Best Beaches Near London for a Great Day Out

Best Beaches Near London For A Great Day Out

Getting out of the city is something a lot of us wish we did more often. Go with a group of friends or take the family to one of the beaches near London. You can get there in a couple of hours and you will be glad you did.

Some of the best beaches near London are located along the Essex, Kent and Sussex coastlines, easily accessible by train or car. Hop on the train to Margate, Southend, Broadstairs or Brighton. Sandy beaches near London? You can find them too! Lovely Camber Sands or Folkestone.

Closest Beaches to London in Essex

Need a quick beach fix? Look no further than the Essex beaches near London, where you can escape the city.

For sandy beaches near London, Southend-On-Sea in Essex is a popular choice. Jubilee Beach, Three Shells Beach, Chalkwell Beach, and Thorney Bay Beach are some of the sandy beaches that can be reached within an hour by train from London’s Fenchurch Street station.

How to get to beaches in Southend by train from London

London to Jubilee Beach in Southend-on-Sea by train

Jubilee Beach and Three Shells Beach, located in Southend-On-Sea, are two neighboring sandy beaches that are popular both locals and visitors. Jubilee Beach is known for its soft sands, shallow waters, and a lively atmosphere with various seaside attractions, while Three Shells Beach is smaller and generally quieter. Both beaches are easy to get to by train from London’s Fenchurch Street station, taking about an hour of travel time.

Depart from London Fenchurch Street station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Southend-on-Sea.
Take a C2C train towards Shoeburyness. Make sure to check the departure boards for the next available train.
The train will stop at various stations along the way, including Limehouse, West Ham, Barking, Upminster, and other stations.
Alight at Southend Central station, which is the main train station in Southend-on-Sea.
Exit Southend Central station and walk towards the seafront. The distance from the station to Jubilee Beach is approximately 0.6 miles, and the walk should take about 10-15 minutes.

Once you reach the seafront, you will see Jubilee Beach, which is located near Southend Pier and is marked by its sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere.

Please note that train schedules and routes may vary, so it’s always best to check for the most up-to-date information before making your journey.

With their sandy shores, family-friendly facilities, and stunning views of the estuary, Jubilee Beach and Three Shells Beach are great options for a fun-filled day by the sea.

London to Thorney Bay Beach in Essex by train

Calling all Londoners! Don’t miss out on the coastal charm of Essex beaches near London, where you can unwind on sandy shores, enjoy beachside activities, and create unforgettable memories just a stone’s throw from the city.

Depart from London Fenchurch Street station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Southend-on-Sea and Canvey Island.
Take a C2C train towards Shoeburyness, and check the departure boards for the next available train.
The train will stop at various stations along the way, including Limehouse, West Ham, Barking, Upminster, and other stations.
Alight at Benfleet station, which is the closest train station to Thorney Bay Beach on Canvey Island.
Exit Benfleet station and head towards the bus stop on Station Road.
Take bus number 27 or 21 towards Canvey Island, and alight at Thorney Bay Road bus stop.
Walk along Thorney Bay Road and turn right onto Cleveland Road.

The estimated travel time from London to Thorney Bay Beach can vary depending on the train and bus schedules, but it typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Best Kent Beaches near London

If you’re looking for a beach getaway from London, Kent in the South East offers some fantastic options that are easily accessible. There are beaches you can get to within about an hour and a half to 2 hours, depending on which part of London you are coming from.

Margate Main Sands is just a short walk from the train station, this wide sandy beach is right in the heart of Margate. It’s perfect for families, with a tidal pool for paddling and plenty of nearby attractions, including the Turner Contemporary gallery and the vibrant Old Town.

London to Margate Beach front by train

For a seaside experience near London, Margate in Kent is worth considering. With its sandy beaches and nostalgic charm, Margate can be reached by train from Victoria or St Pancras stations in about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a convenient getaway.

Depart from London St Pancras International station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Margate.
Take a Southeastern high-speed train towards Margate. These trains are typically labelled “HS” on the departure boards.
The train will stop at various stations along the way, including Stratford International, Ebbsfleet International, and other stations.
Alight at Margate station, which is the main train station in Margate.
Exit Margate station and head towards the seafront. The distance from the station to Margate’s main beach is approximately 0.6 miles, and the walk should take about 10-15 minutes.

Once you reach the seafront, you will find Margate’s main beach, which is marked by its sandy shores and iconic attractions such as the Turner Contemporary gallery and the Margate Harbour Arm.

The estimated travel time from London to Margate can vary depending on the train schedules and whether you take a high-speed train or a regular service. On average, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

London to Folkestone Beach front by train

If you’re looking for quieter beaches near London, Folkestone Harbour Beach in Kent is worth exploring. It can be reached by train from Victoria or St Pancras stations in about 1.5 to 2 hours, and it offers a peaceful and scenic coastal experience.

Depart from London St Pancras International station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Folkestone.
Take a Southeastern high-speed train towards Ashford International. These trains are typically labelled “ASH” on the departure boards.
The train will pass through several stations along the way, including Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, and other stations.
Alight at Folkestone Central station, which is the main train station in Folkestone.
Exit Folkestone Central station and head towards the seafront. The distance from the station to the Beach is approximately 0.8 miles, and the walk should take about 15-20 minutes.

Once you reach the seafront, you will find a wide pebble beach and a bit further along, Sunny Sands Beach, which is a popular sandy beach with picturesque views of the English Channel.

The estimated travel time from London to Folkstone Harbour Beach can vary depending on the train schedules and whether you take a high-speed train or a regular service. On average, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

London to Viking Bay Beach front by train

Viking Bay in Broadstairs, Kent, is another beautiful seaside destination near London. Known for its sandy beach and historic charm, Viking Bay can be reached by train from St Pancras station in about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a short break.

Depart from London St Pancras International station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Margate or Ramsgate.
Take a Southeastern train towards Margate or Ramsgate. These trains are typically labelled “MGT” or “RAM” on the departure boards.
The train will pass through several stations along the way, including Canterbury West, Ramsgate, and other stations.
Alight at Broadstairs station, which is the closest train station to Viking Bay.
Exit Broadstairs station and head towards the seafront. The distance from the station to Viking Bay is approximately 0.4 miles, and the walk should take about 10 minutes.

Once you reach the seafront, you will find Viking Bay, which is a popular sandy beach with a picturesque crescent-shaped bay.

The estimated travel time from London to Viking Bay in Broadstairs can vary depending on the train schedules and the specific route taken, but on average, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Best Sussex Beaches near London

One of the most popular beaches near London, Brighton offers a vibrant atmosphere with its iconic pier, amusement arcades, and a bustling promenade. It’s a pebble beach, but the lively surroundings and excellent food scene make it a must-visit. You can reach Brighton in just over an hour by train from London Victoria.

Camber Sands is famous for its beautiful golden sands and impressive dunes, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or even kitesurfing. Stretching over seven miles, it offers plenty of space to enjoy a day by the sea. It’s easily accessible by train from London to Rye, followed by a short bus ride to the beach.

Known for its picturesque scenery, West Wittering is a favorite among families. The beach features soft sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming and picnicking. It’s about a two-hour drive from London, or you can take a train to Chichester and then a bus to the beach.

This beach features a mix of sand and shingle and is perfect for a family day out. Littlehampton boasts a lovely promenade, gardens, and even the longest bench in the UK! It’s easily accessible via a direct train from London, taking less than an hour and a half.

London to Brighton Beach front by train

Brighton Pier in Brighton is another popular beach destination near London, known for its iconic pier and lively atmosphere. It can be reached by train from Victoria or St Pancras stations in about 1.5 hours, making it a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Depart from London Victoria station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Brighton.
Take a Southern or Thameslink train towards Brighton. These trains are typically labeled “BTN” on the departure boards.
The train will pass through several stations along the way, including Clapham Junction, East Croydon, Gatwick Airport, and other stations.
Alight at Brighton station, which is the main train station in Brighton.
Exit Brighton station and head towards the seafront. The distance from the station to Brighton Pier is approximately 0.5 miles, and the walk should take about 10 minutes.

Once you reach the seafront, you will find Brighton Pier, which is a famous landmark and a popular destination for its amusement rides, games, and seaside attractions.

The estimated travel time from London to Brighton Pier can vary depending on the train schedules and the specific route taken, but on average, the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

London to Camber Sands Beach front by train

Camber Sands Beach, located in East Sussex, is known for its stunning sandy dunes and picturesque landscapes. It can be reached by train from St Pancras station in about 1.5 to 2 hours, or by car in approximately 2 hours, making it a popular choice for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Depart from London St Pancras International station, which is the main station for trains heading towards Rye or Hastings.
Take a Southeastern train towards Rye or Hastings. These trains are typically labeled “RYE” or “HAST” on the departure boards.
The train will pass through several stations along the way, including Ashford International, Rye, and other stations.
Alight at Rye station, which is the closest train station to Camber Sands Beach.
Exit Rye station and head towards the bus stops located just outside the station. Look for the bus stop with buses going to Camber Sands or Camber Castle.
Board the bus towards Camber Sands or Camber Castle, and alight at the designated stop for Camber Sands Beach.
From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to Camber Sands Beach

From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to Camber Sands Beach, which is a popular sandy beach known for its dunes and picturesque views. The estimated travel time from London to Camber Sands Beach can vary depending on the train schedules and bus connections, but on average, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Start your journey at London Victoria station.

Start your journey at London Victoria station.
Take a direct train to Chichester. This journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once you arrive at Chichester, exit the train station and turn left towards the city center.
After a short one-minute walk, you’ll see the bus station on your right side.
At the bus station, look for bus number 52 or 53 heading towards Wittering.
Board the bus and ride for about 20 minutes until you reach the “West Wittering” stop, which is right next to the Old House at Home pub.
Get off at this stop. From here, it’s a short 10-minute walk to West Wittering Beach.

If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches near London, some of the aforementioned beaches, such as Camber Sands Beach, are pet-friendly. However, it’s always best to check local regulations and guidelines before bringing your furry friend along.

Nearest coastal counties

Looking for a quick beach escape from London? Look no further! Essex, Kent, and Sussex offer the closest beaches

If you want to explore the coast use our guide to find a beach near you. Just choose the county and click on next beach to follow the coast.

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Beaches Near London