With summer on the horizon, anticipation is in the air for long bank holiday weekends and (hopefully) a season of sunshine and warm weather. If you’re looking to catch some rays locally, London boasts plenty of spectacular lidos and outdoor pools, but sometimes you can’t beat soaking in the sun with warm sand beneath your toes and sea breeze in your hair. Luckily, there are a host of beaches near London that rank as some of the best in the UK.

You’ve probably journeyed down to the pebbly beaches of Brighton but, venture a little further afield, and you’ll find Britain’s seascapes have far more to offer. From picturesque sandy shores in Kent to windswept, photogenic destinations in Sussex, pack your sunscreen and flip flops and discover the best beaches near London to visit in summer 2024.

Brighton beach, East Sussex

Think of a beach near London and, chances are, Brighton is the first one that comes to mind. Even if a pebble beach isn’t your first choice, this seaside destination is always buzzing. Go paddle boarding in the waves, try your hand at the arcades on the famous pier, or lay out a blanket on the beach and indulge in some deliciously moreish fish and chips. There are also plenty of top-notch restaurants and the famous vintage shops of Brighton’s Lanes to keep you busy if the weather isn’t playing ball.

How to get there: Drive in just under 2 hours or  the train from London Victoria or St Pancras takes around an hour

Camber Sands, Sussex

So beautiful is Camber Sands that it has served as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows including The Monuments Men, The Theory of Everything and Doctor Who. A vast sandy expanse in East Sussex, the beach is home to rolling sand dunes interspersed by spiky tufts of beach grass. Work on building impressive sand castles or dabble in windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can also take your furry friends along as the beach is pet-friendly with a few restrictions applying between May and September. 

How to get there: Drive in around 2 hours or the train from London St Pancras to Rye takes 1 hour, 40 minutes followed by a short bus ride

Botany Bay, Kent

Botany Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the UK. This 600 foot-long stretch of golden sand benefits from the dramatic backdrop of the white chalk cliffs of the Kent coastline, so naturally pops up on endless Instagram feeds every summer. Located between Margate and Ramsgate, relax in the sandy bay, go fossil hunting, explore the little rock pools or avail yourself of the delights of these quintessentially British seaside towns. 

How to get there: Drive in around 2 hours or the train from London St Pancras or Victoria takes 1 hour, 40 minutes followed by a short bus ride

Mersea Island, Essex

Mersea Island requires a bit of pre-planning to visit as the road connecting it to the mainland often floods during high tide. Once there, however, you get the choice of varied coastlines: East Mersea is a wild rural gravelly beach expanse that tends to be quieter than its neighbours and makes for a great fossil hunting spot while West Mersea is more popular thanks to its sandy beaches and colourful huts. West Mersea is also a popular foodie haunt thanks to its delectable native oysters. After a day of catching the rays by the water, be sure to pop over to the Mersea Island vineyard for sundowners.

How to get there: Drive in around 2 hours or the train from London Liverpool Street to Colchester takes an hour followed by a 45 minute bus ride

Whitstable, Kent

Don’t let the pebbly beach deter you, Whitstable is a beautiful destination for some downtime. Wander around West beach if you fancy a quiet sojourn or head further east to Tankerton beach for stunning views of the sea. Whitstable itself is a charming town perfect for a day trip, with colourful clapboard houses, rustic winding streets, and traditional pubs serving fresh seafood. Don’t be surprised to catch a few influencers in the wild here on a sunny day.

How to get there: Drive in an hour and a half or the train from London St Pancras or Victoria takes 1 hour, 20 minutes

West Wittering, West Sussex

With great views of Chichester harbour, West Wittering is surely one of the most picturesque options on this list. The beach has some of the cleanest waters of any in the UK and lifeguards are on duty in the summer months, making it a brilliant option for families looking to take a dip. Wild swimming not for you? There’s plenty more on offer here: stroll along the water with your pets (dogs are allowed on certain stretches), sunbathe on the sand dunes, go rock-pooling, or wait for a celebrity sighting (Kate Winslet famously owns a home in a nearby village). 

How to get there: Drive in two hours or the train from London Victoria to Chichester takes 1 hour, 30 minutes followed by a 35  minute bus ride

Minnis Bay, Kent

A great spot for a family day out, Minnis Bay is packed with activities. This sandy beach in north Kent is ideal for a spot of sunbathing and swimming, while also boasting a children’s outdoor play area and paddling pool. For more active alternatives, try windsurfing, kiteboarding or sailing. Whether you’re riding the tides or getting the buckets and spades out for a sandcastle-building competition, Minnis Bay is great for a fun-filled relaxing day on the beach.

How to get there: Drive in about two hours or the train from London St Pancras to Birchington-on-Sea takes 1 hour, 30 minutes

Joss Bay, Kent

Another beach benefitting from Kent’s white chalk cliffs in the background, Joss Bay lies between Margate and Ramsgate. This charming cove is filled with soft sand primed for lazing around for hours under the sun. A quieter option than its more famous neighbour Broadstairs, this is a great spot for a romantic beach day out. That said, Joss Bay also has a surf school if you want to try your hand at tackling the waves. It’s like going to Cornwall without the long journey.

How to get there: Drive in about an hour and a half or the train from London Victoria to Broadstairs takes 1 hour, 50 minutes followed by a short walk

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