Daycation: The Best Beaches Near London

In recent years, global warming has redefined ‘British summer’. Now we expect sweltering weather with clear blue skies and muggy air. To ease the heat, there’s nothing better than going for a swim – especially with the cool sea breeze to accompany it. In London, we forget how close the coast actually is. Here are the best beaches near London to hop down to for a daycation or weekend escape.

MORE: Cool Off In London’s Very Best Outdoor Swim Spots

Best Beaches Near London

Whitstable, Kent

This seaside town on the north coast of Kent has a plethora of gorgeous beaches with equally gorgeous views. Try West Beach for a wander or Tankerton Beach for lovely beach huts and a paddle. When you need a break from the sea, it’s oyster time; the gloopy molluscs are fresh and plentiful here, collected just offshore everyday. Try The Lobster Shack right by the water for a menu of seafood, fish and chips, a huge outdoor area, and oysters galore.

Getting There: Direct trains to Whitstable run from Victoria and St Pancras.

Brighton, East Sussex

An obvious entry, but nevertheless effective. Though it’s a pebble beach and not sandy, Brighton beach is a lovely spot – and, of course, very close to London. Complete with the world famous pier and striped deck chairs galore, Brighton is a solid beach pick.

Getting There: Direct trains to Brighton run from London Bridge and Victoria.

Brighton (c) Getty

Eastbourne, East Sussex

As Robbie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) said in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008), Eastbourne’s the new Brighton. Another Victorian retreat with pebble beach and beautiful pier, Eastbourne is Brighton’s quieter cousin (with a buzzy annual tennis tournament), but no less charming.

Getting There: Take the train from London Bridge to Eastbourne, changing at East Croydon.

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

This, the second longest pier in England, is lined with classic rainbow beach huts – a dream, quintessentially British beach sight. Walk along the promenade or hop down to short beach for a paddle in the waters.

Getting There: Take the train from Liverpool Street to Colchester Town, changing at Colchester, and then the 105 bus to Kino Road.

Tankerton, Whitstable (c) Getty

Sunny Sands, Folkestone

With perfect sand for sand-castle building, Sunny Sands is a popular summer spot (although, dog owners, your pooch isn’t allowed on the beach between May and October). Soft sand and the possibility for rockpooling as well as nearby cafes, pubs, shops and – crucially – toilets make Sunny Sands an ideal beach daycation spot.

Getting There: Direct trains to Folkestone Central run from London Bridge.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Rolling dunes, crystal clear waters, and sandy beaches (uncommon in Sussex), Camber Sands is a beautiful spot, regularly voted as one of Britain’s best beaches.

Getting There: Take the train from St Pancras to Rye, changing at Ashford International.

Eastbourne Pier (c) Getty

Clacton Beach, Essex

For a classic British beach experience near London, Clacton Beach has it all: beach huts, a pier, arcade amusements, and plenty of sand to boot. 

Getting There: Take the Elizabeth Line to Stratford, then the train to Clacton-on-Sea.

Botany Bay, Broadstairs

No, not that one. The UK’s answer to Australia’s famous beach isn’t quite as hot – or indeed famous – but it is still a lovely swim spot (and makes for a good Instagram geo-tag if you’d like to confuse your friends). Explore rock pools, go fossil hunting, or simply cool off in the gentle ocean waves. 

Getting There: The closest train station to Botany Bay is Margate, with direct trains running from St Pancras.

Botany Bay (c) Getty

West Wittering Beach, East Sussex

With stunning views of Chichester Harbour, West Wittering Beach has impeccably clean waters. That, with the vast stretches of sandy beach, make this a top spot for swimming – though, since it is not as near London as other entries on this list, the journey will be slightly longer.

Getting There: Take the train from London Bridge to Chichester, changing at East Croydon, and then take the 52 bus to Old House At Home.

Minnis Bay, Margate

Watersports lovers, this one’s for you. Windsurfing and sailing sessions are available at Minnis Bay in Kent, as is the lovely sandy beach, prime for sunbathing, strolling, sandcastle building, ball games, or just a humble paddle. 

Getting There: Direct trains to Margate run from St Pancras.

Camber Sands (c) Getty

Goring Beach, West Sussex

Calm waters for paddle boarders, and a shingle beach for sunbathers – what more could you want?

Getting There: Take the train from London Bridge to Durrington-on-Sea, changing at East Croydon.

Joss Bay, Broadstairs

For those classic chalky-white cliffs, Joss Bay is the answer. The dramatic cliff backdrop is accompanied by a lovely, 200 metre stretch of yellow sand beach – as well as beach cafe, deck chair hire and plenty of parking facilities.

Getting There: Direct trains to Broadstairs run from St Pancras.

West Wittering (c) Getty

Ruislip Lido, West London

London’s very own beach, Ruislip Lido in West London has a little beach that gets jam-packed on sunny days. Note: ‘Lido’ is a bit of a misnomer – swimming is technically not allowed here. But it’s nice for a waterside spot without having to leave the big smoke.

Getting There: Take the Metropolitan Line to Northwood, then the 331 bus to Reservoir Road.

Frensham Beach, Surrey

Another lake beach, Frensham beach lines Frensham Pond near Farnham, a freshwater spot where swimming is allowed – and actually extremely popular. The sand is a lovely golden colour and there’s a sculpture park nearby, too.

Getting There: Take the train from Waterloo to Farnham, then the 19 bus to St Mary’s School.