What do you mean you didn’t pack a swimsuit for your trip to London?!
We don’t recommend belly-flopping into the Thames but Londoners do have access to swimming holes beyond a backyard inflatable pool. Our little corner of this rock called the United Kingdom grants amazing proximity to some of Britain’s best beaches that will knock your Crocs off.
So, grab your favorite floaties and wear your inner tube on the Tube: these are some of the best beaches near London that you should soak up on a day trip by train.
What is the closest beach to London: Brighton
Long before NYC started filling summers with Brighton Beach memories, England’s pebbly seaside resort was the OG BB. Brighton is only 50 miles from London’s center, making it one of the closest beaches to the capital. Other stretches of sand may be a few miles closer, but Brighton’s long standing reputation and city-break vibes make it a top UK beach destination.
How to get to Brighton from London
Getting from London to Brighton by train is as calm as a summer breeze. Scoop up a cheap train ticket from London Victoria, London Blackfriars or London Bridge Station and you’ll be at Brighton Railway Station in about an hour. Then, a mile is all that stands between you and the sea.
What is the beach like in Brighton?
Don’t let a rocky shoreline deter you from a visit. Though Brighton Beach may be pebbly, it’s also pollution-free. It’s a certified Blue Flag beach, which means the sand and surf are regularly maintained for safety, cleanliness and environmental awareness.
What to do in Brighton Beach UK?
Have yourself a classic summer vacay in Brighton Beach. When you’re not splashing, grab a pint on the centuries-old Brighton Palace Pier or rent a bicycle and explore the coastal cycle path.
Popular Beaches Near London
Beaches Near London for Beach Bums: Camber Sands & Hastings
London to Camber Sands: 1 hour (via Rye Sussex)
The wind whipping around Camber Sands welcomes those who live in a pair of boardshorts. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, landboarding, and surfing are all on the menu; trust that the sand dunes and consistent waves won’t disappoint.
London to Hastings: 90 mins
Hastings has a number of beaches; most are less for the thrill-seeker and more for the sea bather. Hastings Beach is the closest to the train station where a deck chair is ready to rent. Pelham Beach is family-friendly and if you make the trek, you can claim a colorful hut on Bulverhythe Beach.
Beaches Within Two Hours of London for Couples: Whitstable & Dover
London to Whitstable: 1 hour 20 mins
Treat yourselves to a first-class coach ticket then gorge on fantastic oysters in Whitstable. Charter a sailboat, sip beachfront beers, and cuddle up for a romantic sunset that’ll make you thankful that you’re only 90 minutes away from slipping a Do Not Disturb sign on your London hotel room’s door.
London to Dover: 1 hour 12 minutes
You’re already going to check out the White Cliffs of Dover at some point; why not work on your tan while you’re there? Dover Beach is small, pebbly, and oh so picturesque. It’s mere steps from the White Cliffs, so the itinerary for this day trip writes itself.
Best Beaches Near London by Train for Fun: Southend-on-Sea & Margate
London to Southend East: 1 hour
Eat your heart out, Coney Island. Adventure Island alone is worth the trip to Southend-on-Sea, housing some of the best amusement rides in Britain. The Sealife Adventure Aquarium is an equally alluring attraction. Add in playful gaming at Happidrome Arcade and perhaps a bit of gambling at Genting Casino, and you may forget to even visit the beach itself.
London to Margate: 90 mins
Margate’s undergoing a renaissance of sorts where boutique shops sling old school threads perfect for wearing on Dreamland’s vintage amusement park rides. Galleries, gastropubs, and good times are along these sandy shores.
Feel like skipping the city altogether and heading straight to the coast? Go from Heathrow Airport to London to the beach with ease. Buy your beach tickets today on the Trainline app.