As much as we love London, you can’t beat a day at the beach, especially on sunny days. Fortunately, there are lots of beautiful beaches near London that can be easily reached as a day trip by train.
So, grab your buckets and spades and get ready to feel the sand between your toes, eat fish and chips and go for a swim.
The following are the best beaches near London that can all be reached by train.
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The best beaches near London
Table of Contents
Don’t forget that London is home to lots of splash parks and outdoor pools if you want to cool off in the city!
West Wittering, West Sussex
First up is one of my favourite beaches near London, West Wittering. This long sandy beach near Chichester is perfect for families and regularly draws crowds who come for paddling in the shallow lagoons or riding the waves when the conditions are right.
The beach is particularly popular with windsurfers, kite-surfers and surfers. The beach holds a Blue Flag award, recognition of the beaches commitment to high environmental standards, water quality and safety.
West Wittering beach is lined with a row of brightly coloured beach huts available to hire. If you don’t have access to a beach hut then take your picnic to the grassy patch that sits behind them to avoid getting sand in your sandwiches.
West Wittering remains largely undeveloped but there are amenities including toilets, showers, parking and a cafe are available. During summer months lifeguards are on duty and deck chairs area available to hire. Surf lessons are also available.
The area is also a popular spot for twitchers so don’t forget your binoculars! Waders and wildfowl like to visit during the migratory season.
London to West Wittering by train: London Bridge or London Victoria train station, 2hrs
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Sandwiched between its noisy neighbour Brighton, and fun little sister Hastings, Eastbourne takes things at a much slower pace. The pebble beach stretches for four miles and it is possible to walk along most of it on a promenade.
Popular with an older crowd (it’s one of the best retirement locations in the UK), it’s also a favourite with young families. It’s a great day trip from London with clean beaches, traditional tea rooms and flower-lined streets.
You’ll also find fun activities including paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. Plus, if you keep walking west, a steep hill leads visitors up to the huge Beachy Head cliff and onto the Seven Sisters national park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Extending 305m from the shore, Eastbourne Pier is a lovely way to walk above the waves. In the day time, the Victorian Tea Rooms serves classic cream teas.
Trains travel directly to Eastbourne from London Victoria in about 90 minutes.
London to Eastbourne by train: Victoria train station, 90 minutes.
Dungeness, Kent
Dungeness is a shingle beach in Kent unique in the United Kingdom because it is one of the few places where the island is actually growing. Attesting to this fact is that there have been seven lighthouses here since the 17th century. As the land built up and the sea receded, each new lighthouse was built successively further out to sea to make it useful for navigation.
In addition to visiting a couple of the lighthouses and hanging out on the beach, cool things to do in Dungeness include riding the steam train and visiting the nature reserve.
The Dungeness Nature Reserve, run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, has hundreds of varieties of plants, birds and other wildlife. It is very popular with nature lovers and birdwatchers because it is a pitstop for many bird migrations providing both shingle beach and freshwater habitats. Fairly flat, the bird watching trail is an easy terrain for even young kids to walk.
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is also a lso a charming tourist attraction, a narrow-gauge railway with miniature trains perfect for children. The steam train runs from Hythe to Dungeness across the picturesque Romney Marsh. In Dungeness, the train station has a small cafe and an easy walk to the beach.
The Dungeness Nuclear Plant is the one thing that is not charming but sadly unmissable owing to its imposing size. It is technically two nuclear stations with one of the nuclear station still in operation.
London to Dungeness by train: St Pancras train station, 2hr 40min
Whitstable, Kent
Not only is Whitstable is one of the most popular beaches near London, it’s regularly ranked as one of the best beaches in the UK.
Located on the north coast of Kent, Whitstable is a long pebbly beach divided by groynes, wooden beams going into the sea to reduce drift and trap sediments. The wide shores offer space for everyone and the closer you walk towards the Neptune pub, the emptier the beach becomes.
It is easily accessible both by public transport and by car. If you are driving to Whitstable there is a large parking lot with reasonable fees just opposite the harbour.
Located on the north coast of Kent, Whitstable is a long pebbly beach divided by groynes, wooden beams going into the sea to reduce drift and trap sediments. The wide sandy shores offer space for everyone and the closer you walk towards the Neptune pub, the emptier the beach becomes.
Walking along the promenade parallel with the beach you will stumble upon the famous candy-coloured fishermen huts, some of which are available to hire for the day (or longer).
Whitstable beach is one of the best places in England for oysters and the best time to enjoy them is between autumn and spring. There are several ethical restaurants selling the native Whitstable oysters and you can buy them as a takeaway and enjoy them on the beach or sit down at one of the oyster bars in town.
London to Whitstable by train: St Pancras or Victoria train stations, 1hr 20min
Hastings, East Sussex
Historic Hastings is a large and vibrant seaside town located on the east Sussex coast and is just 90 minutes away by train from London.
Boasting a beautiful beach and a world-famous pier, Hastings is a classic coastal town. The beach is mostly made from sea smoothed pebbles but does have expanses of sand especially at low tide (you can check high tide and low tide times here).
The nearby old town has all the traditional trappings including a cobbled high street, narrow streets, independent shops, numerous inns and pubs, plus several delicious fish and chip shops.
There are many other things to do in Hastings including riding England’s steepest cliff funicular railway, which allows you to easily get to the top for stunning views looking down on the beach and sea, as well as nearby protected coastal parks.
You can also access the ruins of Hastings Castle which dates back to the 1070s and was built during the Norman Conquest of Britain.
The history of Hasting is most evident on the nearby coastal area known as the Stade, Europe’s oldest fishing beach. The Stade consists of colourful fishing posts, old fishing huts and seafood stalls selling fish that have come out of the sea earlier. This place is often used as a filming location for TV and films, especially period dramas.
London to Hastings by train: St Pancras, London Bridge or Victoria from 1hr 25min
Brighton, East Sussex
Not only is Brighton Beach one of the most popular beaches near London, it’s also the closest beach to the capital. Known for its vibrant pier and fairgrounds scenes, Brighton Beach offers both spectacular views and a plethora of recreational activities.
The Victorian styled seaside pier on Brighton Beach is lined up with carnival style food stalls, cocktail bars and gaming arcades. Take a stroll around the seaside promenade and pick up some fish and chips or ice cream.
Kayaking and surfing are available, and you can even go zip lining over the Brighton Beach. The beach is also home to the world’s tallest moving observation tower, the Brighton i360. Just walk into the observation deck and it will whizz you up to the highest limit of the tower. Quirky Brighton Pavilion, the Grade I listed former royal residence, is also well worth a visit.
The pebbled beach can be painful on little feet so it’s worth bringing aqua shoes for kids. A beach blanket is also a good idea or you can hire deckchairs once you are there.
London to Brighton by train: London Bridge or Victoria 1hr
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
One of the best beaches near London has to be Southend-on-Sea. This is one of those classic seaside towns promising a fairground, retro arcade games, candy floss, fish and chips, and plenty of wholesome fun for all ages.
If you tire of the games and want something calmer, walk along the pier, famous for being the longest pleasure pier in the world. Built in 1830, it stretches for 1.34 miles from the shore and is a good way for kids to work up an appetite. Strategically placed benches allow for rests with a view. There are also distance markers showing how far you’ve come and how far there is to go, so you can keep track.
Southend-on-Sea is on the Thames estuary, so at the right moment of the tide coming in or out, when the water is just covering the banks, the smooth water reflects the sky like a mirror.
London to Southend-on-Sea by train: London Liverpool St or Fenchurch St 1hr
Camber Sands, East Sussex
One of the best beaches near London by train is Camber Sands in East Sussex on the South Coast of England. It’s not the most straightforward of routes but the journey – and the golden sands – make the journey well worth the effort.
Trains leave regularly from London St Pancras to Ashford where you need to change for a train to Rye. From Rye there are local buses departing for Camber Sands.
What makes this beach so special is the fine golden sand which you don’t normally find on the Sussex Coast (you’ll find pebbles instead). Best of all you have plenty of space to enjoy the beach as it stretches out 5 miles.
It is also a great beach for families with little children because when the tide is out there are large puddles of water for little ones to splash in.
This beach is also home to sand dunes which adds to its uniqueness and wilderness. You can either enjoy a nice picnic amongst the grassy dunes or if you feel like a family friendly pub then try the Ship Inn; they have a variety of delicious options.
London to Camber Sands by train: London St. Pancras to Ashford, Ashford to Rye 1hr 43min
Margate, Kent
Many of the beaches on England’s south coast are disappointingly pebbly but if it’s soft sands you’re after, look no further than Margate.
Located on the north part of the Kent coast, Margate fully deserves its reputation as one of the UK’s most up-and-coming seaside towns. Until recently a rather deprived and run-down community, Margate is going through a revival, and now boasts pretty streets full of pastel-painted houses, cafés serving delicious pastries, quirky shops and a thriving vintage fashion scene.
Enjoy cocktails and seafood at the Buoy and Oyster or, if you prefer something simpler, just grab a fresh hot takeaway fish’n’chips from Peter’s Fish Factory and eat it on the steps overlooking the sea.
Margate is just one and a half hours by train or about two hours by car from London, and about 30 minutes from the cathedral city of Canterbury. It’s the perfect place for a day trip but if you want to stay longer then take a look at the Old Green Parlour.
London to Margate by train: London St. Pancras 1hr 30min
Botany Bay, Kent
Located on the Kentish coast, Botany Bay is the most northern of seven bays in Broadstairs and enjoys an unspoilt sandy bay famous for its white chalk stacks and low cliffs. The award-winning bay is also a favourite for water sport fans; its clear blue waters are perfect for sea kayaking and surfing.
This is not the place to come if you’re after noisy penny slot machines or sticks of rock, but it is the perfect escape to enjoy nature. It’s particularly good for families with safe bathing and seasonal lifeguards.
There is plenty to explore from mysterious hidden caves to wonderful rock pools. The bay has no official facilities, but there is a hotel with a restaurant and small café on the beach – picnics are highly recommended.
Trains run regularly from St Pancras International to Broadstairs in around 1hr 15 minutes.
Joss Bay, Kent
Also in Broadstairs is Joss Bay, a sandy stretch backed by dramatic chalk cliffs. During peak summer months you can hire deckchairs and there are public toilets but otherwise it’s best if you bring everything you need to keep everyone happy for the day.
This is another Blue Flag beach and gets busy during the summer and weekends so it’s a good idea to arrive in the morning if you want to nab a good spot. Don’t miss The Captain Digby, while you’re here. Perched a short walk along the clifftop, the pub and restaurant is a great place for a late lunch or early dinner. Alternatively, grab a drink and enjoy the sweeping views of the English Channel.
London to Broadstairs Station by train: London St. Pancras 1hr 15min
Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Seven Sisters is a beautiful stretch of coastline in East Sussex between Seaford and Eastbourne. It is named for its seven imposing white cliffs and is one of the most photographed beaches in the UK. If you love hiking and nature, this is the place for you.
The most notable stops include South Hill Barn, Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Seaford Head, Birling Gap, South Downs Way, and Cuckmere Valley. You will find the most famous view of the white chalk cliffs at Seaford Head. The Seven Sisters cliffs beach is where you can relax after a scenic hike and lunch at The View restaurant.
The best time to visit is in spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. Seven Sisters is located one and a half hours from London, which makes it the perfect beach getaway.
London to Seven Sisters by train: London Victoria to Eastbourne 1hr 30min, from here it’s an 8 mile walk. Or train to Brighton and then the 12X bus.
Viking Bay, Kent
Located in the cute seaside town of Broadstairs, sandy Viking Bay makes a great day trip from London. Take the train from St Pancras International to Ramsgate and then change to a train to Broadstairs. The whole journey should take about 1hr 35minutes. The beach is only a 10-minute-walk from the station.
Take the train from St Pancras International to Ramsgate and then change to a train to Broadstairs. The whole journey should take about 1hr 35minutes. The beach is only a 10-minute-walk from the station.
You can even bring the bikes on the train and cycle the Viking Coastal Trail, which is a 32 mile (51.4km) circular route on the Isle of Thanet. The Harbour also has a car park if you prefer to drive.
Viking Bay is a fantastic place for families, couples and individuals. You can truly experience the British seaside at its finest. Watersport lovers can hire surfboards from Kent Surf School. They also provide lessons, if you are keen to learn.
The promenade is full of cafes and restaurants. No trip to the beach would be complete without some fish and chips and ice cream!
There are lots of things to do for families as well if building sandcastles, flying a kite and swimming isn’t enough entertainment. There’s minigolf, bouncy castle and many different rides. A big bonus is that there are public toilets available as well. For peace of mind, there are coastguards watching in peak season.
London to Viking Bay by train: London St. Pancras 1hr 35min.
Littlehampton Beach, Sussex
Littlehampton in the West Sussex is home to two award winning beaches, East Beach and West Beach, with a buzzing promenade and picnic areas. This, combined with proximity to London is what makes Littlehampton a great beach destination and day trip for family travellers.
Littlehampton town itself is a charming seaside town that sits at the mouth of River Arun. There are amusements and rides at Harbour Park, which is located on the east side of the beach. A toy train ride is also available at the promenade. The beach has toilet facilities, and cafes too.
The beach is also home to the longest bench in the UK and runs from the seafront kiosks to the East Beach café.
London to Littlehampton by train: London Victoria 1hr 45mins. From the station it is a short walk to the beach.
Bournemouth, Dorset
The coastal city of Bournemouth, in Dorset, is an excellent beach near London. With a two-hour direct train from London Waterloo, you can spend a lovely day here relaxing on the sunny sands.
If you’re looking for activities, Bournemouth will not disappoint and there’s plenty to do both by the sea and in the city. The Bournemouth promenade is a great place to wander or cycle along, stretching 10 miles from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head where, on a clear day, you can catch views of the Isle of Wight.
The iconic Bournemouth Pier is jammed packed with traditional British seaside attractions including an amusement arcade, souvenir stores and fish and chips shops. For something a little more thrilling, try the Bournemouth zip wire which runs from pier to the beach, flying 25m above the sea.
Other fun things to do in Bournemouth include mini-golfing at the city’s Lower Park situated right by the beach, a balloon ride from the same park and a visit to the Bournemouth Oceanarium.
London to Bournemouth by train: London Waterloo to Bournemouth in 1hr 45mins.
Minnis Bay, Kent
One of the best beaches near London is Minnis Bay. This is a beautiful beach with a long stretch of sand that you can easily reach for a day trip – just make sure to check the tide times as at high tide only a small sliver of sand remains.
Lifeguards are on duty over the summer holidays (and on weekends and bank holidays between late May and mid-July, before the schools break up). In addition to a dedicated picnic area, seasonal toilets and a beach shower, there are beach huts for hire and a playground.
The nearby Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie is a great spot for lunch and views.
From London, trains run to Birchington-on-Sea and from there you can take a bus to Minnis Bay. The journey takes about 2 hours.
London to Minnis Bay by train: London St Pancras to Birchington followed by the bus, 1hr 45min – 2hrs.
The best beaches near London by train – What you need to know
What are the main train stations in London?
The following are the main train stations in London; almost all stations have left luggage facilities.
Euston
This is station in covers the West Coast Mainline route that runs up the west cost of England.
As with all London stations listed here, London Euston is a mainline train station and a Tube station. Euston is on the Northern and Victoria Lines.
Principal train companies that run from this station include Avanti West Coast and West Midlands trains.
St Pancras & St Pancras International
St Pancras in London’s Kings Cross covers central and northern England and into Scotland. Trains also depart from St Pancras to the south-east of England, including Brighton.
Principal train companies that run from this station include East Midlands Railway, South Eastern and Thameslink.
St Pancras and King’s Cross are separate national railway stations. Together, they also share the same Tube station, King’s Cross.
London King’s Cross
Trains from London King’s Cross run along the entire eastern side of England and into Scotland.
Principal train companies that run from this station include London North Eastern Railway and Great Northern.
Liverpool Street
Trains from Liverpool Street serve the east of England.
Principal train companies that run from this station include Greater Anglia.
Charing Cross
Located near Covent Garden in central London, Charing Cross trains serve the southeast of London including Kent and East Sussex.
Principal train companies that run from this station include South Eastern trains.
Waterloo
London’s largest and busiest station serves areas south and south-west of London.
Principal train companies that run from this station include South Western Railway.
Victoria
Victoria train station serves south-east and southern England with destinations including Brighton.
Principal train companies that run from this station include South Eastern, Southern and the Gatwick Express Service.
Paddington
London’s Paddington Station serves destinations to the west and southwest of the country including Devon and Cornwall.
Principal train companies that run from this station include First Great Western and the Heathrow Express.
Marylebone
Trains from Marylebone run to destinations west of London including Oxford and Aylesbury.
Principal train companies that run from this station include Chiltern Railways.
How to buy train tickets
There are various places that you can buy train tickets for your beach trip from London. One option is to buy them at the station on the day but you will invariably get a better deal if you buy tickets in advance. Specially priced Advance Tickets are usually available to buy up to 6 weeks or more in advance. The following websites are helpful or buy directly from the rail company.
