Being landlocked, the nearest thing to a beach in London is usually a warehouse with tonnes of sand chucked on the floor, a barman shaking lurid cocktails and some naff David Guetta wannabe, mumbling over the track. Fortunately, we have a number of gorgeous beaches right on our doorstep.
And as summer draws ever closer, with the prospect of sunny weather (we can but hope), now is the perfect time to plan your seaside day trips. Here are all the beaches, under an hour's train ride from London.
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An unexpected downpour or a chilly wind can ruin your day at the seaside. But this charming town is officially the warmest and driest place in the UK. When it comes to sandy beaches, the area also comes on top. Southend has just been awarded five Blue Flag Awards - the most awarded to any local authority in the East of England - for East Beach Shoeburyness, Shoebury Common, Thorpe Bay, Three Shells Beach and Westcliff Bay. Additionally, it has received other accolades for Chalkwell Beach and Jubilee Beach.
You can take a train there from Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street.
Another Essex town was recently voted one of the coolest places to live in the UK, according to a survey by wellness company Naturecan. And it's not just the array of lively bars, coffee shops and brunch spots that make it so appealing. Leigh-on-Sea is home to a stunning seafront, lined with cockle sheds.
You can take a train there from Fenchurch Street or on the District line from Upminster.
It's no surprise to us that Folkestone appeared in The Sunday Times' 2023 guide to the best places to live in the UK. Offering delicious seafood, little boutiques and a quirky art scene, you certainly won't get bored wandering around this pretty harbour town. Folkestone also has some excellent beaches, with perhaps its best being Sunny Sands. Though not particularly large, the beach is an ideal spot for the kids to get out their buckets and spades. A short distance away you may even be able to see the majestic sand dunes of Camber and the bustling port of Dover.
You can take a train there from St Pancras.
Yes, you may not be able to build a sandcastle and you definitely don't want to walk barefoot. However, Brighton's pebbly beach is iconic and very easy to get to via train services such as Thameslink from London Bridge. After a lazy stroll, or if you're brave enough refreshing dip, bask in the sunshine, devouring fish and chips, all washed down with a cold pint.
You can take a train there from Victoria.
See accommodation options on Booking.com.
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