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Top 5 Beaches near London

Camber Sands at low tide – By Segaboyno2010 / Public domain

It’s the rare sunny day in England. The sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and the weekend is calling. Anyone fancy a trip to the beach?

Brighton beach 2 – By Jvhertum / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Although hot, summer days sometimes seem like few and far between in the perpetually-cloudy country of England, that doesn’t mean the Brits don’t have some great beaches to choose from. When you’re in the mood for a city break and want to feel the sand between your toes, head to the shore for a sweet escape.

Fortunately for the city dwellers and 9-5ers, London has some beautiful and easy-to-reach locations for you to find. Pack your beach bag, grab those flip-flops, don’t forget the sunscreen, and head to the coast for a weekend of relaxation.

1) Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands – By James Robert Buttenshaw / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

This popular resort in East Sussex, near to Kent, is a widely-loved holiday destination for families in the summer. On the Southern coast of England, Camber Sands borders the neighboring village of Camber, a charming respite from the bustling metropolis of London.

Camber Sands is a long stretch of golden and white sand. The beach contains one of the longest dune systems on the Southern coast, and the only found in this county. Many flock to this sandy spot, since many of the surrounding options are stone or pebbled – trust us, not as fun to walk on and feel between your toes. Coming in at 5 miles long, you can rest assured that you won’t be crowded while trying to catch some sun rays.

Some activities to enjoy at this great location is an endless choice of water-sports, from kite-surfing to sailing. The Kitesurf Center is one of the biggest educational learning centers for teaching this sport in the county, and the miles of flat beach lend the perfect environment for teachers and students alike.

Coming off of the beach after a long day in the water, Rye is a charming town in itself that deserves a full exploration. A 4-mile drive away from the beach, this town is situated at the top of the hill, providing birds-eye views above the Romney Marshes and the beautiful surrounding areas. Wandering down the cobble-stoned streets, you can pop in and out of the antique shops, homely cafes, and note the beautiful and historic architecture. Don’t miss the exquisite medieval church, giving a historical ambiance to the entire town.

If you’re lucky enough to explore Rye during certain times of the year, you can catch one of the famous events which are held here. The Rye Arts Festival takes place in September, a great time to catch the end-of-the-year heat and take advantage of the dimming crowds. The Rye Bonfire is in November, and ‘celebrates’ the weather getting cold again by providing a little warmth.

No matter what time of year you decide to explore Camber Sands and the surrounding villages, you won’t be dissapointed. Escaping the city life to come to a quaint, quiet, and beautiful village, after lying out in the sun on the sand all day – we can’t think of anything better right now.

2) Mersea Island, Essex

The Bert Prior sails out to sea – By MJ Reilly / The “Bert Prior” sails out to sea

Mersea is the UK’s most Easterly inhabited island, with a relatively small population of just under 7,000. The tranquil atmosphere, fishing community, and unbeatable views across the nearby estuary make this island a great choice for holidays, families, couples, and anyone looking for a little peace and beauty.

There are various beaches within Mersea Island itself, giving you plenty of options to ensure you’ll never be too crowded. The island is split between West Mersea, the main section with the jetty and the marina, and East Mersea, which contains open land and a county park for recreational activities. The South-facing beach looks over the Blackwater Estuary, giving great views while you lounge in the sun. Another section of beach spans from Coast Road in West Mersea to East Mersea Point, providing miles of unspoiled sand and access to the water.

The tidal water in the surrounding areas is safe for those who feel confident enough to take a dip, and the waters are open to water-sport enthusiasts looking to gain some speed. Mersea Island Watersports is accessible to everyone, and provides equipment for various activities like stand up paddle-boarding, wind-sailing, and jet-skiing.

After a day on the beach, we recommend trying some on-shore activities. Catch the Foot Ferry, running from East Mersea Point to Brightlingsea and St Osyth. Brightlingsea is a small, sea-side town, with historical buildings, a promenade for walking and exploring, and sandy beaches for more relaxation. St Osyth is a small village, that claims to be the driest place in the UK – head here to escape the ever-present rain clouds.

3) Whitstable Beach, Kent

Whitstable beach – By Steve Weaver / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

A picturesque and convenient town located near London, this Kent coastal spot has consistently attracted Londoners with its fresh seafood, pastel-colored stores, beach huts, and local arts scene. We have a few suggestions for making the most of your time while exploring this quaint town.

First up, try Blueprint on Oxford Street, combining the best of both worlds – coffee and books. Grab a strong espresso, read a bit of a book, and enjoy a slow morning before hitting the sands. You’ll be sipping on fresh coffee beans and milk from local Kent cows – we love eating local.

Now it’s time to head down to the pebble beach, and hop in the water, lay out (on the comfier parts of the pebbles), or sit and watch those water-sport athletes. If you’d rather stay dry, head in to The Old Neptune pub, with great views of the water, and great pints to go along with it.

To understand what this town is really famous for, you have to go try some of the oysters. Rock oysters here area available all-year-round for the seafood lovers, with other varieties coming in and out of season. The Lobster Shack is a great spot, with outdoor picnic tables, views of the water, and serving up Whitstable oysters while you watch the sunset. What an end to a perfect day.

4) Ruislip Lido, Hillingdon

Ruislip Lido beach – By Dudley Miles / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

This reservoir and artificial beach in Ruislip is an extremely popular spot among all Londoners – after all, you can reach here by taking the tube. Leave all of those sweaty men in suits on the tube, and ride the Metropolitan line all the way to the coast. Boasting a 60-acre lake and a 726-acre nature reserve, you can easily spend the entire day walking around, soaking in the rays, relaxing in the shade of one of the trees, and playing in the water.

Besides the beautiful nature you’ll be surrounded with, your children (or you) can enjoy one of the many climbing frames and play areas scattered around the area. There’s also a cafe for coffees and treats, and a mini steam train that circles around the lake.

Despite the beach being man-made, it doesn’t detract from any of the charm. You won’t find the waves like you’ll find from the ocean, but if you’re truly craving some water, some nature, and some sand, this is the best option for you.

5) Brighton Beach, Sussex

Brighton beach – By G-Man at English Wikipedia / Public domain

A beach that combines long stretches of coastline, great waves, a pier, and a bustling city – Brighton has it all. This seaside resort in East Sussex is in the city of Brighton and Hove, and is only 47 miles south of the country’s capital. Trains run all day from the major London stations to Brighton, and take less than 90 minutes from city to coast – take this from a girl who’s made this trip over 20 times.

Part of the fun of this beach is the close proximity to the Brighton Palace Pier – a long, wooden structure that juts forward into the sea, giving a great photography angle and an even better spot to watch the sunset. The Palace Pier almost seems as if you’re headed back in time, with arcade games, ice-cream vendors, and decor and an atmosphere like Coney Island used to be, combining charm with a funky and eclectic vibe.

While you’re on the beach itself, lay down on the smoothly-rounded pebbles and relax. You’ll see people playing frisbee, playing volleyball, paddle-boarding, or fishing off of one of the old, stone structures that juts out into the water. At any time of day, or any time of year, really, you’ll see fishermen with their gear at the end of the structure, waiting for a fish to bite. We love the determination.

If you’re in the mood to really get a great view, head to the British Airways i360 – the tallest moving observation tower in the world. Skyrocket 450 feet in to the air to catch a new perspective of this buzzing city and the surrounding areas.

Brighton lies between the South Downs and the English channel, providing interesting geological features on both sides of the city. You can walk from the center of the city to the Brighton Marina, an artificial marina with a working harbor, housing, shops, and some restaurants. The path will continue past the Marina, and you’ll find yourself immediately below the picturesque white cliffs. This Undercliff Walk can take you to the nearby towns, like Saltdean and Rottingdean, complete with seaside pubs, local shops, and great views back to Brighton.

After a full day of exploring and walking, head into the city of Brighton itself for some eclectic fun. Brighton is known for being unique, priding everyone on their individuality, and letting anything go – really. You’ll see some interesting characters as you wander around the city, but what’s most important is that everyone can feel free to be who they are. An open and inclusive community, Brighton is the place for anyone to feel at home.

The city has various vintage shops, independently-owned stores, numerous pubs, and buzzing bars that will keep you going no problem. Head to The Lion & Lobster for a pint and a great meal in an old tavern. Travel to The Mesmerist for some fancy cocktails – and arguably the best you’ve ever had – in a botanical and hipster setting. For a gastro-pub feel, head to the Black Lion for a casual, fun, and busy spot to meet some locals and start off your night.

No matter what you choose for your day or weekend in Brighton, you will be able to explore the beach, the surrounding beauty, the seaside attractions, and the electric city.

London can get crowded, too hot, too cold, too busy, or too monotonous. Cue the city break – we’re headed to the coast.

Brighton beach brighton pier – By Jvhertum / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Everyone needs a break from their regular life. We’ve all been there. Lucky for you Londoners, you have the choice of numerous beaches all within reach from your doorstep. Some beaches are more relaxed, and will be surrounded by only one or two sleepy villages. Other beaches are in the suburbs, and can be easily reached via tube or train from London. And some beaches are near to another city, for a exciting change of pace from the 9-5 routine of so many workers.

We are confident that one of these five options is just what you’re looking for. The beach is always known for relieving some stress, entertaining the kids, giving a respite from the pressures of work, and really spending some time outside and enjoying the beautiful part of the world you live in. So pack your suit, throw on some SPF 90 (we know you burn easily), and head to the shores – the sea is calling.