10 Best beach Near London in 2021
Looking for a sunny getaway, but can’t afford the flight? Beach, please! There are lots of stunning beaches within two hours of London, so grab your flip flops and sunnies for on a daily basis trip to 1 of those beauties. (For a swim within the city, try our guide to London’s best lidos and wild swimming spots.) Don’t forget the suncream though!
1. Ruislip Lido Beach, West London
Closest Beach To London Ruislip
Believe it or not, the closest beach to London is really on the Piccadilly Line! In Ruislip, West London, a 700-acre woodland nature reserve is home to a beautiful natural lake, with a real sandy beach. Woodland trails, a miniature train, and pirate for teenagers also are on offer, but despite what you will see within the photo above, swimming is technically not permitted. There is, however, a really cool miniature train that’ll whizz you round the lake! Nearest stations are Ruislip and Northwood Hills, Zone 6 — it’s then a 20-minute walk. Also know about best sandy beaches near London.
2. Frensham Beach, Surrey
Frensham Beach near London
Another unlikely landlocked beach near London, this sandy spot faces onto Frensham Pond within the midst of an oversized common near Farnham. The water quality here is rated excellent, and you’re allowed to swim; there’s also a superb and bizarre sculpture park with 600 statues to explore within walking distance. It’s also one in every of the simplest wild swimming spots around London, although do remember of the very fact that it’s quite fashionable nudists…
Catch a train from Waterloo to Farnham, then a 19 bus to St. Mary’s School and walk — total journey about 1hr45. Or for taxis and drivers, bang GU10 2QB into the satnav.
3. Whitstable, Kent
Beaches
Wonderful Whitstable is legendary for seafood, but the beaches aren’t to be missed either. Within Whitstable itself, West Beach could be a lovely spot for a wander, whilst Tankerton Beach, a touch further east, offers unspoiled views of the ocean and sky. Top it off with fresh seafood, and you’ve got an image perfect time out.
Approximately 1.5 hours from London (train from St Pancras/Cannon Street/Victoria to Whitstable).

4. Brighton, Sussex
Beaches
London’s smaller, wannabe-edgy cousin, does have us beat on one front: the beaches. Wander along the pebbly beach, go paddle boarding, grab an frozen dessert (obviously), or brave the crowds on the globe famous pier. Expect this one to be busy on sunny days, but the beach is definitely sufficiently big for you to nab a spot and go paddling.
Approximately an hour from London (train from London Bridge/Victoria to Brighton).
5. Climping Beach, county
Beaches
Forget the sandcastles here, because Climping Beach is generally pebbles. It makes sunbathing a stretch, but this one will definitely be quieter than others on this list, so a seaside wander and a cheeky picnic are within the offing. the sole warning I’d give is that, within the fight against eroding, the authorities installed a series of groynes, that the less mature in your party may spend their time sniggering at that. Goes with the territory, I suppose.
Appromixately 2 hours from London (train from Victoria to Littlehampton).
6. Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
Beaches
Lots to try and do here in Walton: wander along the second longest pier in England, climb the Naze Tower, or hire one amongst their luridly colourful beach huts. during a seaside town brimming with history, on a daily basis out here is that the perfect chance to create some memories of your own.
Approximately 1.5 hours from London (train from Liverpool Street to Walton-on-the-Naze).
7. Sunny Sands, Kent
Beaches
Regarded as one in every of the simplest beaches within the country for building sandcastles, you’d better pack your bucket and spade for this one. The clue’s within the name: it’s sandy, which makes it a bustling place in summer. Sadly though, your four-legged friend won’t be coming along, because dogs are banned from May to October. a minimum of you’ll hang around with the mermaid statue as a consolation prize.
Approximately 1 hour from London (train from St Pancras to Folkestone Central).
SEE ALSO: 15 Quaint Seaside Towns Near London That Are Well definitely worth the pleasure trip
8. Bournemouth, Dorset
Beaches
As beaches go, you won’t find bigger than this one. Bournemouth Beach could be a whopping eleven miles long, so it’s easy enough to flee the crowds here. Amongst golden sands of spots like Sandbanks, you’ll also find shops, gardens, hotels, and restaurants. Heaven is simply a train ride away…
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Approximately 2 hours from London (train direct from Waterloo to Bournemouth).
9. West Wittering Beach, county
Beaches
For starters, it’s called West Wittering. Isn’t that just the foremost charming name? apart from the name, this beach offers stunning views of Chichester Harbour, a part of Outstanding Natural Beauty full of an abundance of wildlife. It also has a number of the cleanest waters of any beach on this list, so if you’re brave enough for a dip in British waters, this can be the spot.
Approximately 1.5 hours from London (train from Victoria to Chichester).
10. Botany Bay, Kent
Beaches
Not to be confused with Botany Bay, Australia, this Kentish charmer is drop-dead gorgeous. Those imposing white cliffs have featured in many another ‘gram over the years, and it remains one in every of the foremost photographed beaches within the UK. Explore the rock pools for tiny sea creatures, or go fossil hunting to seek out something more impressive.