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Do you spend your day-to-day in London’s concrete jungle and want to see some of the coast on your holiday? There are plenty of beaches near London ready and waiting for you to sunbathe for hours, sip ice-cold cocktails and watch the waves ride in and out. Sit back, relax and you might almost be able to smell the sea air…
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is one of those typical British seaside resorts. It’s full of nostalgic 90’s arcades and a pier brimming with luminous pink candy floss, salty fish and chips and miniature roller-coaster rides. The beach stretches out for miles and is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic away from the city.
Whether you want to paddle in the shallow waters or play some crazy golf, there’s something for everyone at Southend.
Camber Sands
It’s name says it all; there’s sand. Sand everywhere. Feel the golden specks between your toes as you walk across Camber Sands beach with an ice-cream (or two, depending on the heat…). If you want to try something a little different, there’s plenty of beach activities to get involved in including kitesurfing and beachcombing.
Brighton
When you ask most people what their favourite beach is near London, the majority will undoubtedly say Brighton. This may come as a surprise because it is, brace yourself, without sand. Yes, that’s right, it’s a pebble-only beach and one you will find hard walking on in those trusty old flip-flops. So why is Brighton such a hot-spot for Londoners and tourists alike?
Well firstly, you have everything that a great UK seaside needs. An adventurous pier full of modern-day arcades, souvenir shops, fish and chip restaurants and an outdoor fun fair. Then you have the i360 taking you into the Brighton skies, the bustling town centre full of independent boutiques and quaint eateries and a whole host of fun to be had including trampolining on the beachfront. Got your rail tickets yet?
Hastings
Hastings, a name you must have heard of when learning about that very famous 1066 battle. This south-east town offers another typically British beach experience but this time on a larger scale.
Only a few hours from London, Hastings has the Pandora’s box of seaside treats and you’ll get to enjoy them all if you spend a day there. Think gorgeous beach, thriving pier, arcades, face-painting, a high-street full of your favourite brands and delicious restaurants serving hearty British food. What more could you want?
Margate
Once one of the UK’s top destinations for holiday-makers, Margate has gone off the radar of late.
With the refurbished Dreamland theme park 5 minutes walk away from the huge sandy beach, Margate is the place to go for a fun-loving summer’s day out. Ice-cream vans line the promenade and many fish and chip restaurants surround the area, tempting you as you laze on the beach with wafts of warm-battered cod and mushy peas. Mmmmm.
Whitstable
One of the more beautiful and idyllic locations, Whitstable beach makes for a lovely day trip from London. It has the whole package and the pebbly beach is not necessarily the main selling point.
There are an array of gorgeous little bookshops lining the twirling streets and handmade jewellery boutiques hidden in the corners. Visit the many delicious bakeries oozing the fresh smells of homemade bread and creamy chocolate eclairs. And across from the beach, there are wonderful little cafés, restaurants and British pubs waiting to quench your thirst after a splash in the sea.
As if that wasn’t enough to get you in the car, Whitstable beach is much quieter than many other UK beaches (and trust me, I’ve been to quite a few). Utter bliss.
Dymchurch Beach
This beach is rarely spoken of, even though it boasts a tremendous beach full of sand and exquisite sea views. If you’re looking for a destination that doesn’t require all the thrills to make it a great place to spend the afternoon then this is the one for you.
It does exactly as you ask and offers a quiet, peaceful beach that stretches far enough for you not to bump into hundreds of people when you lay down a blanket. Half-way between Kent’s famous city of Canterbury and Margate, Dymchurch beach is conveniently located and easily accessible by car or coach.
So, there you have it. The 7 best beaches near London. Take a trip and tag us in your adventure @goldentoursuk!
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