The Traveller's Magazine
There’s nothing like a quick trip to the beach on a hot summer’s day. Luckily the coast is only a quick jump from London with incredible beaches only one hour away! Take a rental car or hop on the train, here are our favourite beaches that are close to London.
A short break to some of UK’s beaches is a great way to ease the holiday blues, and there’s plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from. The English coast is a great destination for a British holiday – so why not hire a cheap car rental and wizz to a beach close to you.
Walpole Bay – Margate
We love Margate! This Blue Flag beach has toilets, beach cafe and lifeguards and is just a quick jump away from the city. There’s also plenty more to do than just laze about on the beach. You can hire a jet ski, play crazy mini golf or visit the Turner Contemporary Gallery… in case it gets too hot (or it rains).
Distance from London: 1 hour 28 minutes from St Pancras International
Broadstairs – Kent
We’re completely spoiled for choice when heading out to Broadstairs to spend a day at the beach. Joss Bay is a golden treasure with soft yellow sand. There’s also a surf school here if you want to get out on the board. Botany Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in Britain, thanks to its chalk stacks and Viking Bay… well if it was good enough for Charles Dickens then it must be good enough for the rest of us.
Distance from London: 1 hour 22 minutes from St Pancras International
Bournemouth – Dorset
This bustling uni town has miles of beaches and a great vibe for dining and nightlife with fab restaurants and busy seaside pubs. Bournemouth is a cool mix of old Victorian resort, corporate offices and tourist holiday park but we think it’s all rather good. Plus, you can’t get much better than the Dorset coastline and the seven miles of sandy beaches!
Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes from Waterloo
Littlehampton Beach – West Sussex
Just under two hours away from London, Littlehampton Beach is a world away from the city. The nearby nature reserve and sand dunes are fun to explore, especially with kids in tow and once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are some great fish and chips shops around the beach. Love to fish? Bring along your tackle box and pole and have a go.
Distance from London: 1 hour 42 minutes from Victoria
Camber Sands – Sussex
Rye in Sussex is a great place to go for a day out of London. Five miles of beautiful beaches await, bordered by rolling sandy dunes and the best part it, this place never seems to get that crowded! If you want to have a go at kitesurfing, the Kitesurf Centre is a great place to start. Or, you can have a BBQ right on the beach (if you ask Rother Council for permission beforehand). Sounds like the perfect seaside trip!
Distance from London: 1 hour 12 minutes from St Pancras International (1 change)
