10 Best Beaches near London

This pebbled shoreline is one of the most popular beach destinations in the UK. The chilly waters will send a shiver up your spine on all but the warmest days, but that shouldn't prevent you from having a quick, refreshing dip in the sea. Thrill-seekers can choose from an array of marine activities, such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. There’s also a free wading pool for children.

Brighton Beach is not just about the sea and sand. You can enjoy the rides at Palace Pier, a waterfront amusement park, or peruse the impressive selection of eateries nearby. You can catch a train from London Victoria or Blackfriars to Brighton Beach. The journey takes about an hour.

This long stretch of sandy beach sits under a line of cliffs and offers beautiful views of the Isle of Wight and Purbecks. Hop on a Victorian Cliff Lift that will take you up and down the cliffs, or you can choose to walk along the zigzag paths to access the beach.

Bournemouth Beach provides all kinds of facilities for beachgoers – you will be able to rent barbecue equipment, deck chairs, sun loungers and parasols. The beach is lined with waterfront restaurants and cafes, so food options are aplenty. It’s located about a 2-hour train ride from London.

Camber Sands boasts an 8-kilometre stretch of sandy beach and the only sand dune system in East Sussex. The breezy climate makes it perfect for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. The most popular section of the beach is near the mouth of the River Rother.

The area is also home to a plethora of flora and fauna, including marram grass, sea buckthorn, lizards and butterflies. After a day of seaside fun, pay a visit to the charming mediaeval town of Rye, known for its cobblestone paths and historic buildings. Camber Sands is about 2 hours from London.

Tankerton is a shingle beach recognisable by its colourful wooden beach huts and grassy promenade. A natural causeway protrudes from the beach at low tide – it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll to observe rock pools and marine life.

Spend the day swimming and sunbathing or enjoy a picnic on the grassy slopes. High Street, located nearby, is dotted with fish and chip eateries and souvenir shops. You can also enjoy a delectable meal and beverages at the Marine Hotel, which sits right on the beach.

Shallow waters and golden sandy beaches make West Wittering a hit with beachgoers. Sunbathe and paddle as you soak in the views – the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth are visible on fine days. This spot is also popular for water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Birdwatchers flock to West Wittering during migratory season to observe birds such as the dunlin and great white egret. If you have time to spare, pay a visit to the village proper which is dotted with old churches, traditional pubs and souvenir shops. From London Waterloo station, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Chichester where you need change to a bus. You'll reach West Wittering after about 20-minutes bus ride.

Visitors flock to Mersea Island for its delectable oysters and crabs, pastel-coloured beach huts and photogenic views. You won’t run out of things to do on the west side of the island, where you’ll find shops, restaurants and guesthouses. Spend the day kayaking, join a boat tour or go crabbing.

History buffs can drop by the Mersea Island Museum to learn more about the locale. The eastern part of the island is home to a nature reserve with swaths of untouched meadows, marshes and cliffs that contain ancient fossils. Mersea Island is about 2 hours from London by train and bus. You can catch a train from London Liverpool Street station and then change to a bus in Colchester.

Dungeness East is unlike any other beach – this stark coastal landscape is Britain’s one and only desert. Two towering lighthouses and a massive nuclear power station lend it an even more surreal quality. Several films and TV shows have been shot in this otherworldly spot.

Dungeness East may seem desolate at first glance, but it's actually home to an impressive variety of plants and animals. Its shingle ridges provide habitats for insects and spiders. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot grey seals or dolphins out in the waters. To get to Dungeness East from London, hop on a bus at London Stratford International bus station, and change in Folkstone. The journey takes about 3 hours.

Cuckmere Haven is a serene shingle and pebble beach that sits against the backdrop of white chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters. Historic coastguard cottages add to this spot’s idyllic charm. Thanks to its postcard-perfect view, Cuckmere Haven has been featured in big-name productions like Harry Potter and Robin Hood.

This beach is right by the mouth of the Cuckmere River, a popular angling spot that yields catches like pike, carp and eels. It’s possible to swim across the river as the waters are shallow. You can enjoy birdwatching and look out for fauna such as yellow-horned poppies and glasswort. You can reach Cuckmere Haven in less than 3 hours from London St Pancras station.

Main Sands boasts golden sandy beaches flanked by towering chalk cliffs. It is situated next to the only Royal Harbour in the UK. This spot is perfect for families as it features rides for kids, arcades, ice cream kiosks and fish and chip joints. Deck chairs, sun loungers and parasols are available for hire.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll to Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve to observe the dynamic salt marsh and sand dune landscape or walk along the cliffs to Broadstairs as you admire the seaside views. Main Sands is in close proximity to the town centre, where you will find plenty of eateries and shops. The train ride from London Victoria station to Main Sands takes about 2 hours.

Ruislip Lido is a pristine lake hemmed by sandy beaches and lush woodland. It offers plenty of opportunities for fun and recreation. Spend the day feeding ducks and geese, stroll along the tranquil nature trails or enjoy a picnic by the lake.

This spot is perfect for families with children as it has a pirate ship-themed playground and an on-site water park. Note that swimming in the lake is not permitted. Ruislip Lido is easily accessible from London via the Metropolitan line and Piccadilly line.