Best Beaches near London

If you’re after golden sand (yes, actual sand – not pebbles), Sunny Sands is your new BFF. Just hop on a train from London St Pancras to Folkestone Central, and in just over an hour you’ll be living your best beach day.

This one’s giving nostalgic seaside energy — colourful beach huts, classic arcades, and seagulls that will definitely try to rob you (protect your chips at all costs). It’s perfect for big group hangouts, sunbathing, or building sandcastles if you’re feeling quirky. 

There’s a little high street nearby if you forget your sunnies or fancy an iced coffee moment, and the beach is just a short walk from the station — no long treks in flip-flops here. Come for the sun (hopefully), stay for the aesthetic beach snaps and the classic British seaside chaos. 

Low-maintenance, high-vibes — Sunny Sands is a London escape without the stress. 

This one’s for the foodie girlies, the softbois, and anyone who thrives in coastal-but-aesthetic environments. Mermaid Beach is basically Sunny Sands’ cooler, more alternative sibling. It’s tucked just behind Folkestone’s Harbour Arm — which is, frankly, the main event.

Once you’ve had your beach fix, you’ve got a whole strip of restaurants, cocktail spots, and street food vendors right on your doorstep. Grab bao buns, wood-fired pizza, fish tacos, or a spicy margarita and find a seat by the sea. The views are elite and there’s often live music or DJ sets if you stay into the evening — basically, it's giving seaside festival minus the mud and tent drama. 

It’s also super chill if you're not big on swimming. Mermaid Beach is more about vibes, views, and bites. Bring a book, your film camera, and someone you can make Pinterest boards with.

There’s art and there’s culture, what more could you want? Trains from London King’s Cross or St Pancras get you to Folkestone Central in just under an hour, and it's a 10–15-minute scenic walk to the beach and harbour.  

Come for the mermaid vibes, stay for the fries. 

If London’s feeling a little too... London, West Wittering is the breath of fresh (sea) air you need. About 1.5 hours from the city, it’s the type of beach you visit and instantly feel like you’ve wandered into a scene from The Summer I Turned Pretty. Think white sand, blue skies (hopefully), and wide-open space that makes your brain go “aaah.” 

It’s a Blue Flag beach (which means it’s legit clean), perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just flopping on the sand with a good book and better snacks. There’s a car park if you're road-tripping, or you can train to Chichester and grab a short cab or bus. Heads up: it gets busy on warm weekends, so aim to arrive early or go midweek if you can. 

West Wittering is the full reset — no noisy arcades or greasy spoons, just nature, saltwater, and seagulls (the cute ones). It's great for couples, solo beach walks, or bestie beach days with a bit of class. Pack your cutest picnic, wear your best beach fit, and prepare to be the main character — Belly Conklin energy activated. 

A little extra effort, but 1000% worth it. West Wittering’s giving “rich aunt on holiday” energy — and honestly, that’s the vibe. 

First stop on your summer escape? Whitstable Beach, tucked away in the lovely county of Kent. This charming seaside town is a total vibe — think pebbled shores, pastel beach huts, and that salty sea breeze that instantly makes you feel like you’re on holiday (even if you’re just an hour from London ). That’s a win to us. If you’re more about being near the sea rather than diving straight in, Whitstable has you covered.  

Grab a pint at the Old Neptune (a pub literally on the beach – yes, really) and chill as the waves lap the shore. And for the ultimate seaside moment? Snag some fresh oysters (they’re famous here!) and catch the sunset – 10/10 main character energy. 

Now, for all the water babies and sun worshippers — this one’s for you too. Pack your swimsuit, slather on some SPF, and dive into that sea/sand life. Whether it's paddling in the shallows, sunbathing with your besties, or snapping cute pics for the 'gram, Whitstable brings big beach energy without the overcrowded chaos. 

Trust us — this is your sign to plan that coastal day trip. Whitstable’s calling.

Looking for a beach day that feels like a proper escape from London? Camber Sands is your spot. Just hop on a train from London St Pancras to Rye (around 1 hour 10 minutes), then take a quick 10-minute taxi or bus ride, and you’ll be swapping city streets for golden dunes in no time.

Unlike the pebble beaches closer to the capital, Camber offers a wide stretch of soft sand that feels made for long walks, sunbathing, or simply sprawling out with friends. The rolling dunes add a touch of adventure—climbing them is a mini workout, but the panoramic views at the top are totally worth it.

The water here is shallow and calm near the shore, which makes it ideal for a dip, even if you’re more of a casual swimmer. And if you’d rather stay dry, you can still be entertained watching the kite surfers and windsurfers showing off their moves.

Pack a picnic, maybe a frisbee or a book, and make a day of it. With its wide horizons and laid-back atmosphere, Camber Sands feels like a seaside holiday without ever leaving England.