London is not what springs to mind when you consider sandy beaches. But leave the city bustle behind for a few hours, and you can be sunbathing on beautiful coastlines, eating fish and chips on the pier, or strolling barefoot on soft golden sand.
Whether you are seeking a lively family day out, a romantic seaside break, or an individual retreat to relax, there are many stunning beaches close enough to London. Here we look at the 10 top beaches around London, what makes them unique, and settle the question: what is the most popular beach around London?
1. Brighton Beach – The Most Popular Beach Near London
Travel Time from London: ~1 hour by train from London Victoria or London Bridge
Why It’s Popular:
Brighton is by far the most visited beach resort close to London, and it’s simple to understand why. With its famous Brighton Pier, lively beachfront, and lively nightlife, Brighton mixes seaside enjoyment with a trendy, alternative vibe.
Highlights:
- Brighton Palace Pier with rides and amusements
- Charming pebble beach with deck chairs and watersports
- The Lanes – quaint alleys lined with boutique stores and cafés
- Expensive promenade bars and seafood restaurants
- Brighton is perfect for day-trippers as well as weekenders. Although the beach is pebbly, the city buzz and sea views more than compensate.
2. Camber Sands – Best for Sandy Beaches and Dune Strolls
Travel Time from London: ~2.5 hours by train and bus (via Rye)
Why it’s so Popular:
East Sussex’s Camber Sands boasts a unique expansive sandy beach — a rarity along southern England. It features rolling dunes, shallow water, and golden sand extending for more than 2 miles.
Highlights:
- Ideal for long romantic walks and family picnics
- Popular kitesurfing and windsurfing spot
- Close medieval town of Rye for sightseeing
- It’s less crowded than Brighton and perfect for those who prefer a more natural beach environment.
3. Whitstable – Ideal for Seafood Enthusiasts and Sunset Seeks
Travel from London: ~1 hour 30 minutes on train from St Pancras or Victoria
Why it’s Romantic:
Kent’s Whitstable is a quaint seaside town with a bohemian character and an internationally renowned oyster industry. The pebbly beach is but one aspect of a place that has a tranquil feel, an artistic vibe, and stunning sunsets that return people year upon year.
Highlights:
- Fresh seafood at The Lobster Shack or Wheeler’s Oyster Bar
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Vibrant beach houses and relaxed coastal strolls
- Foodies and couples love Whitstable for its charming atmosphere and easy-going pace.
4. Margate – Top for Art, Culture, and Retro Atmosphere
Travel Time from London: ~1 hour 45 minutes via train from St Pancras
Why It’s Trending:
Margate has undergone a cultural resurgence in the last few years. Famous for its sandy Main Sands beach, it’s also a cultural gem with vintage-style amusement arcades and the Turner Contemporary Art Museum.
Highlights:
- Family-friendly beach with sandy beach and tide pools
- Dreamland – a retro amusement park with roller rinks and rides
- Gastro pubs, street food, and craft beer bars
- Margate mixes old-fashioned British seaside pleasure with contemporary creativity.
5. Southend-on-Sea – Nearest Traditional Seaside Experience
Travel Time from London: ~1 hour by train from Fenchurch Street
Why It’s Convenient:
Seeking the nearest full-day beach getaway from London? Southend-on-Sea in Essex has it all, from ice cream and arcades to its world-record longest pleasure pier.
Highlights:
- Adventure Island amusement park
- Long promenade ideal for walks or cycling
- Low-tide sandy spots and family-friendly activities
- Southend is a family favorite or last-minute weekend getaway.
6. Botany Bay – Top Secret Off-the-beaten-path for Cliff Views
Travel Time from London: ~2 hours by train and bus (via Broadstairs)
Why It’s Special:
Hidden away between Broadstairs and Margate, Botany Bay is a secret gem famous for its stunning white chalk cliffs, crystal-clear water, and serene atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Ideal for photographic and romantic strolls
- Clean, quiet beach with summer café
- Best for fossil-finding and rock-pooling
- It’s more like a hidden cove than a British beach — ideal for a relaxing couple’s getaway.
7. Broadstairs – Ideal for a Classic Seaside Town Experience
Travel Time from London: ~2 hours by train from St Pancras
Why it’s Quaint:
With Dickensian charm and seven stunning bays, Broadstairs is usually ranked as one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Kent.
Highlights:
- Viking Bay – sandy beach with a charming promenade
- Ice cream from Morelli’s, a 1950s-style parlour
- Charming pubs and cliff-top walks
- It offers the nostalgic vibe of the 1950s British seaside, making it a hit for couples and families alike.
8. Frensham Great Pond – Best Inland Beach Alternative
Travel Time from London: ~1.5 hours by train and walk (via Farnham)
Why it’s Unique:
Need a beach experience without visiting the coast? Frensham Great Pond in Surrey is a big inland lake with sandy beaches, set in heathland and countryside.
Highlights:
- Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and eating picnics
- Perfect for families seeking a peaceful, safe day out
- Birdwatching and nature trails in the area
- It’s a great non-coastal option and very popular in hot summer weather.
9. West Wittering – Best for White Sands and Natural Beauty
Travel Time from London: ~2 hours by bus and train (via Chichester)
Why it’s Pristine:
West Wittering Beach in West Sussex is a secret gem with white sand and clear blue water. It’s a haven for those who love nature and water sports.
Highlights:
- Blue Flag-rated unspoiled beaches
- Windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking
- Spectacular views of Chichester Harbour
- It’s less commercial and more natural, ideal for a scenic beach day.
10. Deal Beach – Ideal for Historic Atmosphere and Peaceful Escapes
Travel Time from London: ~1 hour 30 minutes by train from St Pancras
Why it’s Unheralded:
Deal in Kent is a quiet seaside town with pebble beach, quaint pier, and lovely Tudor castle overlooking the sea. Less popular than neighboring hotspots, it provides a peaceful and elegant seaside escape.
Highlights:
- Historic Deal Castle
- Seaside cycling and walking routes
- Classic pubs and galleries
- A wonderful option for couples looking for a relaxed seaside holiday with character.
So, What is the Most Popular Beach Near London?
No doubt, Brighton Beach is the most popular beach near London. With its great train links, lively vibe, cultural diversity, and seaside character, it’s the place to be for tourists, day-trippers, students, and couples.
It has it all: history, entertainment, food, scenery, nightlife, and shopping — all set against the beautiful backdrop of the sea.
Beach Day Tips Near London
- Travel early: Trains and routes to popular beaches such as Brighton or Margate get busy, particularly on summer weekends.
- Pack smart: Pack sunscreen, layers, swimwear, and a power bank for your phone or camera.
- Check tide times: Particularly for beaches such as Botany Bay and Camber Sands where tides impact access or availability.
- Book early: If staying overnight, book accommodation well ahead of time—many beach towns get booked out quickly in high season.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches, cliff-dramatic scenery, family activities, or serene vistas, London is remarkably well-suited for seaside breaks. And with so many gorgeous locations mere train rides from the city, there’s no reason to miss out on a seaside retreat — even just for the day.
So sling your bag, don your sunhat, and leave the city behind to investigate one (or more!) of these gorgeous London beaches.