London is a lively and bustling city – a place that is never short of entertainment. As wonderful as it is, however, sometimes city living can get a bit on the hectic side.
Whether you are looking for a bit of solace from the busy city or just a place to soak up the sun, the calming sounds of waves, the salty sea air, and the taste of traditional fish and chips make the beach a perfect place to take a break.
With our pick of the best sandy beaches near London, you won’t be short of ideas for when the waves become too tempting to resist. Let’s dive in!
Canvey Island – Best for Convenience
Situated at the bottom of the Thames River, Canvey Island is the closest beach to London. It’s a soft sandy beach perfect for a picnic or sunbathing. Due to its location, it’s also a lovely place to watch ships making their way peacefully up The Thames.
Chalkwell Beach – Best for Calm and Solitude
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the other Southend beaches, then Chalkwell Beach is the place to go. Known for its quiet and calm atmosphere, this one is ideal for a relaxing stroll. It might not be as pretty as the other beaches on this list, but at least you don’t have to share!
Thorpe Bay Beach – Best for Cleanliness
Another beach in Southend-on-Sea, Thorpe Bay is an ideal spot for swimming due to its quirky beach huts and Blue Flag award for cleanliness and safety. Not only is the beach standard incredibly high, but you are guaranteed a fun day out with a range of watersports like windsurfing and kayaking. With a café leading right onto the beach, you won’t be stuck for something to eat. Thorpe Bay is an all-rounder for a family day out.
Mersea Island – Best for Seafood
An Island in Essex, Mersea Island is famous for its seafood restaurant, The Company Shed. Mersea Island is the best choice if you love the idea of dining on oysters and drinking white wine on the beach. With seafood bars that please the critics and its wine vineyard, Mersea Island is a fun option for foodies and wine connoisseurs.
Kingsgate Bay, Dover – Best for Beauty and Peacefulness
If estuaries and the Southend aren’t your things, why not venture further to the White Cliffs of Dover? This beach is special, a thing of secluded beauty with its sea caves, white cliffs and white sand. Also, Kingsgate is one of the few beaches that welcome dogs all year round.
Sunny Sands, Kent – Best Alternative Beach
With its hills of wildflowers, mermaid statues, and concrete arches – Sunny Sands is a unique place. It is also one of the few beaches near London with white sand. In fact, the sand is so good that the Folkstone Sandcastle Building Competition takes place here every year!
Brighton Beach – Best for Liveliness
At Brighton Beach, you’ll never get bored. Renowned for its vibrancy, it has beach games, restaurants, bars, watersports, and arcades. The Palace Pier is a world with art galleries, restaurants and bars.
If arts and sports aren’t your things, the beach has its very own Sea Life Aquarium and a Fishing Museum for the seafaring historians amongst you. The beach comes alive at night with its beachside club culture, too. Brighton Beach may just about have everything (apart from peace and quiet!).
For more fantastic ways to explore everything the UK offers, take a look at our great range of UK tours. They’re the easiest, comfiest way to explore our nation’s most famous attractions.
