Best Beaches Near London: Escape To Sandy Shores With This Quick Guide

Pebbled and, on rare occasions, the best beaches near London become visible along the banks of the River Thames when the tide goes out. The surface's muck and silt prevent them from being all-purpose, but they're great for a pootle with the dog or an ardent treasure seeker. Leave London if you want to find a beach big enough to lay down a picnic blanket and swim on the beaches near London.  The best beaches near London are within reasonable driving distance of the nation's capital, making them ideal for day trips or even longer stays of a night or two. Some of the greatest beaches around London include treacle-coloured lengths bordered by dunes, while others provide opportunities to view animals and go crabbing.

Camber Sands

Known as one of the top 10 beaches near London, this cannot be missed! Long and bordered by dunes, Camber Sands is a famous southeast beach that lies between Fairlight in East Sussex and Dungeness in Kent. Be cautious of currents while swimming at high tide, and enjoy watching horses run across the surf and dogs playfully kick up sand at low tide (and off season). To make the most of your visit, reserve a room at the adjacent Gallivant hotel and enjoy a comfortable bed, parking, and a delicious breakfast. The attraction is so popular that parking costs more than £30 per day. Stop by the café Camber Landing, located on the road that runs alongside the beach, for a bite or a beverage. One of the best beaches around London!

Botany Bay

This charming Kentish girl is a future Hollywood star, not to be mistaken with Botany Bay in Australia. This modest 600-foot sliver of beach, sandwiched between Margate and Ramsgate, is encircled by an uninterrupted wall of chalk cliffs. It is still one of the most photographed beaches in the UK, thanks to the many Instagram photo ops featuring those majestic white cliffs. Go fossil searching if you want to uncover anything remarkable, or just explore the rock pools for little marine critters. Truly one of the most charming and best beaches in London!

Bay of Joss

One of the best beaches near London, day trips or weekend getaways to Broadstairs Beach and Joss Bay are possible in Kent. Charles Dickens lived in this ridiculously picturesque village while writing Bleak House; Broadstairs Beach is a small spit of sand. Head a bit farther out of town to Joss Bay for something a little wilder—it's a town beach, so it can get packed. Surfable waves, lifeguards, and an excellent surf and stand-up paddleboard school are all there. When you get back to Broadstairs, stop at Wyatt & Jones for a tasty lunch only at one of the best beaches near London!

Ruislip Lido

The Piccadilly Line runs past one of the best beaches near London, which is hard to believe! A beautiful natural lake with a real sandy beach may be found in a 700-acre forest nature reserve in Ruislip, West London. Even though there are woodland paths, a miniature railroad, and a pirate ship for children to enjoy, swimming is still not allowed. Still, the seashore and willow grass are great spots for picnics, and there are lots of other places to enjoy in the Lido region. Truly one of the most famous beaches in London!

Walton, Essex

With its endless rows of brightly coloured beach huts, Walton on the Naze is surely one of the most vibrant beaches around London. In the early 1980s, there were just five seals in these backwaters; now, there are 250 of them, making it a popular place for sunbathing and seal-spotting. You may take a boat ride out to view them, or you can take a leisurely walk down Britain's second-longest pier and stop at the 86-foot-tall Naze Tower, an art museum with changing exhibits. Naze Beach, which is bordered by cliffs, is a great place to go strolling and bird viewing.

Brighton

The "best beach in London’ ists often include Brighton, and with good reason: it's little over an hour's train ride from London Victoria. The town provides a diverse range of lodging options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to high-end hotels such as the Artist's Residence. Additionally, it boasts an excellent restaurant scene, a vibrant nightlife, and a beach that caters to those who enjoy the lively atmosphere of bustling bars and arcades. If you're seeking a bit more tranquil experience on your way from London, get off the train a stop early or continue walking down the seafront until you reach Hove. The less crowded section of Shingle Beach is pleasant after you get past the brunch places and unique shops.