One great thing about London is that it gives you all the entertainment and glamour of a capital city, while also being close to a number of gorgeous beaches and coastland areas. Whether you’re a Londoner or just visiting the city, you can take advantage of a sunny day or warm week to head out for a relaxing seaside excursion without too much trouble.

In fact, some of the best beaches near London are just a couple of hours away, and very accessible by both car and train. Here is a listing of just a few beaches near London to thrill any holiday-goer, including families with kids or dogs.

Kent

Kent’s bountiful fruit and vegetable harvests have given it the name “the Garden of England.” But probably just as famous are its seaside sights, including the famous White Cliffs of Dover and its beautiful beaches, such as…

Botany Bay

If you’re looking to take dramatic photos during your time by the sea, you’ll want to head to Botany Bay, one of the best beaches near London. Not to be confused with the famous Australian bay, this beach is located near Broadstairs and Ramsgate.

In Kent’s Botany Bay, you can enjoy a sandy beach underfoot while marvelling at high chalk cliffs and stacks. You might even find a fossil or two! Plus, Botany Bay is a Blue Flag beach, meaning that it meets high standards for water quality.

Joss Bay

Do you love surfing – or are you ready to start learning? Then Joss Bay is the perfect beach for you. Boasting perfect waves for surfing and a surf school, this lovely beach near Botany Bay also has a Blue Flag for great water quality. If surf’s not your thing, you can simply enjoy the golden sands or try the golf course just nearby.

Sussex

Visitors love Sussex for destinations like its South Downs and its fantastic castles. East Sussex in particular is always a favourite choice for Londoners because of its proximity to the city.

Of course, Sussex also features great seaside spots, including chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters as well as great beaches like…

Brighton Beach

No list of the best beaches near London would be complete without the famous Brighton Beach. Of course, this pebble beach provides a pleasant place to walk by the water – but it also has so much more. Brighton Palace Pier and the stunning Royal Pavilion are just two of the many attractions to see in this bright and exciting tourist destination. In fact, there’s so much to do near Brighton Beach that you might need more than a day to fit it all in.

Camber Sands

East Sussex isn’t known for its sandy beaches – but Camber Sands is a big exception. It’s famed for its lovely sand dunes and for kitesurfing, too.  In fact, its picturesque appearance and broad stretches of beach have drawn numerous movie crews to film there, including the makers of award-winning biopic The Theory of Everything.

Hampshire

A little farther away than Sussex, Hampshire is still very accessible from London. Tourists here love to visit the New Forest and Winchester, among other historic destinations. By the sea, they might also be drawn to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

But there are some great beaches near London to enjoy there too, including …

Hayling Island

When you think of islands reachable from London, the Isle of Wight might come to mind first. Hayling Island is also a great option, though, and its shingle beaches are just the start of its appeal. Windsurfing, a sport that’s still widely practised on the Hayling Island coast today, originated here. For a more relaxing visit, simply take a walk along a scenic coastal path.

Lee-on-Solent Beach

Within sight of the Isle of Wight, Lee-on-Solent beach is a shingle beach that might be quieter than super-popular destinations like Brighton Beach – but it still has heaps of fun to offer. This might be a good spot for holiday-goers with children, as its promenade is suitable for prams and lots of cafes and shops are just nearby. You can visit the rather unique Hovercraft Museum, too!

Essex

So far, we’ve discussed the best beaches near London in counties to the south or southeast of the city. Of course, Essex to the east of the capital is also a fantastic spot to visit for seaside relaxation and fun. With over 350 miles of coastline, it leaves visitors almost spoiled for choice!

Clacton-on-Sea Beach

Clacton Beach is another destination that definitely offers enough entertainment for a whole day or even more. After enjoying its sandy beaches, tourists can look forward to seeing the well-known Clacton Pier and other traditional seaside fun, such as arcades. Moreover, it could take you as little as about an hour and a half to get to Clacton from London by train.

Frinton-on-Sea Beach

For a calmer day by the waves, try Frinton-on-Sea Beach, just a little way north of Clacton. This beach’s Blue Flag status speaks to its clean waters, and its soft sands are perfect for both adults who like to lie down by the waves and kids who want to play. You can also take a casual stroll along the promenade or bring your pup to the dog-friendly section of the beach.

Indulge yourself with kate & tom’s luxury houses by the coast

When you’re having so much fun by the water, who wants to rush back home?

With kate & tom’s, you don’t have to. In fact, you can bring a group of friends and family to make memories with you in a gorgeous luxury holiday house near the coast. Whether you’re going on a special hen do trip or a holiday with children and dogs, kate & tom’s has the perfect holiday home to make your stay truly special. Try looking for features like cinema rooms and hot tubs to elevate your seaside visit even further.

Got questions about which holiday cottage near London is right for you? We’d love to help. Just reach out to us at [email protected].