12 Best Beaches Near London — Easy Trips by Train or Car

Growing up just outside London, I’ve spent my life craving sun—because in the UK, sunny days are precious, and you learn to seize them however and wherever you can. When I moved into the capital at 21, I made it my personal mission to uncover the best beaches Londoners can actually reach. 

Whether you’re train-bound or behind the wheel, here’s your go-to list of 12 gorgeous beach escapes—each no more than about 90 minutes away (often much quicker when the trains run smoothly). I’ve tested every one of these, from pebbly piers to sandy dunes and hidden bays: think of it as your coast-hopping Swiss Army knife.

Brighton is the ultimate Londoner’s day trip—a classic pebble beach lined with colourful deckchairs, a lively pier, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Every time I head down, I start with the cliche-but-delicious fish and chips on the seafront before walking the length of the pier, dodging arcade games and kids with candy floss. 

The beach itself isn’t sandy, but on a sunny day it’s buzzing with energy, and the promenade is packed with independent cafés and bars for a late-afternoon drink. The best bit? You can be here in under 80 minutes on a direct train from Victoria, making it almost as easy as hopping on the Tube. 

It’s busy, sure, but that’s part of the charm—Brighton has that irrepressible seaside spirit that makes you feel like you’re on holiday the moment you step off the train.

Camber Sands is the polar opposite of Brighton: sprawling golden sand dunes, wide-open skies, and plenty of space to stretch out. I love coming here when I want a proper beach day without the pebbles. 

It’s a brilliant spot for picnics, kite-flying, or just lounging by the dunes with a book. The water stays shallow for ages, which makes it a favourite with families, but the sheer size of the beach means it never feels overcrowded. 

From London, it’s best reached by taking the train to Rye (about 1 hour 10 minutes from St Pancras) and then hopping on a short 20-minute bus ride straight to the sands. It does take a little longer than some other spots, but it’s so worth it for that proper sandy-beach feeling (something that’s a rarity this close to London).

West Wittering feels a little more exclusive than the other options, with its pretty pastel beach huts, sweeping stretches of sand, and shallow, Blue Flag-clean waters. It’s the sort of place you go when you want to spend the whole day at the beach, maybe even with a picnic spread or a paddleboard. 

I’ve always found it quieter than the Sussex or Kent hotspots, partly because it’s trickier by public transport. You can take the train to Chichester and then grab a bus, but honestly, it’s best by car—about 90 minutes’ drive from London if you set off early. 

It’s worth the journey though: West Wittering has a peaceful, almost Mediterranean feel in the height of summer. You’ll find sandy dunes, grassy picnic areas, and those picture-perfect huts lining the edge of the beach, a little slice of escapism without ever leaving the South of England.

Margate is the kind of place that’s had a glow-up in recent years, and I’ve loved watching it transform. The beach is a proper sandy stretch—perfect for paddling and sandcastle-building—but what really makes Margate special is the creative energy in town. 

You can spend the morning lounging on the sand, then wander into town for vintage shops, the Turner Contemporary gallery, or even Dreamland if you’re up for old-school fairground rides. It feels a little nostalgic and a little edgy at the same time. 

Getting here is a breeze: there are direct high-speed trains from St Pancras in just under 90 minutes. Margate is a solid choice if you want a beach day with more to it than just sea and sand—it’s seaside tradition with a side of hip cafés, craft beer, and art.

Broadstairs has always been one of my favourites, ever since I started coming here on family holidays as a kid. It’s got that postcard-pretty harbour and seven sandy bays to choose from, each with its own personality. 

Viking Bay is the main one, with a proper old-fashioned promenade and deckchairs, but I usually wander to Louisa Bay or Stone Bay when I want something quieter. There’s a timeless charm here—you’ll find pastel-coloured houses on the cliffs, little ice cream shops, and pubs that look like they haven’t changed in decades. 

Charles Dickens even holidayed here, and it still has that “storybook” feel. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by train from St Pancras, and everything’s within walking distance once you arrive. If Brighton is loud and lively, Broadstairs is its gentler, more nostalgic cousin.

If you’re after drama, Botany Bay delivers. The first time I came here, I couldn’t believe those chalk cliffs were just over an hour from London—they look like something you’d see on a Mediterranean postcard. 

The bay itself is tucked away, with golden sand and rock pools to explore at low tide. It’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to Margate or Broadstairs, and it always feels more secluded. I love packing a picnic and clambering down to set up by the cliffs, watching the tide roll in. 

It’s best reached by train to Margate (around 90 minutes), then a quick bus or taxi. The downside is that facilities are limited, but that’s part of the appeal—Botany Bay feels like an escape from the usual busy seaside vibe, with space to breathe and views that stop you in your tracks.

Whitstable isn’t your typical sandy beach day—it’s shingle, but it’s so full of character that I never mind. What makes Whitstable special is the food. This is the oyster capital of England, and sitting by the sea with a plate of fresh oysters and a glass of wine is one of life’s greatest pleasures. 

The town itself is ridiculously charming too: pastel-painted houses, independent boutiques, and art galleries everywhere you turn. The beach is long and pebbly, with those colourful beach huts that make it feel instantly Instagrammable. It’s not the best for swimming, but it’s perfect for a stroll, a paddle, or a sunset picnic. 

From St Pancras or Victoria, trains take about 80 minutes, and the beach is a short walk from the station. Whitstable is the beach you go to when you want a little sophistication with your sea air.

Leigh-on-Sea has that traditional British seaside feel, but with just enough polish to make it a fun day trip. It’s more mudflats than golden sand, but the charm is in its working fishing village vibe. 

I love grabbing fish and chips at one of the old cockle sheds, wandering the cobbled lanes of Old Leigh, and then sitting by the water with a cold drink. It’s not the place for lying out with a towel all day, but it’s brilliant for atmosphere, especially if you time your visit with low tide, when you can walk further out across the flats. 

The best part? It’s super easy to reach: direct trains from Fenchurch Street take just 45 minutes, and you’re right by the water in no time.

Southend gets a mixed reputation, but I think it’s underrated. Yes, it’s classic seaside kitsch—arcades, candyfloss, and the world’s longest pleasure pier—but that’s exactly why it’s fun. 

Southend actually has multiple beaches to choose from. Chalkwell and Westcliff are great for families, while Thorpe Bay is quieter and more grown-up. I’ve had some great summer afternoons here just swimming and people-watching with an ice cream in hand. It’s one of the quickest beaches from London: you can be there in under an hour from Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street. 

It’s also well set up for drivers, with loads of parking. If you’re looking for an easy, fuss-free day trip where you can dip in the sea, eat chips on the pier, and be back in London by evening, Southend delivers. 

If you want proper golden sand near London, West Wittering is the beach to beat. It’s a Blue Flag beauty, with wide open sands, clear water, and grassy dunes that make you forget you’re in England. 

I’ve spent whole days here just lying in the sun, splashing in the shallows, and walking for miles along the shoreline. The beach is privately owned, which means it’s immaculately clean and well looked after, though you do need to book parking in advance if you’re driving (and trust me, it fills up fast on hot weekends). 

Public transport is trickier, as the nearest station is Chichester and you’ll need a bus or taxi from there, so this is a drive-first destination. The journey’s worth it though—West Wittering feels like a little slice of Cornwall dropped within 90 minutes of London.

Not technically the seaside, but Frensham Great Pond is one of the best wild swimming spots near London. It’s a large freshwater lake with a sandy beach that looks almost Mediterranean on a hot day. 

I came here first on a whim and couldn’t believe it was just an hour outside the capital – the water’s calm, the setting is surrounded by heathland, and there’s a designated swimming area with lifeguards in summer. It’s a favourite for families, but also for anyone who wants that classic beach feel without trekking to the coast. 

Parking is available (and driving is usually the easiest option), but you can also take a train to Farnham and grab a taxi or cycle from there. It’s low-key, scenic, and feels worlds away from city life. 

This one’s a little secret: a 60-acre lake with a sandy beach…in London. Yep, Ruislip Lido is technically part of the capital, but it feels like you’ve left it far behind. There’s no swimming allowed in the lake, but the sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and paddling with kids. 

The lido is surrounded by woodland with walking trails, and there’s even a miniature railway that loops around the water (it’s nostalgic in the best way). I love it as a quick, easy option when you don’t want to leave the city but still want that beach-day vibe. 

It’s best reached on the Metropolitan line to Ruislip, then a bus or a 20-minute walk, though driving is simple too if you’re based in west London. It’s not the coast, but it’s a charming, fuss-free alternative.