Beaches Near London

Beautiful beaches near London

1. Osea Island, Essex

Estimated driving time from London: Around 90 – 100 minutes

It is not possible to find a place that is so close, and authentic to London. Osea Island, spread over an area of approximately 400 acres and located in the estuary of the Blackwater River, will fascinate you with its quiet and tranquil beaches. Access to the island can be done through a Roman causeway that can only be used when the tide is low.

2. Holywell Bay, East Sussex

Estimated driving time from London: Around 100 – 120 minutes

Holywell Bay is located in a small settlement near South Downs. With its wonderful sandy beach, cafes, and chalets, the ideal choice for those who want to relax for a few days. Will give you an unforgettable holiday with its magnificent rocks and fragrant gardens.

Holywell Retreat is one of the dog-friendly beaches near London, but dogs need to be kept under control.

3. Hastings Beach, Sussex

Estimated driving time from London: Around 100 – 110 minutes

You can be sure that Hastings Beach will meet your expectations with its historical texture, deep blue sea, and exquisite view. You can stay in one of the Edwardian hotels and breathe the smell of the sea on the Victorian pier. Although it looks pebbly in the photos, this beautiful beach is sandy enough for children to build a castle.

4. Whitstable Beach, Kent

Estimated arriving time from London: Around 90 – 100 minutes by car or train

The colorful cottages on Whitstable Beach reveal themselves at first sight. Although the beach is not sandy but manages to be the center of attention of thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. This beach has an indescribable and different charm. Nature is in complete harmony with fishermen's shelters, pubs, and luxurious restaurants. The only downside is that the beach is owned by a private company and a permit is required for use.

5. Priory Bay Beach, Isle of Wight

Estimated driving time from London: Around 100 – 120 minutes

It can be said to be one of the hidden gems on the Island of Wright for Priory Bay beach. If you're looking for a quiet beach near London even during the hottest times of summer, this one is for you. The sandy beach and the slight inclination towards the sea are ideal for visitors to sunbathe.

Access to the beach, which stretches for about half a mile, is possible on foot from the forest area. Therefore, there are no facilities nearby. Visitors are recommended to bring basic beach necessities with them.

6. Botany Bay, Kent

Estimated driving time from London: Around 100 – 120 minutes

By train: London Victoria to Broadstairs about 120 minutes

Botany Bay is a wonderful beach in the town of Broadstairs on the Kent coast, close to central London. With its majestic white cliffs, beautiful sea, and sandy beach, it is one of the most shared photographs on social media. A few small pubs and businesses will be enough to cover all your needs.

You can go to nearby Viking Bay for a leisurely stroll or to Joss Bay if you like surfing.

7. Birling Gap, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Estimated driving time from London: Around 100 – 110 minutes

By train: London Bridge to Eastbourne about 90 minutes

One of the lovely beaches near London is located in the beautiful Victorian town of Eastbourne. It may not be the first choice for those who want to sunbathe on a sandy beach, but it is worth seeing with its historical texture.

Birling Gap, located between Eastbourne and Brighton, has a long and quiet beach and the most beautiful seaside you can find near London.

8. Shellness Beach, Isle of Sheppey

Estimated driving time from London: Around 60 – 70 minutes

Shellness Beach, also known as Leysdown Naturist, is one of the nudist beaches near London. There is also a part of the beach for non-nudists. It is a quiet and calm option for those who want to experience the feeling of being completely isolated from the world.

You can either take a walk under the hot sun collecting the colorful seashells that give the beach its name, or dream of the old times by looking at tired boats. Shellness is the perfect choice to regenerate and forget the modern world.

9. Climping Beach, Littlehampton

Estimated driving time from London: Around 80 – 90 minutes

By train: London Victoria to Littlehampton about 120 minutes

Climping Beach offers a peaceful environment even though it is close to residential areas. Being both pebbly and sandy is also great for kids' creativity. It is also nice for walking around. If you walk long enough, you can see the castle ruins, which are not much left from Littlehampton's glory days.

You can be sure to rock Instagram with the photos you take on the majestic dunes of this tranquil rural beach.

10. Sunny Sands, Kent

Estimated driving time from London: Around 90 – 100 minutes

By train: London St. Pancras to Folkestone about 60 minutes

Sunny Sands is also known as Folkestone Beach, but it may be more appropriate to use the first name due to the wonderfully beautiful fine sand. It is not for nothing that a sandcastle competition is held every year! This beach is very popular as it is one of the closest beaches to London by train. For that reason, can be difficult to find a spot during the busiest times of the season.

The only downside to Sunny Sands is that it's not dog-friendly during the holiday season. Other times, you can walk your dog freely.

11. Brighton Beach, Sussex

Estimated driving time from London: Around 90 – 100 minutes

By train: St. Pancras or Victoria to Brighton about 60 minutes

One of the most popular beaches near London is undoubtedly Brighton. People have come here from the city center of London for about two centuries and renew themselves by getting fresh sea air. Although it does not have a sandy beach, there are many things that make Brighton attractive. Surf, paddle or enjoy the panoramic view from the famous ferris wheel.

12. Shoreham Beach, West Sussex

Estimated driving time from London: Around 80 – 90 minutes

Shoreham has a pretty quiet beach, a great castle, and a boardwalk platform for walking. The beach is not very sandy, but its unique nature makes up for this. A large sandy area is exposed with the effect of the tide.

Shoreham Beach is located within the nature reserve. Therefore, it is a center of attraction for those who are interested in nature sports. If you like windsurfing, sailing, and trekking, you will love this place.

13. Frensham Beach, Surrey

Estimated driving time from London: Around 70 – 80 minutes

By train: Waterloo to Frensham Great Pond about 90 minutes

Unlike other beaches, Frensham Beach is located on the lakeshore. Let's say that it is much more popular than many beaches because of its sandy beaches. Especially the local people are in demand here. Nudists often come to this small beach near Farnham. There are facilities around the beach where you can meet all your needs, but you can also bring your food and drink with you. The cleanest water near London is here.

14. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

Estimated driving time from London: Around 100 – 110 minutes

By train: Waterloo to Bournemouth about 120 minutes

Among the beaches we have mentioned so far, Bournemouth Beach is the largest. You can find shopping venues, pubs, restaurants, and whatever you are looking for along the glistening sandy beach, which stretches for about eleven miles. Here you can do whatever activity you want at any time of the year. We recommend it, especially for water sports.

Since it is located in a wide area, you will not have trouble finding a quiet and calm spot where you can rest. Bournemouth Beach is a must-see with its blue flag clean sea and family-friendly environment.

15. Cuckmere Haven, Seaford

Estimated driving time from London: Around 90 – 100 minutes

By train: London Victoria to Seaford about 120 minutes

Cuckmere Haven occupies a unique place among the beaches near London, with its white cliffs and immense scenery. The tide is so high that you can hike up to Birling Gap when the sea recedes, or explore many of the sea caves. This beautiful shore, formed by the confluence of the English Channel and the Cuckmere River, is perfect as if it was made by an artist.