We don’t usually associate beaches near London with some of thebest beaches in the UK – but they can be found if you know where to look. There’s a surprising number of places for a day at the seaside within easy reach of the capital, whether you want a secluded dip, a bracing stroll or even some sunbathing (when the British weather allows). From the wild, shingled shores of Dungeness to remote sandy stretches and the very best seaside-town beaches complete with ice cream and pier walks, here are the best beaches near London that you can reach in less than two hours by car – although many of these are just as easy to get to by train. And since not all beaches are found on the coast, we’ve included some of our favourite wild swimming spots: idyllic inland beaches where all that’s missing is the sea.
We recommend always travelling responsibly – being mindful of the fragility of the beautiful local environment you are visiting. You can also check water pollution levels in real-time using theSafer Seas & Rivers Service (SSRS) map from Surfers Against Sewage.
What is the closest sandy beach to London?
It depends on where you are driving from in London, but one of the closest sandy beaches to the capital isn’t by the sea at all: it’s at Frensham Great Pond. This surprisingly big sandy beach is within an hour’s drive from west and south-west London, in the greenery of Surrey. If you’re in east or northeast London, the nearest sandy beaches are at Southend-on-Sea – Chalkwell Beach, the closest to the capital. And from southeast London, the Isle of Grain Beach is only an hour’s drive.
Which beach has the clearest water near London?
You’ll want to get out of the muddy Thames Estuary and head to beaches along the Kent coast for the clearest water. The beaches of Thanet – Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate – are known for their clear water, as are Folkestone Beach and Samphire Hoe at Dover.
What is the closest beach to London?
The closest beach to London is actually in London: Ruislip Lido, which is easy to get to by tube and bus. It’s a large sandy beach surrounded by woods with a café and kids’ play area. The only downside is that swimming is not allowed.
Which seaside is within 1.5 hours of London?
If you’re driving from southeast London, there are some great beaches within 1.5 hours: you can reach the Isle of Grain, Shellness Beach on the Isle of Sheppey, Whitstable or even Margate if the traffic is good. From east London, the beaches of Southend-on-Sea or Tollesbury Tidal Pool are within 90 minute’s drive. And if you’re travelling by train, then Sunny Sands in Folkestone, Brighton Beach, Whitstable Beach and Ramsgate Beach are within 1.5 hours of mainline London stations.
