ten-best-beaches-and-seaside-towns-near-london-to-visit

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We Londoners brave the weather during any season to be active outdoors and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches near London and the seaside towns near London with their attractions and coastal lifestyle. Here is the best beaches town near London.

While many think that a beach holiday can only be had in the Algarve or Balearics, it has become evident, especially since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, that South England has a variety of stunning seaside destinations near London to offer where you can find sandy and pebble beaches and great water sports activities, family fun and fresh fish and seafood.

One can even rent a whole privately owned island – Osea Island – so this wonderful part of the UK certainly has its charms for many.

Even during autumn and winter, the listed destinations are worth a visit to take your dog for a walk, have a fun day out hiking or, if you’re a dedicated water sports fanatic, go windsurfing or kitesurfing. For many remote workers or digital nomads that choose flexible co-living in London, the below destinations offer accommodation with great internet connectivity and cafes to work from for a change of scenery.

Go through our list of the best 10 beaches near London and pick a few that tickle your fancy or that offer what you’re looking for. You won’t be disappointed.

1. Bournemouth Beaches

Image source: https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/beaches

Bournemouth in Dorset tops off our list with not just one, but 11 golden miles of 5 incredible sandy beaches plus a beautiful city offering a wide spectrum of activities for any taste. Its five award-winning Blue Flag beaches – Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Manor Steps, and Southbourne are all worth a visit, and we, therefore, recommend spending a few days here.

You can find incredible hotels with swimming pools and spas here while you can also holiday in your camper van, caravan, or hire a beach hut. Known as the coast with the most only a 2-hour journey from London Waterloo, it is a MUST for any beach and seaside lover.

For things to do, places to visit and stay, and beach facilities and activities in Bournemouth check out the Bournemouth website or the Bournemouth Beach website.

2. Margate Beach

Image source: https://www.visitkent.co.uk/media/1982/margate-beach-with-people-3-header.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=75&width=1024&height=576&rnd=132242661650000000

If you’re after a sandy beach with a small and hip town then Margate in Kent should be your destination. You can reach its regenerated Old Town packed with hipster hangouts, calm cafes, and retro shops in one and a half hours from St. Pancras train station in London.

The retro feel extends to the miles of low chalk cliffs along a string of secluded, natural sandy bays. You can cycle or hike on the Viking Coastal Trail if you’re after physical activities or you can visit Dreamland if you’re looking for entertainment. This seaside amusement experience will not disappoint with historic rides, classic sideshows, and eateries plus festivals and events to enjoy.

To discover more of what Margate and surrounding areas have to offer visit the Thanet council website or the visit Kent website.

3. Camber Sands

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Image source: https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/things-to-do/camber-sands-p650791

This hidden gem in East Sussex is one of the few dune systems in South England near Rye and with its proximity to Hastings, it offers a wide variety of options when visiting.

You can reach this beach from St. Pancras train station in under 2 hours. If you love water sports, you can find a dedicated water sports zone here for kitesurfing and other water sports activities also with a dedicated car park.

Horse riding, jet ski hires and of course swimming are also offered on this beach plus traditional fish and chips, German sausages and drinks accompanied by a DJ in the late summer evenings.

For more information about Camber Sands visit the local Rother Council website or the visit South East England website.

4. Seagrove Beach

Image source: https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/things-to-do/seagrove-beach-p991711

You can find many islands in the UK and one very popular one is the Isle of Wight where a big summer festival happens every year that attracts thousands of music fans. If you’re more into tranquillity, then you should head to the northeast coast where Seagrove Bay sits between Seaview beach and Priory Bay.

What is unique about Seagrove Bay is that it has a large expanse of golden sands when the tide is out, making it the perfect location for beach activities such as fossil hunts and water sports. When the tide is high the beach disappears, but you can sit on the sea wall while you listen to the waves and enjoy the views.

The Isle of Wight is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth, Gosport, and Bournemouth, which are reachable in around 90 to 120 minutes from London Waterloo or Victoria Station. A bus heading into Nettlestone takes you near Seagrove Bay where you can walk down to the beach, or you can park your car in Seaview.

For more information on things to do here check out the Visit Isle of Wight website or the Visit Southeast England website.

5. Walton-on-the-Naze

Image source: https://www.visitessex.com/explore/coastal-destinations/walton-on-the-naze

If you’re a seaside town and pier lover, then Walton-on-the-Naze is perfect for you. Small yet full of arcades, rides, fish and chips, and ice-cream shops, it is great for a small-scale, affordable family day trip around one and a half hours outside of London from Liverpool Street Station.

And with the 2nd longest pier in Great Britain, you’ll be able to walk off those calories or go for a swim in the relatively calm and more shallow water here.

Because it is situated not far away from Clacton-on-Sea, you can plan several days here to explore different seaside towns and beaches. You can also find scenic walking trails here, get fishing or join one of the seal boat trips.

You can search for more information and activities on the Walton-on-the-Naze website or on the Visit Essex website.

6. Clacton-On-Sea

Image source: https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do/west-beach-clacton-on-sea-p1339641

If you want to take it up a notch then take a quick 20-minute drive from Walton-on-the-Naze to Clacton-on-Sea, which is the largest town on the Essex Coast with lovely sandy beaches. About an hour and a half away from London’s Liverpool Street Station it is another affordable seaside resort option, but with an array of entertainment facilities including a pleasure pier, arcades, a mini-golf course, seafront walks, and various water sports activities.

And if you love a good view then you can take a pleasure flight or get on the Ferris wheel. For shoppers, there are plenty of shopping outlets and independent stores available and for foodies, there are many restaurants even with sea views. Secret tip: if you love a good classic British roast then head to the Toby Carvery there, which is literally by the beach offering lovely views on the terrace.

This bustling town offers a full-on annual events program including fetes, fairs, carnivals, and the two-day annual Clacton Air show.

Do not miss out on anything going on here and check the Visit Essex website and the Clacton Pier website.

7. Osea Island

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Image source: https://www.coolstays.com/property/osea-island/19124

Osea Island is a privately owned island with a huge leisure park and you can see what it has to offer on this Osea Leisure Park map.

You can camp here and enjoy the facilities the park has to offer, which are great for families and children. The island is affected by the tide so make sure you check the tide times before you plan your activities.

Osea, the 400-acre private island in the Blackwater Estuary, is also a popular destination for celebrities and according to the Sun it has hosted stars like Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevingne and Olly Murs. With its easy reach from London in under 90 minutes from Liverpool Street station, it offers a nice getaway from the hustle and buzzle of London. It was purchased by music producer Nigel Frieda hence why many music artists like Labyrinth and The Weeknd head there to produce music in the two high-class recording studios. For such clientele it is not unusual to rent the whole island for £20,000 a day like Rihanna did in 2019 according to Wikipedia, but more affordable options are available too with rooms for under £250 per night.

Osea Island offers fun seaside activities such as boating and kayaking, or cycling and hiking around the island, but visitors have to have a booking arranged before they can enter the island. Their check in and check out times rely on the tidal times as the access is via the tidal causeway, unless you’re arriving by water taxi.

You could stop by in Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town on the way before you head to the island. Find more information about Osea Island on the Osea Island website.

8. Brighton Beach

Image source: https://viewbritain.com/england/brighton/

Brighton Beach is one of the closest beaches to London with just an hour on the train from London Bridge and Victoria station. Brighton Beach is known as “Little Odessa” and it is the biggest city beach outside the city of London.

Brighton is famous for its arches along the beachfront and by Brighton Palace Pier you’ll find wonderful galleries in the Artists’ Quarter where you can purchase independent art, furniture, or fashion. It is also a prime destination for party animals as its seafront clubs and bars offer some of the best club nights in the country.

To discover more about Brighton, visit the Visit Brighton website

9. Hastings Beach

Image source: https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/things-to-do/pelham-beach-p1446721

Hastings is renowned for its famous fishing port with the UK’s leading fishermen and fishmongers. But it has a lot more to offer than just good fish.

After a 90-minute journey from London Bridge or St.Pancras Station, you can find a unique cultural hub with lovely hipster shops and traditional fish and chips of course. Live music is everywhere here, even on the pier, and so are DJs serving beach tunes along with cocktails.

For water sports lovers it is equally perfect. Bring or hire a paddleboard or get on jet skis, it’s all possible here. Hence, the perfect combo of the seaside town and beach visit.

Head to the Hastings Online website to learn more about everything it has to offer.

10. Southend-On-Sea

Image source: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/southend/19369217.southend-picture-shows-packed-seafront-heatwave-hits/

If you want to get to the sea fast, then head to Southend from London’s Fenchurch Street station or Liverpool Street Station in just 50 minutes. You won’t be disappointed as you will find 7 miles of action-filled beaches with a huge arcade and an Adventure Island offering great rides for young and old and of course cotton candy, ice cream and fish and chips.

A must-visit is its longest pleasure pier in the world that stretches over 1.33 miles but don’t worry, you can take the pier train. Southenders love a firework and they host TEN weeks of displays from Saturday 2nd October – Saturday 4th December 2021.

Discover more events and attractions on the Visit Southend website.

Take a Breath of Fresh Sea Air outside of London in Under One Hour

If you ever need a break from stuffy, polluted, and overcrowded London, jump in your car or on the train and get to any of these wonderful seaside destinations in around an hour. Grab your paddleboard, your raincoat, or whatever else you need by the beach and enjoy a full-blown seaside day no matter the weather. On hot days you can cool yourself down with a dip in the sea or some locally made ice cream. On cold days you can put on your wellies and hike or embrace that fresh sea breeze with kitesurfing or sailing. Be creative with so many wonderful places in the UK to visit at your London doorstep.

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Manuela Willbold
Manuela WillboldOnline Media & PR Strategist
Blogger and Educator by Passion | Contributor to many Business Blogs in the United Kingdom | Fascinated to Write Blogs in News & Education I have completed a journalism summer course at the London School of Journalism and manage various blogs.

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