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London, known for its bustling city life, beautiful parks, and historical landmarks, may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about beaches. However, in less than two and a half hours from England’s capital city, a plethora of stunning coastal destinations await! The best beaches near London by train offer a perfect escape from the urban buzz, allowing you to bask in the sun and breathe in the salty and fresh sea air. From vibrant and lively Brighton Beach to picturesque Camber Sands, these beaches are perfect for Londoners and tourists seeking a seaside getaway within reach of the capital!
London
London, the dynamic and cosmopolitan capital of England, is a city that pulsates with energy and history. From the iconic silhouette of Big Ben to the majestic Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames, London’s landmarks are some of the most photographed monuments in the world.
The city is a quirky melting pot of cultures, with a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern, and some of the best vegan restaurants in the world.
London burst with great activities and things to do, creating a unique urban experience that leaves a profound mark on all who visit.
But, sometimes you can feel a sudden urge to escape the city, longing for a beach break! In this post, I’ve gathered 15 tips from pro bloggers about the best beaches near London by train.
Beaches near London by train (Wells-Next-The-Sea)
The UK has an excellent railway system and many of the most stunning beaches in England are easily reachable from the capital in under three hours, allowing for weekly vacations, short weekend breaks, or just a day trip.
Below, you can find 15 great beaches near London, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do! Enjoy!
Best beaches near London by train: Winchelsea Beach
Winchelsea Beach in East Sussex is an ideal beach escape from London. This less-frequented beach is an idyllic spot for outdoor lovers and bird watching, and is a relaxing place to watch the tide come in and out.
Winchelsea Beach isn’t your typical spade-and-shovel beach, but it’s a great place to head to for some fresh air and is popular amongst dog-walkers. It offers a quiet reprieve and is never overcrowded, which is perfect for those looking for a break from London.
This expansive pebble beach changes to silty sand as soon as you wade in the water. You’ll find some amazing weathered sea defences dotting the coastline, and when the tide is out, the beach stretches for miles in either direction.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a short distance down the coast from Winchelsea Beach. For those looking for their own adventure, Pett Level to the west is a well-known spot for dinosaur footprint hunting!
Winchelsea Beach is a quiet place to enjoy a picnic by the sea, or head into the neighbouring medieval town of Rye for some great tearooms and restaurants.
Rye also offers adorable and quaint accommodations, like Haydens – an eco-friendly guesthouse! Their tearoom below has one of the top-rated breakfasts in Rye and they use fresh and locally sourced organic ingredients.
There are two train options to get to Winchelsea Beach from London.
Southeastern train service from St Pancras International Station in London. Change at Ashford for the Southern service to Rye. Taxi to Winchelsea Beach from Rye (10 minutes).
Southeastern Train Service from London Bridge to Ashford. Change at Ashford for Winchelsea. Take a taxi from Winchelsea Train Station to the beach (5 minutes).
By Sarah from In Search of Sarah
Beach near London by train: Camber Sands
The Camber Sands dog-friendly beach is a beautiful coastal destination in East Sussex. It’s located in southern England, closer to the border of Kent. Getting to Camber Sands takes around 2 hours from London via train. The Rye train station is closest to the beach.
The sandy beach stretches for almost 5 miles beside the gorgeous English Channel. Plenty of dunes can be seen here. It’s a favorite summer destination in southern England to visit with friends and family. Watersports are pretty famous here. Visitors can try out swimming, surfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding.
It’s also known as the best beachcombing spot in the UK. Apart from the beach, there are several other tourist sites in Camber. The closest town of Rye is a charming hilltop village with quaint houses and cobbled lanes. There are several shops, cafes, and churches here. Camber Castle is a must-visit for tourists in Camber Sands.
Accommodation options are plenty in this beach town. The Beach Retreat and Marine Cottages are two local guest houses on Camber Sands.
Trains traveling to Rye station are available daily from several London stations like London St Pancras, London Victoria, etc. The distance of 3.5 miles from the station to the beach can be covered with the help of readily available taxis and buses.
By Ruma from Places Allow Pets
Best beaches near London by train: Wells-Next-The-Sea
If you’re looking for a great beach on the East Coast of England, then head to Wells-Next-The-Sea. Not only is this Norfolk town within an area of outstanding natural beauty, but the once port town is now a bustling seaside destination.
The beach provides a long stretch of golden sand adjourned with colorful beach chalets that add quirky charm to the area. You can walk here with your dog (avoiding the restricted areas) or just enjoy the sea views with your friends and family. When you need a change of scenery, take a short walk to the harbor where you will often find people crabbing from the quayside or watching the RNLI Lifeboat team take to the water.
A little walk further and you’ll soon find yourself in the heart of the town where you’ll find fish and chips, confectionary stores, restaurants, pubs, and arcades. Head up one of the pedestrian roads next to The Quay and you’ll find small local businesses selling seaside crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re visiting from London the easiest route is from Liverpool Street to Norwich and then onto Sheringham. The journey will take about 3 hours and will take a 30-minute bus or taxi to get to the beach itself.
Consider ‘The Quay B&B Wells’ if you’d like to stay in family-run accommodation close to all the attractions. If you’re staying for longer, consider a day trip to Kings Lynn or other beautiful stops along the Norfolk Coast.
By Kerry Reed from VeggTravel
Nearest beach near London by train: Hayling Island
Three miles of pristine sand and shingle seashores backed by colorful beach huts await you at Hayling Island. The three adjoining Blue Flag beaches; West, Beachlands, and Eastoke, boast panoramic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.
Excellent amenities, including beachfront cafes, pubs, and public toilets, ensure you won’t have to venture too far from your deckchair to find everything you need.
Enjoy quintessential British beach resort activities like the Funland Amusement Park and volunteer-run Hayling Island Steam Railway, which runs along the seafront. Take a pleasant dip at sheltered West Beach, then have a bite to eat and admire the glorious views at Inn on the Beach. If walking is your preferred seaside activity, the entire coastline of Hayling Island (20km/12.5m) is a picturesque circuit that includes beaches, monuments, and nature reserves.
The fastest train service from London Waterloo to Havant takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From New Lane (just outside Havant station) take Stagecoach bus number 30 or 31, which takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the beach. Even better, South Western Railways usually have plenty of space for bikes on board, so why not cycle to the beach via the Hayling Island Billy Trail, a scenic 20-30 minute route through nature reserves.
Make a weekend of it and stay at Mill Rythe Coastal Village, a historic waterfront holiday park who are making efforts to be kinder to the planet by reducing waste, using eco-friendly products, planting trees, and other sustainable initiatives.
By Natalie from Hampshire Travel Guide
Located just a two-hour train ride from London, Bournemouth Beach is the perfect day trip for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get close to the sea!
The beach itself stretches 7 miles along the south coast of England and is one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, drawing in millions of visitors every year.
There are heaps of activities to get stuck into, from surfing, supping and swimming in the ocean, to sunbathing, shopping and having a cocktail in one of the beachside restaurants. Bournemouth Pier alone has arcades, an aquarium, a theatre and a huge zipline stretching along the next pier.
Beaches by train from London: Bournemouth
It’s such an awesome beach that unfortunately the main beach does get very crowded on weekends and during the school holidays. If you do find that it is rather busy when you arrive, walk slightly further down the beach towards Boscombe Pier, and you will find there are a few quieter spots that other visitors don’t know about.
Bournemouth train station is only a short walk to the beach and runs directly from London Waterloo, the journey takes roughly two hours but you will sometimes find faster trains. Booking on trainline.com will allow you to find the best train times, durations and prices for your trip.
It can easily be done as a day trip but if you are looking to extend your stay Cottonwood Boutique is a great pick, it is a small locally run hotel nestled on the cliff top with sea view rooms.
Submitted by Leah from The UK Wanderers
Best beaches from London by train: Cuckmere Haven
Close to Seaford and Eastbourne is Cuckmere Haven, a sand and pebble beach right next to the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. From the beach, you get amazing views of the cliffs. It is also possible to swim and when the weather is nice it is a popular place to come for a day on the beach. Even during the winter, this is the perfect destination for a day out walking along the beach and admiring the white cliffs.
From London Victoria, there are direct trains to both Eastbourne and Seaford which take about one and a half hours. The beach is closest to Seaford which is a 3-mile walk from the train station along the coastline to the beach. As you approach the views of the cliffs and the beach are fantastic.
For a more active day trip it is a 5-hour walk over the cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne. The walk has a good combination of beach and stunning scenery along the cliffs. Walking from Seaford to Eastbourne is best so you have the sun behind you. The easiest way to do this walk is by buying one-way train tickets to Seaford and back from Eastbourne online before going. Alternatively, take the bus one way.
To stay overnight, The Buckle in Seaford is the best place to stay. It is a small bed and breakfast on the seafront and nearly every room has views of the sea and beach running along Seaford town.
By Kristin from Scotland Less Explored
Seaside towns near London by train: Littlehampton beach, UK
Littlehampton is a lovely coastal town in East Sussex. It captivates visitors with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere offering a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday London life. There are two award-winning beaches in Littlehampton.
East Beach is a family-friendly sandy beach with pebbles perfect to relax with a picnic and is known for having the longest bench in Britain which can seat up to 300 people..
Furthermore, West Beach is a beach that harbors one of only three sand dunes systems in West Sussex. It’s also a great beach to relax, have a bite at the award-winning West Beach Café, or visit the ruins of the Littlehampton Napoleonic Fort.
Originally a fishing port, Littlehampton is now also known to be one of the main hubs in Britain for Leisure craft. Further activities to enjoy in Littlehampton are Harbor Park and diving and sailing on the river Arun.
A lovely accommodation option in Littlehampton is East Beach Guesthouse. It takes one hour and 45 minutes to reach Littlehampton from Victoria Station.
Closest beach near London by train: Dover
Located just a short train ride from London, Dover offers beautiful beaches and countryside views that make it an ideal destination for those seeking some peace. It is a small town with a long and rich history and it is known for its iconic White Cliffs of Dover, which have been featured in many films and television series.
You can get to Dover Priory from London St Pancras, London Charing Cross, or London Victoria in less than 2 hours. Then, it is only 15 minutes walk to Dover Beach. Sandy Beach is surrounded by seafood restaurants where you can try some of the best fish and chips in England.
Dover Beach is also a short walk from the picturesque marina located in the heart of the town. Clock Tower Square & Marina Curve is another tourist attraction by the beach. However, one of the best spots to take in the sights and sounds of the sea is Dover Pier. You will be able to see the sandy beach, Dover Castle, and white cliffs from this amazing viewpoint.
Finding accommodation in Dover will not be difficult and staying in a great location will offer you an amazing experience. No 7 Priory Guest House is only a 10-minute walk from Dover Beach and 5 minutes away from the train station.
By Paulina from the UK Every Day
Best beaches near London by train: Weston-Super-Mere
A wide-spanning beach along the coastline of the Bristol Channel, Weston-super-Mare is famous as a Somerset beach where you can enjoy some old-fashioned seaside fun!
There are so many things to do in Weston-super-Mare whatever the weather. Head to the town’s pier for rides and amusements – or grab some chips and sit on the end of the pier, watching the world go by.
Bask on the beach, or hike to Uphill which is two kilometres from Weston. This is the start of the Mendip Way, a multi-day hiking trail that leads through Somerset’s Mendip Hills region.
If you’re after a low-impact, green activity, then you could enjoy the first part of the walking trail – although you will need to retrace your steps to get back to Weston, as public transport is scarce in this area.
If it’s raining, Weston is home to the Revo indoors glow-in-the-dark golf course and the highest rock climbing wall in the UK at Clip N Climb. There’s also a cinema and bowling alley!
Staying the night? Holly Lodge is a cozy Weston-based B&B with incredibly friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and a delicious breakfast served every morning.
Take a train from London Paddington station to arrive in Weston-super-Mare in just two hours. There are a few direct trains per day, but depending on when you’re leaving it might be quicker to change in Bristol!
By Claire from Go South West England
Seaside near London by train: Rock-A-Nore Beach, Hastings
Hastings, located in East Sussex, is a picturesque village brimming with history and natural beauty. Nestled along the southeastern coast of England, this seaside gem is renowned for its two stunning beaches, a quaint old quarter, and the largest fleet of beach-launched fishing boats in Europe.
The first beach, Hastings Beach, is a wide expanse of pebbles stretching along the coast. It provides a perfect setting for leisurely walks and soaking up the sun. The beach also offers sunbeds for rent and is watched by lifeguards during the summer months.
A short distance away lies Rock-A-Nore Beach, a small beach with a beautiful cliff backdrop.
Aside from the beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Hastings. The shipwreck museum is one of the top attractions in Hastings but you can also learn to skate in The Source, a large underground skate and BMX park, or visit Hastings Castle.
To reach Hastings from London by train, you can board a direct train from London Charing Cross, London Bridge, or St. Pancras. The journey takes approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on the train and the chosen station of departure. Upon arriving at Hastings train station, you can easily reach the beaches by walking or taking a short taxi ride.
A great accommodation option in Hasting is Vive Hotel.
Best beaches near London by train: Broadstairs
Broadstairs is a coastal town in Kent, known for its seven beaches and stunning clifftop views.
Viking Bay is the main beach in Broadstairs and can be busy in the summer. The beach is a large sweeping bay and has a range of facilities, including lifeguards, beach huts, and a range of cafes and restaurants. There are rocks perfect for rock pooling and a seawater pool.
For a quieter spot, you can head to Botany Bay, a secluded cove that is surrounded by towering chalk cliffs with arches and caves to explore. The beach is relatively quiet, making it the perfect location for a peaceful day out. Kingsgate Bay is another hidden gem, located just a short walk from Botany Bay. The beach is surrounded by chalk cliffs and is a good spot for rock pooling and fossil hunting.
Broadstairs has implemented several policies to protect its beaches. The town has a “Leave No Trace” policy, and promotes sustainable tourism, with many local businesses following eco-friendly practices.
Staying Broadstairs you can’t beat this small apartment that has a door straight onto the beach where you can watch the sunset over the harbor.
Trains to Broadstairs from London usually go from London St Pancras International, London Victoria, or London Charing Cross stations and take 1hr30 to 2 hours. From the station, it is a 10-minute walk down the High Street to the seafront. Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay are a short walk along the beach from the harbor.
By Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Best beaches near London by train: Margate
Margate is a timeless beach town in the county of Kent. It’s the most famous coastal region by the North Sea. The beach is a mixture of sandy and shingles and stretches for 2.5 miles. Margate Beach is easily accessible by train. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Margate town from London.
Southeastern from London St Pancras International, London Victoria, and London Charing Cross stations and Thameslink from London Blackfriars, London St Pancras International, and London Victoria stations provide daily trains. From Margate station, the beach is just a short walk away.
Tourism has been popular in this town since the 19th century. People from all over the United Kingdom visit Margate for the beautiful beach, art and cultural community, and amusement park.
You can enjoy a beach day by swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing in the sea. Visit Kent’s oldest amusement park Dreamland to experience some activities away from the seaside.
However, the Turner Contemporary Gallery is the most important point of attraction in this town. The gallery was named after the English Romantic painter J.M.W. Turner. Today it showcases some of the best modern art by contemporary artists through its many events and exhibitions. The marketplace of Old Town is also a well-known spot for visitors. Here you can find some unique and rare items from the many shops.
Accommodation options here range from hotels, boutique B&Bs to holiday apartments. The Beetroot Lodge is a local B&B with excellent amenities.
By Ruma from The Holiday Story
Beach by train from London: Walton On The Naze
One of the best beaches in Essex is located approximately 1 hour 30 from London. Walton on the Naze has a long sandy beach which is Blue Flag rated. There are lots of things to do in Walton. In the town area, there is a range of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, and Walton Pier which has fairground rides and arcades. This section of the beach also has lots of colorful beach huts.
A short walk along the seawall is The Naze Nature Reserve. The beaches in this area are often less crowded but are sometimes completely covered during high tide. People often find fossils in this area. The newly built Crag Walk Coastal Defence Structure doubles up as a barrier to protect erosion to the cliffs, as well as being an area with information boards about the area’s geology.
In the Nature Reserve is a discovery center and the Grade II listed ‘Naze Tower’. This was used similarly to a lighthouse and visitors can climb to the top during opening hours. There are also several WWII pillboxes in this area.
Walton has a couple of small B&B-style hotels. Regency House is right on the seafront and has breakfast included in the room rate.
Walton on the Naze train station is located in the town center, less than a 5-minute walk from the beach. Trains depart London from either Liverpool Street or Stratford, with one change at Thorpe-le-Soken.
By Kylie from Essex Explored
Best beaches near London by train: Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a picturesque pebble beach located in the charming village of Brighton. It’s known to be one of the most beloved beaches near London by train. The beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the English Channel and a lively atmosphere.
Brighton Beach’s unique blend of natural beauty and seaside town charm makes it special. The pebble beach is lined with colorful beach huts, which add to the beach’s vibrant and quirky personality. The village of Brighton is also a popular destination for its charming architecture, which ranges from Georgian to Regency style.
The village of Brighton offers an array of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a complete seaside experience. One of the most popular attractions in the village is the Brighton Pier, home to an array of amusement park rides, arcade games, and restaurants.
Additionally, visitors can explore the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases the history and culture of the village and surrounding areas. The Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence with stunning Indian-inspired architecture, is also a must-see in Brighton.
The journey from London to Brighton is an experience offering stunning views of the English countryside along the way. The train journey takes approximately one hour, and multiple trains a day leave for Brighton from Victoria and London Bridge.
Coming from the train station, you can walk right into the center of Brighton in just a few minutes. A great place to stay is Block-74.
By Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Best beaches near London by train: Whitstable
Whitstable is one of the prettiest but also accessible seaside towns close to London. You can easily get here by train, from different stations in London. The direct trains to Whitstable leave from London St Pancras and London Victoria train stations. The journey time is around one and a half hours. The train station in Whitstable is very centrally located, only a short walk to the beach.
There are plenty of things to do in Whitstable, starting with what the town is so famous for: the oysters. The native oyster season starts in autumn and lasts until spring, so visiting during the off-season is a great idea if you want to try them. Just be careful, as not all the restaurants in town serve authentic Whitstable oysters. Go for Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, The Forge, The Crab, and Winkle, or the Sportsman.
You can learn more about the oyster industry in Whitstable and how it supports the town by checking out the local museum. You can also check out Favourite, the last remaining oyster yawl in Whitstable, now pulled ashore between two houses on Island Wall as her forever resting place.
Vegans will also have no problem finding decent food in Whitstable. Thirty-Nine is a great place to have lunch or dinner while Tea and Times offers a fully vegan English Breakfast.
Whitstable is also a great place to shop for art, as the city has many small galleries where local artists are displaying their works. Most of the shops in town are boutiques as well, owned by locals. Shopping from them supports the local community.
If you want to stay in Whitstable overnight, check out one of the old fishermen’s cottages facing the sea, which have been transformed into touristic accommodation and are regulated by the local council.
By Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Best beaches near London by train: Bell Wharf
Just along the coast from the buzzy Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea boasts the charming Bell Wharf Beach.
This small, sandy beach is tucked away behind Old Leigh’s famous cockle sheds, where visitors can watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch – and try some deliciously fresh cockles, oysters, and whelks.
One of the unique features of Bell Wharf Beach is its view of the local fishing boats. These boats are a vital part of Leigh-on-Sea’s cultural heritage, and spending an afternoon watching as they come and go from the nearby harbor is idyllic.
Despite its proximity to the bustling fishing industry, Bell Wharf Beach offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. In fact, one of the reasons that this is among the best beaches near London is that, unlike its Southend neighbors, Bell Wharf Beach doesn’t get overcrowded during the peak season.
Wondering where to stay? The Seven Hotel is a cozy boutique option in nearby Southend-on-Sea, which is where most of the hotels are in the area. Rooms at the Seven Hotel are seriously stylish and just a gorgeous coastal walk away from Bell Wharf Beach.
Traveling between London and Leigh-on-Sea is so easy and takes around an hour. All you need to do is hop on a c2c train towards Shoeburyness from Fenchurch Street or Limehouse. Alight at Leigh-on-Sea and then it’s a casual 10-minute walk along the high street to Bell Wharf. Along the way, there are plenty of brilliant independent cafes where you can grab a coffee or a sandwich for a beach picnic.
By Lauren from The Adventure Manuel
Best beaches near London by train: Port Meadow
Just over an hour’s drive from the bustling streets of the greatest city in the world lies the tranquil Port Meadow in Oxford. Ranked at number 13 on Trip Advisor’s list of things to do in the region, this 440-acre grazing land is the largest common land in Oxford and is still home to cattle and horses that graze on the fields today.
The meadow stretches along the River Thames, offering visitors the perfect place to take a dip to cool down on those rare hot days. The area is full of little beaches and secret coves to explore during your stay, perfect for a quiet picnic or a lazy day watching the boats drift along the river.
Port Meadow is also rich in wildlife and home to many species of cattle, horses, and wildfowl. For those interested in history, the meadow boasts many archaeological interests, with several Bronze Age barrows and an Iron Age settlement. The southern end of the meadow is popular with swimmers, especially on hot days. Bring your fishing gear as well and spend time on coarse fishing, or enjoy a quiet walk with your furry friend after a day at the beach.
Port Meadow can be accessed via London Paddington or Marylebone train stations. From Oxford City Centre, you can walk to the Meadow beaches in less than 30 minutes or take one of the local buses like the 300. Popular hotels in the area include Marlborough Guesthouse and Burlington House.
By Simeon from Tozome
As you can see, there is absolutely no shortage of beautiful beaches near London that are easy to reach by train.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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