Whisper: Looks like summer has arrived. This means warm, brisk days in London and the desire to leave the capital and dive into the sea. Leaving aside all the necessary caveats about bathroom quality, there’s nothing more glorious than a sunny day by the sea, and luckily they’re not too difficult to get to from the city.
Moreover, you do not need to join traffic. It’s easy to effortlessly reach some gorgeous beaches by train from London. Whether it’s the kitsch delights of Margate or Whitstable in Kent, or the long, breathtaking sands of Sussex, it’s possible to ditch the car altogether for a perfect day out. There is only one exception to this rule, due to its isolated location (and definitely worth the journey).
Due to the proximity to the capital, all these excursions can be done in one day, but many of them – precisely because of their enduring appeal – have beautiful places to spend the night. These are the 10 best beaches to visit from London.
Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
For brightly colored beach huts and cherry tree-lined promenades, Walton-on-the-Naze is the place to be. The seafront is home to many amenities ideal for a weekend on the beach: grab coffee and cake from the Naze Tower cafe, then stroll along the pier, Britain’s second longest. The headland, located a mile north of the beach, is a site of special scientific interest and is noted for its bushland containing numerous fossils.
If you are considering taking a four-legged friend, it is also worth noting that dogs are prohibited from entering the beach between May 1 and September 30.
How to get there
Greater Anglia operates train services from London Liverpool Street to Walton-on-the-Naze with change to Thorpe-le-Soken. The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Where to stay
The Scandi-style Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Thorpe-le-Soken was a hit with our expert. Room rates start from £229 per night.
Whitstable, Kent
With its hand-painted shop windows and fresh fish restaurants, Whitstable is a typical seaside spot on the south coast. After a dip in the (sometimes quite cold) sea, stroll to Whitstable Castle and explore the 18th-century manor house. Or stay on the beach and sample fresh oysters (or shrimp with a crisp beer) at The Forge. Open until sunset, this is an ideal base for people watching.
How to get there
Southeastern trains from London Victoria to Whitstable take one hour and 20 minutes.
Where to stay
Hotel Continental offers stylish beach-style rooms with sea views. Room rates start from £126 per night.
Margate, Kent
Margate has experienced a revival in recent years, which our expert describes as “well and truly on the rise”. Even though its horizon-defying beach can be crowded on the hottest days, it is an undeniably enjoyable place. Traveling by train from St Pancras takes around 90 minutes, making the day easy and accessible.
As for the beach itself, wild swimmers will enjoy the segmented tide pool: a delight for casual swimmers and serious strip swimmers alike. A more nostalgic day out might include a trip to Dreamland, a pastel pink theme park with rollercoasters and plenty of kitsch. Further into town, the eccentric Shell Grotto is a charming entertainment venue.
How to get there
Southeastern trains from London St Pancras take around 90 minutes, while trains from London Victoria take two hours.
Where to stay
The stylish No42 by GuestHouse offers stunning views and a lively restaurant. Prices start from £190 per night.
Broadstairs, Kent
If a Margate romance seems inevitable, try getting off the train earlier at Broadstairs. A quieter place, the town was briefly home to Charles Dickens, as he wrote. bleak house. The house where he is currently staying sits on a promontory overlooking the wide sandy beach where Punch and Judy’s shows reign.
Choosing a place on the beach and prostrating yourself will be enough for you to have a very enjoyable day outside. Like the ice cream parlors of the 1950s, the town has plenty to discover; For unbeatable ice cream, try Morelli’s.
How to get there
Southeastern trains from London St Pancras to Broadstairs take one hour and 20 minutes.
Where to stay
Bay Tree Hotel is a stylish 10-room beachfront hotel. Prices start from £70 per night.
Ramsgate, Kent
Another Kentish delicacy that rewards a simple bucket-and-spade style day spent with the family. If the weather isn’t cooperating, explore Ramsgate’s wartime tunnels: the UK’s largest network of underground passages open to visitors. Pair these with the rock-built smugglers’ caves at Pegwell Bay and you’ve got quite an adventurous day out.
From here it’s also possible to walk along the coast to Broadstairs, meaning you can access both beaches. Have fun on the sands at Ramsgate, then follow the coastal path along the coast for around 40 minutes; The simple, traditional pubs in both towns are ideal resting spots.
How to get there
Southeastern trains from London St Pancras to Ramsgate take two hours.
Where to stay
The stylishly refurbished Albion Hotel offers rooms from £125 per night.
Dungeness, Kent
The only exception to our rule… Gloomy, beautiful Dungeness is the place to go for a spookier day at the beach. This vast stretch of coastline is Britain’s only desert, but that doesn’t mean it’s barren: instead, this strange headland is teeming with wildlife. It is quite difficult to reach by train, although not impossible. A steam railway operates seasonally between Rye and Dungeness; more modern travelers are advised to use a car.
The destination on arrival is Prospect Cottage, the once larch-lined home of artist Derek Jarman (reservations required). Now a creative hub, its beautifully designed garden, with poppies and sea kale sprouting from the sand and pebbles, is a welcome diversion on a hot day. For more nature, Dungeness RSPB reserve is home to marsh wrens and lapwings.
How to get there
Best to go to Prospect Cottage; There is a parking lot on the right side of the building. Or travel by miniature railway (more information here).
Where to stay
Castaways B&B is located on the beach and has views of Calais. Room prices start from £90 per night.
Brighton, East Sussex
Busy, bright, Brighton. It’s an iconic seaside town for a reason, and your best bet is to arrive early and pick up supplies at The Flour Pot or Sugardough bakeries; Think exceptional croissants and freshly baked bread. Wander around The Lanes, then it’s time to do what you’re here for: go to the beach.
More importantly, it is a stone beach, so towels (or sun loungers) are recommended. Once you’ve taken your seat, read, relax and swim to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to stick around as Brighton’s best time is during sunset, when starlings fly above a fiery sea and the pier sparkles. Stay as late as your train ticket allows, or spend the night in one of the city’s many Georgian mansions.
How to get there
Southern trains from London Victoria and London Bridge to Brighton take around an hour.
Where to stay
The art-filled Hotel Una is one of the city’s best places to spend the night. Rooms from £196. Plan the perfect trip to Brighton with our expert guide.
Littlehampton, West Sussex
Littlehampton is a vision of the English seaside town, with a mile of sand and gravel. With lifeguards on duty in the summer months (plus a free children’s wristband program), it’s perfect for a sunny, family day out.
There are numerous establishments along the promenade: the East Beach cafe, with its undulating architecture, is a particular favourite. Or for something more traditional, wander inland to Harbor Park Amusements, where water troughs, arcade games and soft games are sure to be a hit.
How to get there
Southern trains take approximately one hour and 45 minutes from London Victoria to Littlehampton.
Where to stay
Head further inland to Arundel to stay in the medieval mansions of the Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa. One night’s stay starts from £315.
West Wittering, West Sussex
With its quiet, grassy dunes and wide horizons, it’s no surprise that West Wittering beach, near the mouth of Chichester harbour, is busy in the summer months. Pack a picnic blanket and arrive early to stake your claim on the sand.
If you’re more adventurous, both West and East Wittering are popular with surfers. Not confident enough to do it yourself? Head to one of the nearby surf schools for equipment and instruction.
How to get there
Southern trains operate between London Victoria and Chichester. Bus 52 takes visitors from the station to the Old House at Home pub; From there it’s a short walk to the beach.
Where to stay
East Walls Hotel is a lovingly restored Georgian villa in Chichester, with rooms from £115 per night.
Harbor Meadow, Oxford
Not every beach needs the sea. In the northwest corner of Oxford, Port Meadow is an idyllic, open area ideal for sunbathing and wild swimming. The banks of the Thames are dotted with small, sandy bays; This means that on a hot day, wild birds and visitors make this their (very picturesque) base.
Pick up supplies in the town center before heading out into the wildflower-filled meadows: be aware that you may be sharing the space with cattle or wild ponies, as the common area is still used for grazing.
How to get there
Great Western operates services between London Paddington and Oxford that take less than an hour. It’s a 20-minute walk from Oxford station to Port Meadow.
Where to stay
Porterhouse Grill & Rooms Hotel offers stylish yet understated rooms from £264 per night. Plan the perfect trip to Oxford with our guide.