{"id":10314,"date":"2019-02-11T14:52:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-11T14:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog?p=10314"},"modified":"2025-07-23T14:50:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T13:50:28","slug":"the-7-best-beaches-near-london-that-you-must-visit-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/the-7-best-beaches-near-london-that-you-must-visit-this-summer","title":{"rendered":"The 7 Must-Visit Beaches Near London"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Do you spend your day-to-day in London\u2019s concrete jungle and want to see some of the coast on your holiday<\/span>? There are plenty of beaches near London ready and waiting for you to sunbathe for hours, sip ice-cold cocktails and watch the waves ride in and out. Sit back, relax and you might almost be able to smell the sea air…<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Southend-on-Sea<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Southend-on-Sea is one of those typical British seaside resorts.<\/span> It’s full of nostalgic 90\u2019s arcades and a pier brimming with luminous pink candy floss, salty fish and chips<\/a> and miniature roller-coaster rides. The beach stretches out for miles and is the perfect place to <\/span>enjoy a picnic away from the <\/span>city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Southend-on-Sea\"<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whether you want to paddle in the shallow waters or play some crazy golf, there\u2019s something for everyone at Southend.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Camber Sands<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It\u2019s\u00a0name says it all; there\u2019s sand. Sand everywhere. Feel the golden specks between your toes as you walk across Camber Sands beach with an ice-cream (or two, depending on the heat\u2026). If you want to try something a little different, there\u2019s plenty of beach activities to get involved in including kitesurfing and beachcombing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Brighton<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you ask most people what their favourite beach is near London, the majority will undoubtedly say Brighton<\/a>. This may come as a surprise because it is, brace yourself, without sand. Yes, that\u2019s right, it\u2019s a pebble-only beach and one you will find hard walking on in those trusty old flip-flops. So why is Brighton such a hot-spot for Londoners and tourists alike?<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Brighton\"<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Well firstly, you have everything that a great UK seaside needs. An adventurous pier full of modern-day arcades, souvenir shops, fish and chip restaurants and an outdoor fun fair. Then you have the i360<\/a> taking you into the Brighton skies, the bustling town centre full of independent boutiques and quaint eateries and a whole host of fun to be had including trampolining on the beachfront. Got your rail tickets yet?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hastings<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hastings, a name you must have heard of when learning about that very famous 1066 battle. This south-east town offers another typically British beach experience but this time on a larger scale.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Only a few hours from L<\/span>ondon, Hastings has the Pandora\u2019s box of seaside treats and you\u2019ll get to enjoy them all if you spend a day there. Think gorgeous beach, thriving pier, arcades<\/span>, face-painting, a high-street full of your favourite brands and delicious restaurants serving hearty British food. What more could you want?<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Margate<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Once one of the UK\u2019s top destinations for holiday-makers, Margate has gone off the radar of late.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Margate<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With the refurbished Dreamland theme park 5 minutes walk away from the huge sandy beach, Margate is the place to go for a fun-loving summer\u2019s day out. Ice-cream vans line the promenade and many fish and chip restaurants surround the area, tempting you as you laze on the beach with wafts of warm-battered cod and mushy peas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whitstable<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the more beautiful and idyllic locations, Whitstable beach<\/span> makes for a lovely day trip f<\/span>rom London. It has the whole package and the pebbly beach is not necessarily the main selling point. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are an array of gorgeous little bookshops lining the twirling streets<\/span> and handmade jewellery boutiques hidden in the corners<\/span>. Visit the many delicious bakeries oozing the fresh smells of homemade bread and creamy chocolate eclairs. <\/span>And across from the beach,<\/span><\/span> t<\/span><\/span>here are wonderful little caf<\/span>\u00e9s<\/span><\/span>, restaurants and British pubs waiting to quench your thirst after a splash in the sea.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Whitstable<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As if that wasn\u2019t enough to get you in the car, Whitstable beach is much quieter than m<\/span>any other UK beaches (and trust me, I\u2019ve been to quite a few). Utter bliss.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dymchurch Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This beach is rarely spoken of, even though it boasts a tremendous beach full of sand and exquisite sea views. If you\u2019re looking for a destination that doesn\u2019t require all the thrills to make it a great place to spend the afternoon then this is the one for you.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It does exactly as you ask and offers a quiet, peaceful beach that stretches far enough for you not to bump into hundreds of people when you lay down a blanket. Half-way between Kent\u2019s famous city of Canterbury and Margate, Dymchurch beach is conveniently located and easily accessible by car or coach.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

So, there you have it. The 7 best beaches near London. Take a trip and tag us in your adventure @goldentoursuk<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n