Even after being a mega port and urban hub for centuries, London still has a lot of love for the sea in its heart.
Londoners love spending all their holidays on beaches close to London. Any near London beach is equipped with all the most surprising and delightful astonishments the modern world can offer.
While going on a trip to the seaside, the places around London will not disappoint you in their offering of luxuries.
In this article, we have brought you our best choices regarding beaches near London.
So here is for you all, the 15 best beaches near London.
Table of Contents
15 best beaches near London that are a favourite among locals
Calling any city home means having a huge understanding of it and its surrounding areas that we have gathered through our own exploration. And when that city is London, it is then wondered that you will have so much secret knowledge at your fingertips.
It is time to look at local appreciation based on this secret understanding for every seaside near London.
Looking to get out of London for the weekend and don’t have a car? Consider hiring a car with a debit card, making the process of hitting those beaches easy and hassle-free
#1. The Brighton beach
Brighton Beach is without a doubt the most popular of beaches close to London for locals and tourists alike. It is a beautiful and cool climate that can easily stand contestant to London’s own.
Brighton Beach can be visited as a day trip or weekend trip from London.
The beach is one of the pebbles and this day a great favorite among children and aesthetic lovers. The area surrounding Brighton Beach is lined with famous Georgian houses, which give the city a fairytale-like ambience with their playful hues and study architecture.
Coloured with similar brilliance are the beach huts and cafes in this region. The place has many accommodations, many of which are new editions to the city, while others have existed for much longer.
How to get there?
Brighten is only an hour away from London Bridge or Victoria. You can take regular trains to Brighten from Victoria.
Special Attractions
There is an old retro arcade near the beach, places for film screenings, and regularly gives in the evening. Brighton Beach is a family-friendly beach. And so is the city itself!
If you have some time to spare, visit the place’s unbelievable attractions, such as Sea Life Brighton and Upside Down House Paradox Place.
Nearest Outlets
Children will love the colourful ice cream trucks and delicious family restaurants. Riddles and Finns, Chamuyo, and Indian Summer, The Beachbreak Cafe are some great options for adults.
Also, if you want to try the best Fish and chips, then Pier Pressure Escape Room is a must-visit place for you.
#2. Ruislip Lido beach
A lesser-known attraction when it comes to beaches, this London beach can be accessed on the tube.
This is a popular Sandy beach near London for those who know of its existence. Surrounded by beautiful trees and loud birds. This beach, however, is not a sea beach.
It is a beach that has grown around a 60-acre lake. You can ride the miniature train all around its circumference.
If you are a tourist aiming to capture locations that are not on the common map, this side of the London metropolitan is sure to surprise you.
How to get there?
You can reach Ruislip station simply by boarding the price daily or metropolitan line.
Special Attractions
This beach is a great favourite among families who want to have a rustic picnic experience away from City attractions.
Even though these days this beautiful not exactly be found empty, you can still enjoy the lack of crowd in comparison to other options on this list.
Nearest Outlets
Local cafes sell everything available near Ruislip Lido. So, you can roam around to get the best food.
#3. Southend on sea beach
Most beaches near London cannot even imagine coming anywhere near the south end of the sea beach.
In recent years, this beach has had unbelievable fame on social media. Usually considered to be an easy hideout from the city hustle and bustle by locals because of its proximity, this place has now become something that even visitors from around The World do not miss out on.
Yes, indeed, this page is happily considered to be one of the closest beaches near London. It is located right at the end of the River Thames, and the town boasts magnificent beach attractions.
How to get there?
You can board a train from Liverpool Street to Southend Central to reach the nearest beach in London. It nearly takes an hour from London.
Special Attractions
Southend on the sea is also a pebble beach lined with beautifully coloured beach cabins. This is also one of our top family-friendly beaches in London, being a place that any age group will admire.
Many accommodations in this city include old inns to 4-star retreats. You can also take some time to visit Essex. You can also enjoy a change of beach scenery in Chalkwell Beach.
Nearest Outlets
Enjoy Essex’s traditional and rustic food options while visiting Southend on the sea. Some other options include Alvaros for Latin American, Pearl Dragon for Chinese, and Revolution Southend for authentic British.
#4. Hastings
This historical beach and city, which cannot be missed out on, also boasts a rolling expanse of sand and pebbles which tourists can visit and enjoy.
You can visit Hastings in West Sussex for a weekend or more days to explore the beach and other places of interest in this region. This beach is unbelievably popular during the summer season.
How to get there?
To visit Hastings, you simply need to take a train from Charing Cross to the Hastings railway station.
Special Attractions
The beach of Hastings is preferred by those tourists who like a bit of change in terms of the roughness and ruggedness provided by the well-known Sussex region.
However, its reputation for being rough does not mean that children cannot make the most of it.
This is a great place to be visited by older children. The underground BMX skatepark continues to be the largest in the world.
Additionally, if you want to see a lot of small rock pools with sea life, then walk to the end of Rock-a-Nore.
The city of Hastings has many historical attractions you can make the most of during your trip to this place. The scene and natural beauty of the city and its suburbs, in general, are enough to win anyone’s heart.
Nearest food outlets
We will never stop recommending great quality seafood when you go to Hastings. Our favourite is White’s Seafood and Steak Bar. Another place you can always visit to gain some palate change is Webbe’s Rock-a-Nore.
#5. Eastbourne
Coming away from the west to the east of Sussex, this beach is famous among Victorians and still retains its charms.
This beach is pebbly. It is a haven for tourists from other corners of the world. More importantly, this beach is one of the most easily accessible beaches near London.
How to get there?
You can reach Eastbourne in 2 hours from any direct train from London Bridge or Victoria.
Special Attractions
The surrounding area is thronged by Victorian houses and other historic architecture. Because of its natural and architectural charms, this place is crowded in summer.
The Eastbourne travel guide can save you from running into the wrong crowd in the wrong months of the year.
You can also enjoy a string view from the Wish Tower. Besides this, you can take a rock-pooling adventure with your kids when the tides go out.
Nearest food outlets
Drop in at La Locanda Del Duca for some Italian and Mediterranean treats, but go instead with Athens if you are craving a fusion of British and Greek cuisine.
Also Read: 12 Beautiful Parks In South London
#6. Climping
Climping is the topping name on the best-kept secret beaches near London. This beach is beautiful and full of pebbles, and you can always be the only person on the beach for yourself and enjoy it on your own.
Because of the lack of facilities on and near this beach, it is preferred as a location for a romantic or solo vacation rather than a family one. You might even have to walk to the beach and enjoy it in seclusion.
How to get there?
It will take 2 hours to reach this beach. You can take a direct train from Victoria.
Special Attractions
If you are lucky enough, you can enjoy the whole beach. This is a great place for photoshoots and exploration. Also, if your luck favours, you can get a Hogwarts-on-shore experience on a cloudy or rainy day at Climping.
Nearest food outlets
You can grab anything and everything to eat in Littlehampton on your three-mile walk, which is one of the best ways to reach this place.
#7. Camber Sands
This delightful Sandy excursion which has been the set of many popular movies is one of the most Elite beaches near London. It is a 5-mile-long beach covered in surrounding reckless shrubbery.
The scenic beauty of this place makes it one of the most photogenic areas of seashore in England. Camber Sands is most crowded during the summer, a special spot for kite surfers. You can visit this place in early summer or early fall for the best experience.
How to get there?
It is an hour away from London, and you can take a train. St Pancras to Rye. Boards a bus from Rye to this beach.
Special Attractions
Though this place is popular, it is one of the less crowded beaches near London. At the border of the beach, you will see an expanse of rising dunes. It is the best beach for relaxation and sunbathing.
You can go for a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tour. Your kids will also enjoy beachcombing, including the challenge of uncovering hidden gems beneath the sand.
Nearest food outlets
Seafood and local British cuisine are the biggest attractions in Camber Sands.
#8. Bournemouth
This one seaside location will not disappoint any visitor, regardless of their preferences.
With beautiful houses and tents nearby, this flat expanse of levels and beautiful sand that stretches over 11 miles – this gigantic – mingles into the most brilliantly blue sea you have ever seen.
How to get there?
You can take a direct train from Waterloo to Bournemouth and reach the beach in two and a half hours.
Special Attractions
Many steamers can be boarded from this area. Unlike the many other recently mentioned beaches on this beaches near London list, there is plenty to see and eat in this region.
Because of its location, this beach is a great place to visit in winter. If you want to, you can take time to experience this place’s traditional and rustic ambience after a day of enjoyment on the beaches.
Nearest food outlets
Westbeach is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Bournemouth. Lolas Spanish Tapas Restaurants is an even better pick for those who want a Mediterranean twist to their seafood.
#9. West Wittering
This place is heaven for youngsters and picture lovers because of its beach’s astonishing geography. This near London beach has many harbours and ports, including the famous Chichester Harbour.
It is great for a family excursion with older children or your significant other for one or more days. West Wittering has great British cuisine options for dining throughout your trip.
The great time to visit this beach is from May to September when the water is calm. During this time, you can also enjoy local festivals and events.
How to get there?
This place can be reached from Victoria in about 1.5 hours by boarding the train to Chichester.
Special Attractions
This place is one of the most aesthetic beaches in England. You can enjoy many seaside sports like windsurfing and kite surfing here.
If you want to take an opportunity to get closer to marine life, then you must explore the tide pools.
Nearest food outlets
Cote Brasserie is a popular restaurant for people looking for a more varied cuisine. Blanc Brasserie can always be an equal choice. If you are someone who likes Chinese, you can book an appointment with Confucius.
#10. Goring beach
This is a famous beach among locals, but quite an unknown one among the top beaches near London. This beach is located in a town full of a small fishing community and an older aesthetic and ambience.
You will not find luxurious amusements at attractions near this beach. You also might have to settle for simple food while on the excursion; that is exactly what the beauty of this place is.
However, you can always ask the friendly fisherman for some assistance in better understanding modern England’s fishing community.
Take a direct train from Charing Cross or Victoria to Ramsgate and reach it within 2 hours.
How to get there?
You can take a daily train from Victoria or London Bridge to Durrington on the sea. From there, walk for 20 mins to reach.
Special Attractions
This beach is beautiful with the temporal adjustments of an Arctic climate. The white sunlight in its sea on a dark grey pebble beach will make you swoon. Mornings start early on this beach, and evenings are quiet and reflective.
Besides these, you can go fishing, kite surfing, windsurfing, and other watersports.
Nearest food outlets
This picturesque beach is located in West Sussex and has no development to its name. You will, however, be able to visit a few cafes and pubs on your solo trip here.
#11. Ramsgate
Another beach that grew in popularity in the Victorian Times is one of the closest beaches near London, which you can navigate easily.
This beach is covered in a uniform tan sand carpet over which a wonderful blue sky and sea stretch into each other.
Usually quite crowded in the summers and weekends, you can avoid people if you choose the right holiday. Finally, we have another family holiday excursion beach suitable for young children.
How to get there?
Take a direct train from Charing Cross or Victoria to Ramsgate and reach it within 2 hours.
Special Attractions
Ramsgate Main Sands is great for touching amusements, and arcades, and exploring local restaurants. You can also hire a sun lounger or deck chair for soaking in the sun. However, summer isn’t the appropriate season if you want to feel the wind in your hair.
If you are someone who likes to take pictures all likes to get the pictures taken, you are going to love a holiday at Ramsgate.
Nearest food outlets
A great Indian place to not pass out on your visit to Ramsgate is Flavours By Kumar. If you are craving good dessert and some pizza instead, you can always drop in at La Magnolia.
#12. Kingsgate Bay
Our personal favourite of Sandy Beaches near London, nothing can beat this royal bay when it comes to picturesque beauty.
A soft and beautiful beach with dark-tanned Sandy shows it is looked down upon by a fortress of white Cliffs on all sides. If you are looking for something new, this seaside vacation is the place for you.
This beach is one of the most crowded beaches, especially among London and other local English people who know about this place and can make their way to it.
How to get there?
You have to take the breeze bus from Margate to Kingsgate, after reaching the former from Victoria on a train.
Special Attractions
There are so many sea caves and artificial sea cliff excursions to visit in this area. The whiteness and ruggedness of the clips make it a wonderful place. You can also explore many sea caves on this beach, who knows what you might find?
On an exciting part, you can hire a beach for a day.
Nearest food outlets
Don’t forget to get yourself some delicious fish and chips from the local cafes and restaurants on this seaside visit.
#13. Cuckmere Haven
Indeed a haven for many people, this untouched natural beauty of rolling hills and white cliffs on a multi-coloured pebbly beach lies at the meeting of river Cuckmere with the English channel.
If you can find yourself a day Sunny enough for this visit, you will be in for a treat.
How to get there?
You can take a train to Eastbourne or Brighton, and from there take a bus to Seaford. From here you will have to walk yourself or take a taxi down to the beach.
It can take up to 3 hours to reach this place, including how you will have to change transportation several times.
Special Attractions
A short walk can bring you to the rolling farmlands of Seaford. This is again a completely rustic experience with no city life to enjoy nearby. And, of course, you have Seven Sister Falls. Cuckmere Heaven Beach provides a variety of activities.
Nearest food outlets
If you are here, you will have to settle for authentic British food from nearby cafes and restaurants that you can find in Seaford.
#14. Greatstone Beach Romney Marsh
On the banks of the English Channel, this beautiful beach is a little different from anything else we have covered on the list.
This is one of the lesser-known beaches near London, with soft sand around the shore of the channel. You can spend as much time as you want in the lap of nature when you visit this place.
Called a Marsh, this is a place populated heavily with birds and small animals of many kinds. A small walk will take you to the dunes nearby.
The best thing is that the entire work is coastal, meaning you don’t lose sight of the water for a second.
How to get there?
Take a train from St Pancras to Folkestone Central, where you can take a bus to the beach.
Special Attractions
If you are someone who likes seaside sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and even horse riding along the sea breeze, this place is definitely for you. Not a place you want to visit with young children, your teenage family will thank you for this adventurous choice.
Nearest food outlets
Like sports, all kinds of cuisine are available in this town. Add this activity to your list if you like exploring seafood joints in unknown places.
#15. Isle of grain
A mysterious and magical location in Kent, you can reach this beach through a simple drive from the end of London. We know that the beaches of Kent never disappoint, and this is the only Sandy beach in the Hoo peninsula.
How to get there?
You can find direct trains and buses to Rochester from London.
Special Attractions
Another rustic beach choice Woods surrounds this wonderful little seclusion where you can take an aimless and safe stroll. It is not fair to visit Rochester back on your way if you have time to do so.
Nearest food outlets
Rochester is a place of great basil in Kent you can find every cuisine possible in this area for a great American steak experience, visit Brettington Steak, for a lesson on how to do it right.
FAQs
What is the most popular beach in London?
Ruislip Lido Beach
How far is London from the sea?
56 Kilometre or 35 miles
Conclusion
Beaches near London are without a doubt the best you can give to yourself after a stressful week. Our list above covered everything to make sure all readers can find the beach of their choice. But remember not to stop experimenting because you never know when and how you will discover a new favourite!
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