Best beaches near London: Easy seaside day trips by train

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 tube on the Tube: these are some of the best beaches near London that you should soak up on a day trip by train.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Brighton Beach, Brighton, England

Brighton Beach

Britain’s best beachside town

London Blackfriars to Brighton: 58m

Ask a Londoner which beach in Britain is the best and many will say it’s Brighton Beach. The actual beach is rocky, and the waves can get rough; but Brighton Beach is the best for those who want to enjoy being by the beach. Loads of shops, restaurants, pubs, and attractions like the Brighton Palace Pier will keep you so busy — you won’t feel guilty about spending only moments hanging out on the beach.

Camber Sands

Best for: riding the wind and waves

London St Pancras to Rye (Sussex): 1h 6m

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.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Barry Davis/robertharding. Image Location: Hastings, England

Hastings

Best for: fish and chips by the sea

London St Pancras to Hastings: 1h 23m

As the town with one of Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleets, Hastings seemingly has a seafood shack for every spot on its many beaches. Most beaches 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.

Whitstable

Best for: oysters

London Victoria to Whitstable: 1h 16m

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. The calm waters of Tankerton Beach fade away during low tide, leaving a half-mile shingle split behind — called “The Street” — that you can walk out on.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Lefthome. Image Location: White Cliffs of Dover, Dover, England

Dover

Best for: relaxing after walking the White Cliffs

London St Pancras to Dover Priory: 1h 6m

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.

Southend-on-Sea

Best for: fun

London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central: 51m

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. If you need to reel in more fun, head west to Leigh-on-Sea: a small fishing village where there’s no shortage of fishmongers ready to point your rod in the right direction for a good catch.

Image Credit: Getty Images, ©Daniela White Images. Image Location: Botany Bay Beach, Margate, England

Margate

Best for: vintage charm

London Victoria to Margate: 1h 26m

Margate’s undergoing a renaissance of sorts — so go ahead and explore one of the many boutique shops before hopping on Dreamland’s vintage amusement park rides. Galleries, gastropubs, and good times are along these sandy shores.

Birchington

Best for: cycling the coast

London Victoria to Birchington-On-Sea: 1h 31m

Minnis Bay shines in the summertime, its Blue Flag beach bringing in the crowds. Whether you’ve left your trunks back home or wish to stay dry, consider cycling the Viking Coastal Trail. Covering about 32 miles of the Isle of Thanet, you’ll either leave Birchington to roll into the marshland near Herne Bay or to the chalk stacks of Botany Bay.

Image Credit: Getty Images, CBCK-Christine. Image Location: Ramsgate Beach, Ramsgate, England

Ramsgate

Best for: unexpected natural splendor

London St Pancras to Ramsgate: 1h 14m

So, you’ve packed your bags for a weekend in Ramsgate just like Georgina and Wickham did in BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (1995) — but quickly realized that they actually filmed “Ramsgate” in Weston-super-Mare. No worries, head one train station west and spend time in serene Pegwell Bay. Explore the sea cliffs hand-in-hand with your beau, joined by the many other love birds (which are mostly normal birds).

Folkestone

Best for: building sandcastles

London Charing Cross to Folkestone Central: from 55m

Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone is one of the closest sandy beaches to London. And if the name wasn’t a giveaway, it’s a perfect place for building sandcastles. Visit during July and you may see the pros turning these grains of sand into grand sculptures during the annual sandcastle competition.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pucci. Image Location: Broadstairs, England

Broadstairs

Best for: bayside bliss

London St Pancras to Broadstairs: 2h 6m

Broadstairs is your bae when it comes to Kent beaches near London. Make like a seagull and flock to Viking Bay, Botany Bay, and Joss Bay. Viking Bay was a favorite of Charles Dickens, a fitting place to read A Tale of Two Cities (especially if you’re taking the Eurostar from London to Paris). Learn to surf at Joss Bay or stay dry and admire chalk stack views from the Botany Bay Beach walking trail.

West Wittering

Best for: curtailed crowds

London Victoria to Chichester: 1h 42m

Soft sand and Blue Flag status? West Wittering is a treat, especially with its views of Chichester Harbour. You need to plan ahead to secure your spot in the sand here; parking is limited and only a daily limit of beachgoers are permitted. Pre-booking is recommended, and if you can’t snag a spot, East Wittering Beach has a welcoming community with a spot for you on their sand.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Aiselin82. Image Location: Seven Sisters, Seaford, England

Seaford

Best for: the dog days of summer

London Victoria to Seaford: 1h 24m

Take your pup from the platforms of London’s train stations to the pebbly beaches of East Sussex. Seaford is your stop; dogs are allowed on all parts of the beach, except the sands between the Martello Tower and Salts recreation field. We recommend heading west to the river at Cuckmere Haven where you can see views of the Seven Sisters.

Bournemouth Beach

Best for: landlubber families

London Waterloo to Bournemouth: 1h 44m

If you’re a little hesitant about taking the little ones to a British beach, let Bournemouth set your anxieties at ease. Bournemouth Beach is ranked one of the most child-friendly beaches in England, thanks in part to its lifeguard towers and KidZone. This summer season program gives kiddos a wristband with their parent’s phone number so you won’t have to worry about them getting lost on the busy beachline.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Mieneke Andeweg-van Rijn. Image Location: Mersea Island, England

Mersea Island

Best for: setting your watch to island time

London Liverpool Street to Wivenhoe: 1h 11m

Mersea Island does its best to distance itself from the crowds. You’ll need a cab from Wivenhoe to this small fishing town, but once you get there, plan to stay awhile. High tide often washes over the roadway, effectively closing the island off to anyone coming or going. Getting “trapped” on this Essex island is a perfect excuse to rent a colorful beach hut and spend the night.

Feel like skipping the city altogether and heading straight to the coast? Go from Heathrow Airport through London to the beach with ease. Buy your beach tickets today on the Trainline app.

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, CBCK-Christine. Image Location: Botany Bay Beach, Margate, England

Seaside towns and beaches near London by train: explore the best beach day trips