turner Gallery of Contemporary Art and the revival of the Old Town have attracted creative types and food enthusiasts.

Margate Beach itself is wide and sandy, ideal for classic beach days with sunbathing, swimming, and games. At low tide, stone pools appear, which makes it especially fun for children to explore. Pair your visit with wandering through quaint shops or riding the historic roller coasters of Dreamland Amusement Park.

Find out how much travel insurance may cost

Brighton Beach with pier and people enjoying a sunny day near London

6: Botany Bay, Kent

Located between Margate and Broadstairs, Botany Bay is one of the most photogenic beaches near London. Its striking white chalk cliffs and dramatic sea piles create the perfect picture. The sandy beach is relatively quiet compared to its neighbors, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet day by the sea.

Botany Bay is also a great place to hunt for fossils and collect rocks. When the tide is gone, you can explore hidden coves and caves along the cliffs. Just be sure to keep an eye on the timing of high tide to avoid being cut off.

7: Southend-on-Sea, Essex

A little less than an hour’s train ride from London, Southend-on-Sea is one of the most convenient beach getaways. Although the beaches here are mostly pebbly, the lively promenade, family-friendly attractions, and the famous pier—the longest in the world—make it worth the trip.

The Adventure Island amusement park is located right on the seashore, offering rides and entertainment for all ages. If you want something quieter, head to Thorpe Bay, a more relaxed part of the beach nearby. Southend is perfect if you want that classic British experience at sea without traveling too far.

Find out how much an eSIM may cost

8: Dungeness, Kent

Dungeness is unlike any other beach on this list. It is a huge pebble desert with a unique, almost alien atmosphere. The beach stretches endlessly, with old fishing boats scattered along the shore and a backdrop of wild plants and unusual architecture.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Dungeness National Nature Reserve, home to rare species of wildlife and birds. It is also a haven for photographers, thanks to the stark beauty of the landscape. While you may not come here to sunbathe or swim, it’s an unforgettable coastal experience and one of the most unusual beaches near London.

🏖️ Top Beaches Near London – Quick Picks

🏝️ Beach	🏨 Nearby Hotel	🚆 Travel Tip
Brighton	The Grand Brighton	🚄 1 hr by train from London
Camber Sands	The Gallivant	🚗 Best reached by car via Rye
Whitstable	Hotel Continental	🚉 1 hr 20 min train from London
West Wittering	Millstream Hotel	🚗 Car or bus from Chichester
Margate	Cliftonville Hotel	🚄 1 hr 40 min train from London
Botany Bay	Botany Bay Hotel	🚗 Short drive from Margate
Southend-on-Sea	Roslin Beach Hotel	🚄 1 hr train from London
Dungeness	Grand Burstin Hotel	🚗 Best by car via Ashford

Tips for visiting beaches from London

Check train times: Many of these beaches are easily accessible by train, but schedules can vary, especially on weekends.

Bring layers: Britain’s weather is unpredictable, even in summer. A warm sweater or light jacket is always a good idea.

Some beaches, especially Botany Bay and Camber Sands, change dramatically with the tide. Plan your visit around low tide if you want more space to explore.

Stay overnight: Although you can visit most of these places in one day, an overnight stay allows you to enjoy a slower pace and beautiful evening views.

Final Thoughts:

The best thing about living in or visiting the capital is that you are never too far from the coast. Whether you want sandy stretches for family picnics, dramatic cliffs for coastal walks, or vibrant towns filled with arcades and attractions, there are plenty of beaches near London to suit every type of traveler.

From the iconic charm of Brighton to the wild beauty of Dungeness, each of these destinations offers something unique. So, the next time you need a break from city life, pack your bag, hop on the train, and discover the sea getaways that await just beyond London’s borders.

Follow Nanajee (Grandpa) Travels for cheap airline tickets, great hotel rooms and best deals on car rentals.

See world, save money, use Nanajee Travels

Other travel related blogs:

A

B

C

D

E

F

H

I

J

JetBlue Deals: Save Up to $750 on Flights and Hotels

L

M

14 must see places in Tokyo JAPAN

N

P

Q

S

T

Category: Travel Tips

One Reply to “Top 8 Beaches Near London for the Perfect Escape”

Pingback: Earn 1,500 Bonus Hilton Honors Points on All Stays Worldwide - Nanajee Travels