London may be a pretty big city, but there are actually a lot of gorgeous and best beaches near London to visit. Yes, London has some great areas to explore. But let’s be honest, sometimes a trip to the seaside is necessary.
Trust me, there are plenty of luxury day trips from London that will get you right out of the city.
So, to help you get started surfing quickly, we wanted to share some of the best beaches near London to visit on a day trip, overnight stay, or long weekend.
Stay safe in the water, take lots of sunscreen and have a great time at the beach!
1.) Camber Sand
Well, for a nice stretch of golden sand, you have to head to Camber Sands, one of the best beaches near London, located about 70 miles (about a two-hour drive) away.
Completely pristine, Camber Sands is mostly frequented by kitesurfers and windsurfers, but it’s also a great place to relax on the dunes.
One of the best things about this place is that you can come with your dog or other pets from May to September. It’s never crowded, so it’s one of the best places to completely relax.
The expansive coastline means there’s always plenty of space, even with large crowds.
After a day at the beach, stop by the town of Rye, near Camber Sands. It’s very gorgeous and has the feel of a quaint seaside town.
Read more: London’s Best Landmarks to Visit
2.) Whitstable Beach
About 60 miles from London, Whitstable is easily accessible by train in 70 minutes.
Often referred to as the best place to watch the sunset, Whitstable Beach is not only traditional, but also has a very cool town vibe.
Spend a peaceful day in an old clapboard cottage, a fine beach hut, or a sturdy fishing boat, wherever you choose. Don’t forget the Wheeler’s Oyster Bar oysters drizzled with lemon juice.
Finally, if you have time, you can walk a few steps further to West Beach. wonderful.
Read more: London’s Best Landmarks to Visit
3.) Brighton
Brighton needs no introduction! Probably one of the most famous beaches to visit near London, he is easily reached by train in about 60 minutes.
Yes, it’s a pebble beach, but the lack of sand adds to its charm.
Depending on when you visit, Brighton might be a good time to try paddleboarding. Apart from this, you can enjoy your ice cream while braving the seagulls who want a little taste.
Also, don’t forget to visit Lanes, home to all the cute cafes, vintage stores and restaurants. Plus, be sure to hop on the pier as well.
Read more: Things to do in Brighton
4.) Dungeness
From seagulls and Gadwall to philosophers and artists, Dungeness Beach A very nice and special place to visit. However, it takes about 140 minutes to get there.
Not only that, Dungeness Rikutou is also a great spot to watch the sunset. Perfect for sipping your favorite beverage or taking on a picnic. Or, keep calm and grab some delicious fish and chips from the Britannia Inn, shy of the beach itself.
If you don’t feel Dungeness Beach, drive about 20 minutes down the coast to Dimchurch Beach.
Read more: London’s Best Landmarks to Visit
5.) Botany Bay
About 140 minutes by train (or car), Botany Bay is a great spot just outside Margate in Kent.
Botany Bay is one of the best beaches near London to visit when going to Kent.
Located between Broadstairs and Margate, many visitors check out Botany Bay when visiting the other two locations.
This makes for a perfect overnight stay.
Margate, Broadstairs (Viking Bay), Joss Bay and Stone Bay are easily partnered for one big trip. we love them
6.) Margate
The train (rather than the car) is faster and takes about 90 minutes from central London to Margate. This makes day trips to the beach very easy.
Above all, Margate has something of a comeback in terms of popularity and fun. prospered.
In fact, not much has changed and the sand and coastline are just as impressive as they were then. Margate’s sandy beaches are he one of London’s most popular beaches. Margate was originally known for Dreamland, a kitschy fairground that still exists today.
Aside from Margate’s stunning beaches, you’ll also find Turner Contemporary, a world-class contemporary art gallery, here. There are also cafes and restaurants around Margate’s Old Town. Oh, and don’t forget the little bookstores and vintage stores that line the streets.
If you have time, along with the aforementioned Botany Bay, make a stop at Broadstairs Beach. They are everywhere in this large area.
7.) Hastings Beach
Hastings Beach is just 90 minutes by train from central London and is one of the best beaches to visit near London.
While not as pebbly as Brighton, Hastings Beach has a mix of pebbles and sand along the coast and is well worth preparing for. This means that your feet can be sharp if you don’t pack flip-flops.
Don’t forget to explore St Leonards-on-Sea and Bulvahys Beach.
Not only that, the world’s largest underground park, a BMX skatepark, is also one of Hastings’ major attractions. In addition to this, you can also visit nature trails and Hastings Castle for group fun.
8.) Bournemouth Beach
About 100 minutes by train from central London, Bournemouth’s beaches are easily accessible on a day trip.
The 11-mile-long Bournemouth Beach is where you can cool off (if you catch my whim). It’s totally relaxing.
Here you have easy access to the hotels, gardens, small shops and fine restaurants that dot the coast. One thing to be aware of, however, is that on warmer days there may be more crowds.
Don’t forget that you can also easily visit the exclusive area of Sandbanks where the beach is located. Located just off Canford Cliffs Beach, it’s easy to visit.
If you’ve ever taken a road trip to get to Bournemouth, head to the totally quaint Corfe Castle that we love. It’s a small village steeped in history. It dates back over a thousand years.
Read more: How to get to Corfe Castle
9.) Mercy Island
Mercy Island is the place with some of the best oysters in the entirety. Even the Romans thought so! They used to harvest fresh shellfish from the coast here.
Today, the Romans may be gone, but the oyster harvest remains.
If that’s your thing, dine at company shed Where to buy the best shellfish. Perfect if you bring your own wine for his day at the beach.
10.) Ramsgate
For some, Ramsgate gets a bad rap when it comes to finding the best beaches to visit near London. still has many attractions.
After relaxing on the beach, visit other attractions such as Ramsgate Brewery and Music Hall.
Best of all, the beach is easily accessible from central London in about an hour and a half.
11.) Lee On Sea (Bell Wharf Beach)
About a 50-minute drive from London, Bell Wharf Beach is a relatively small area worth a visit if you’ve already visited Southend or Leigh-on-Sea.
The small sandy beach is quite popular during the summer months and can get a bit crowded on sunny days. This means that if you don’t like having a lot of people around, it’s probably best to find a wider beach (like Camber Sands).
Also, don’t forget to stop by. Osborne Brothers Cafe for their delicious (and fresh) seafood. Grab a pint of Winkle, Cockle, or Lobster. It’s all very good.
Read more: Best day trips from London
10 of the best day trips from London
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