Activities & Days Out / 1 August, 2024 / Christina Walter
Staycation is the buzzword of the UK summer, and this year many of us will be looking to explore what’s on our very own doorstep. If you’re looked for the best beaches near London, here are 14 we can wholeheartedly recommend.
Best beaches to get to from London
West Wittering, Chichester
Our favourite at My Baba, West Wittering offers something really special for families and it’s well worth a day trip down from London.
As well as views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs, West Wittering is a natural, unspoilt sandy beach. There are no tourist attractions to distract you, it’s simply a beach with a field to park in, and a cafe for lunch. West Wittering offers the highest water quality and together with its excellent facilities, it’s one of the premier Blue Flag beaches in the country. (Pictured in main image.)
Address: Pound Rd, West Wittering, Chichester PO20 8AJ
Visit: West Wittering
Whitstable Beach, Kent
If you’re looking for a traditional British seaside close to London, Whitstable Beach in Kent is for you. There’s even a pub on the edge of the beach!
This beach is brilliant for families with dogs in tow.
Address: Whitstable CT5 1FB
Visit: Whitstable Beach, Kent
Botany Bay, Kent
A sandy beach close to London, Botany bay is also ideal for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools when the tide is out. With white cliffs and chalk stacks, Botany Bay is a popular tourist destination.
Address: Marine Dr, Broadstairs CT10 3LG
Visit: Visit Kent
Sunny Sands, Folkestone
Sunny Sands Beach is popular with families during the summer months. Located at the eastern end of the Stade and Folkestone Harbour, Sunny Sands has good facilities including toilets and cafés, pubs and beach shops.
Address: Folkestone CT19 6AA
Visit: Visit Kent
Mersea Island, Essex
Mersea Island can be found in an idyllic location nine miles southeast of Colchester. Covering seven square miles, Mersea Island is known for beautiful scenery and historic charm.
Address: Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8DE
Visit: Visit Mersea Island
Minnis Bay, Kent
Minnis Bay’s long stretch of sand with ample free parking and children’s outdoor play area make this a popular choice for families looking for fun in the sun. It’s worth noting tide times, as high tide leaves only a small amount of beach, and in spring, the beach can completely disappear until the tide moves out again.
Address: 12A Sea View Rd, Birchington CT7 9LB
Visit: Visit Kent
Viking Bay, Kent
Viking Bay is steeped in history, being the holiday destination of choice for Charles Dickens, who wrote an affectionate piece on the town, ‘Our English Watering Place.’ Shaped like a horse-shoe, the long sandy bay has a cliff-top promenade and boardwalk offering timeless beauty and a truly memorable day out.
Address: Victoria Parade Broadstairs CT10 1EU
Visit: Visit Kent
Camber Sands, Sussex
Best beaches near London? Camber Sands is a family favourite.
Close to the ancient and picturesque town of Rye, Camber Sands is a popular sandy beach and UK family holiday destination. Camber Sands is known for its wildlife and picturesque dunes. For convenience, the village of Camber is very close to the beach.
Address: TN31 7RT
Visit: East Sussex
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Birling Gap, East Sussex
Birling Gap near Eastbourne offers families lots to see and do. With rock pools for fossil hunting, and grassland for bug hunts, this popular coastal hub is where the South Downs meets the sea.
Address: East Dean, near Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 0AB
Visit: National Trust
Dungeness, Lydd, Kent
Dungeness is a headland on the coast of Kent and boasts a pebbly shore-line which is fabulous for exploration as well as a haven for wildlife. Named by The Sunday Times as one of the most scenic beaches in the country, Dungeness is overlooked by the power station and two lighthouses.
Address: Dungeness Rd Romney Marsh
Visit: Visit South East England
Littlehampton West Beach, West Sussex
West Beach is a pebble beach backed by preserved sand dunes, with a boardwalk nature path, cafe and public toilets. A fantastic spot for a family picnic, with views of neighbouring Bognor and the Isle of Wight when the skies are clear.
Address: Off Rope Walk, Ferry Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5DL
Visit: Visit Little Hampton
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Bournemouth Beach has lots on offer, no matter what the time of year. The beach consists of a seven-mile stretch of sand with breath-taking views of the coastline. Bournemouth Pier houses attractions including indoor climbing, a zip wire, restaurants, cafes and gift shops.
Every section of Bournemouth’s beach offers a different experience, so why not try out one of many superb water sports or enjoy plenty of family attractions at Pier Approach?
Address: Pier Approach Bournemouth Dorset BH2 5AA
Visit: Bournemouth
Brighton Beach, Brighton
Home to the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Beach is one of the best beaches near London, perfect for families looking for lots to do. The pebbled beach has a promenade lined with beach huts and lively eateries. Brighton is one of the UK’s famous beaches safe for shallow family swimming, although there is no lifeguard cover.
Address: Brighton Beach, 4 Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1ET
Visit: Visit Brighton
Pelham Beach, Hastings
Perfect for sea bathing, the award-winning Pelham beach has lifeguard cover between May and September. Catering especially for families, there are colourful character designated areas to help you identify the different areas of the beach. With a range of cafes, restaurants and attractions, the beach and seafront offer lots to do for all the family.
Address: Denmark Place, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1PF
Visit: Visit South East England
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