Whether you’re craving artisan ice cream, sea-view dining, vintage amusement parks or serene beach walks, these beach towns near London offer the ideal antidote to the city’s heatwave.
The capital is sizzling, with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 32°C — and let’s be honest, there’s only so much sunshine you can soak up in a city park.
When London starts to feel like an oven, there’s only one real solution: the beach.
Luckily, there are plenty of charming seaside escapes less than two hours away that are perfect for a spontaneous coastal getaway.
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Deal, Kent
Best for: History buffs, sea views and boutique browsing
With its pebble beach, Victorian pier and charming Georgian streets, Deal is a coastal gem that often flies under the radar. The town’s indie high street is packed with galleries, delis and antique shops and Deal Castle — built by Henry VIII — makes for a fascinating stop.
Grab a coffee from Pop Up Café, browse the Saturday market, or simply settle in with a pint overlooking the water.
How to get there: Trains from London St Pancras take about 1 hour 25 minutes.
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Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
Best for: Peaceful beaches, classic beach huts and retro charm
If you’re after a quieter, more traditional seaside vibe, Frinton is your go-to. This genteel resort has a long, sandy beach backed by rows of vintage beach huts and zero arcades in sight — making it a welcome break from louder coastal towns.
Pack a picnic, take a dip in the calm sea, or stroll the clifftop greensward. For a dose of nostalgia, don’t miss a walk down Connaught Avenue — once nicknamed the “Bond Street of East Anglia.”
How to get there: Around 1 hour 45 minutes from London Liverpool Street via Thorpe-le-Soken.
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Whitstable, Kent
Best for: Seafood lovers, indie shopping and coastal charm
Just an hour and a half from the capital, Whitstable is a laid-back fishing town with a creative soul. It’s famous for its oysters — especially at the rustic yet refined Whitstable Oyster Company — and its pastel-painted cottages and pebbly beaches are pure Instagram fodder.
Browse the Harbour Market for handmade crafts, then take the gentle coastal walk or cycle to Herne Bay for sea air and sweeping views.
How to get there: Direct trains from London Victoria or St Pancras take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
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Margate, Kent
Best for: Art lovers, café culture and seaside nostalgia
Margate is the ultimate blend of retro fun and contemporary cool. Often nicknamed Shoreditch-on-Sea, this artsy beach town is packed with independent galleries, creative boutiques, and buzzy eateries. Highlights include the stunning Turner Contemporary gallery and the Carl Freedman Gallery — both magnets for modern art enthusiasts.
Families and thrill-seekers will love Dreamland, Margate’s vintage amusement park complete with the UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster. Don’t miss the atmospheric Shell Grotto or the spectacular pink sunsets over the sea.
How to get there: Direct trains from London St Pancras take around 90 minutes.
Mersea Island, Essex
Best for: Foodies, oyster fans and beach strolls
Escape to Mersea Island, where time slows down and seafood reigns supreme. Just off the Essex coast, this peaceful island is famous for its oysters — harvested here since Roman times. Grab a seat at the Company Shed, a no-frills but beloved seafood institution, and feast on the freshest shellfish.
On West Mersea, stroll along the sand past rows of colourful beach huts. Families should head to East Mersea’s Cudmore Grove Country Park, a scenic spot with a play area and panoramic estuary views.
How to get there: Take a train from London Liverpool Street to Colchester (under 1 hour), then a 20-minute taxi.
@wonder_lesea 🗺️ How to get to Mersea Beach (Mersea Island, Essex): First, take a train 🚆 to Colchester (about 1 hour from London). Then hop on bus 🚌 No. 55 or 55A — they go directly to West Mersea, where the beach huts are located. 🚨 Good to know: • Buses run quite infrequently, especially on weekends — make sure to check the schedule in advance! • 🌊 During high tide, the road to the island (The Strood) can be flooded, and service may be temporarily suspended. 🎀 Why it’s worth the trip: The colorful beach huts on Mersea Beach are perfect for cute photo shoots, hen parties, or even a seaside birthday celebration 💖📸 The whole place looks like a pastel dream — calm, cozy, and super Instagrammable. #MerseaIsland #MerseaBeach #BeachHutsUK #GirlsTripUK #HiddenGemsUK #EssexCoast #instaworthyspot
Rye & Camber Sands, East Sussex
Best for: Dog lovers, dune explorers and boutique stays
Few coastal getaways are as dog-friendly as Rye, a storybook town packed with pubs and inns that welcome four-legged guests. Just outside Rye lies Camber Sands, a glorious five-mile beach with golden dunes — open to dogs all year round.
Post-beach, indulge at The Gallivant, a luxe yet laid-back hotel and restaurant just steps from the sand, known for its delicious local menu and dog-welcoming vibe.
How to get there: Take the train from London St Pancras to Rye via Ashford International — just over an hour.
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Best for: Family days out, local eats and scenic walks
With its maritime charm and bustling community, Leigh-on-Sea is a top pick for a day trip from London. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Leigh, soak up the fishing village atmosphere, then head along the seafront promenade toward Southend.
There, you’ll find arcades, an aquarium, the UK’s longest pleasure pier, and traditional ice cream from Rossi’s. Leigh is also great for shopping, with independent boutiques lining Leigh Road and The Broadway. Don’t forget to stop at Chalkwell Park for a shaded break with the kids.
How to get there: Around 1 hour by train from London Fenchurch Street.
@magiconfilm Oh to live by the seaside ☀️🐚⛱️🍦🌊 #seaside #seashanty #leighonsea #england #country
Hayling Island, Hampshire
Best for: Kitesurfers, windsurfers and WWII history buffs
Hayling Island offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Its five-mile stretch of Blue Flag beach is ideal for sunbathing or trying out windsurfing and kitesurfing at one of the many local schools. Sailing is also popular here, thanks to steady sea breezes.
History lovers can walk the WWII heritage trail, while those looking for a peaceful view can follow the Hayling Billy Trail, a scenic path on a disused railway line offering panoramic views across Portsmouth Harbour.
How to get there: Trains from London Waterloo to Havant take 75–90 minutes. Then it’s a 20-minute taxi or bus ride to the island.
Feature image: Freepik
