There is nothing like a beach getaway without the hassle of driving. London is a bustling city, and a gateway to beautiful beaches by train which are just a couple of hours away from London. Whether you’re seeking famous shores or hidden gems, this guide will take you on a travel adventure to the best and most beautiful beaches near London by train. Get ready to relax on sandy beaches, soak up coastal views, and indulge in local hospitality at small guesthouses, locally-run B&Bs, or camping sites. Plan your next London day trip to the beach, beach getaway, or coastal escape!
Sand dunes at West Wittering Beach
West Wittering Beach is a stunning sandy beach located in the village of West Wittering on the south coast of England. Known for its wide sandy beach and clear blue waters, this beach offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Nearby attractions include East Head, a sand dune spit with nature trails, and Chichester Harbour, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Accommodation
Stay at a local B&B or camping site near West Wittering or Linden House or Cullimore.
Getting there by train
Take a train from London Victoria to Chichester station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Chichester station, West Wittering Beach is about a 20-minute drive or a bus/taxi ride.
Whitstable Beach
Whitstable Beach is a quaint pebble beach located in the charming coastal town of Whitstable on the northeast coast of England. This beach is famous for its oysters, with oyster beds visible at low tide and local seafood restaurants offering delicious seafood dishes. The town itself is known for its bohemian vibe, with artsy shops, galleries, and colourful beach huts.
Accommodation
The Marine Hotel is a locally-run B&B located close to the beach.
Place to Eat
The Forge offers locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired dishes.
Getting there by train
Take a train from London Victoria to Whitstable station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Whitstable station, the beach is within walking distance or a short bus/taxi ride.
Stunning Camber Sands Beach
The famous sandy beach of Camber Sands is located near the historic town of Rye on the southeast coast of England. This beach is known for its wide stretch of golden sands and dunes, making it a popular destination for beach walks, sunbathing, and kite surfing. The nearby town of Rye is worth exploring with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and quaint shops.
Accommodation
The Gallivant is a boutique hotel located just a short walk away from Camber Sands.
Place to Eat
The Owl, a seafood restaurant in Camber village, serves fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes.
Getting there by train
Take a train from London St. Pancras International to Rye station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Rye station, Camber Sands is just a short bus/taxi ride away.
Have fun and swim in Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is a bustling seaside resort located on the northern coast of the Thames Estuary, just outside of London. This beach offers a mix of sandy and pebble stretches, with a long pier, amusement park, and arcades for entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, kite flying, and seafood stalls.
Accommodation
Stay at a locally-owned guesthouse or B&B in Southend-on-Sea, such as Edelweiss Guest House.
Getting there by train
Take a train from London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central Station, which takes approximately 1 hour. From Southend Central Station, the beach is just a short walk away.
Frinton-on-Sea
Frinton-on-Sea is a serene sandy beach located on the east coast of England, known for its peaceful atmosphere and Victorian architecture. This beach is perfect for a relaxing getaway, with its golden sands, dunes, and colourful beach huts. Visitors can also explore the nearby town with its quaint shops, tea rooms, and gardens.
Accommodation
The Old Surgery is a small guesthouse near the beach.
Place to Eat
The Lock and Barrel, a pub located in Frinton-on-Sea, offers a wide range of craft beers and ales.
Getting there by train
Take a train from London Liverpool Street to Thorpe-le-Soken station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Thorpe-le-Soken station, Frinton-on-Sea is just a short bus/taxi ride away.
Long and beautiful beaches in Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth Beach is one of the UK’s most popular and stunning beaches. It stretches for over 7 miles along the coast of Dorset, and is easily accessible from London by train.
The beach is renowned for its golden sand, clear waters, and the iconic pier that juts out into the sea. The beach has a range of amenities, including beach huts, deck chairs, and water sports facilities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing or take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the sea breeze.
The beach can get crowded during peak season, but there are plenty of quieter spots to be found further down the coast.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in Bournemouth, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. The Green House Hotel offers rooms and an on-site restaurant that serves locally sourced and seasonal produce.
Place to eat
When it comes to dining options, there are plenty of seafood restaurants and cafes along the seafront, as well as options for international cuisine. WestBeach, a seafood restaurant located right on the beach, is a popular choice.
How to get to Bournemouth Beach by train
To get to Bournemouth from London, the best train station to leave from is London Waterloo. Trains run regularly from Waterloo to Bournemouth, with a travel time of around 2 hours. The beach is a short walk from Bournemouth train station, or visitors can take a bus or taxi to the seafront.
Margate Beach, Kent
Margate Beach, located in the town of Margate in Kent, is a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway from London. This seaside resort town is known for its vintage seaside charm, and is home to a variety of attractions including the famous Dreamland amusement park.
The beach itself stretches for over a mile and offers a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. It is also popular with surfers and kite surfers, making it an excellent spot for those looking for a more adventurous beach experience.
Accommodation
Margate has a range of accommodation options, from small guesthouses to boutique hotels. A popular choice is the Sands Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel with stunning sea views.
Place to eat
When it comes to dining, there are plenty of options in Margate. The Bus Cafe is a unique spot that serves food and drinks from a converted double-decker bus, and uses locally-sourced ingredients. For a more upscale dining experience, the Buoy and Oyster serves fresh seafood in a beautiful seaside setting.
How to get to Margate Beach by train
To get to Margate from London, the best train station to leave from is London Victoria, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The train arrives at Margate station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Visitors can also take the high-speed train from St. Pancras International station, which takes just under an hour. From the train station, visitors can walk to the beach or take a short taxi ride.
Seven Sisters Beach and Cliffs, East Sussex
Located in East Sussex, Seven Sisters beach is a stunning pebble beach situated at the foot of the towering chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. This beach offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of London.
One of the main attractions of Seven Sisters beach is its natural beauty, with the stunning chalk cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop to the beach. The beach is also known for its clear waters and is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Seven Sisters Country Park is a great place to start, with its network of trails and paths.
Accommodation
For accommodation, visitors can choose from a range of options, including the Seven Sisters B&B and the YHA South Downs hostel. Both offer comfortable and affordable accommodation, with easy access to the beach.
Place to eat
When it comes to food, The Beach Deck is a popular choice, serving up delicious seafood dishes with stunning views of the sea. The Salt Room is also a great option, offering a more upscale dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
How to get to Seven Sisters beach by train
To get to Seven Sisters beach from London, take a train from London Victoria to Seaford station, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Seaford, it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to the beach. Alternatively, take a train to Brighton and then catch a bus or taxi to the beach, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total.
Cliffs and Beach in Dover
Dover Beach is a beautiful shingle beach located in the historic town of Dover, in Kent. It’s one of the closest beaches to London and is accessible by train, making it a popular destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
The beach offers stunning views of the famous White Cliffs of Dover, and on a clear day, you can see the coast of France. The beach is backed by picturesque chalk cliffs, and the water is beautiful. It is an excellent spot for swimming. The beach also has plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing and is a popular spot for beachcombing.
Accommodation
There are several places to stay in Dover, ranging from small B&Bs to guesthouses and hotels. One popular option is the Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, which offers stunning views of the English Channel and has its own spa. For a more budget-friendly option, the White Cliffs Retreat is a charming bed and breakfast located just a short walk from the beach.
Place to eat
When it comes to dining options, there are plenty of great choices in Dover. The Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant offers a range of delicious seafood dishes, while The Allotment serves up fresh, locally sourced vegetarian and vegan options. For a taste of traditional English pub food, The White Horse is a popular choice.
How to get to Dover Beach by train
To get to Dover Beach by train from London, you can take a high-speed train from St. Pancras International to Dover Priory Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From the station, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the beach. Alternatively, you can take a local train from London Victoria to Dover Priory, which takes approximately 2 hours.
Brighton Beach and Palace Pier by Train
Brighton Beach is located in the vibrant city of Brighton and Hove, which is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is easily accessible by train from London. The beach is a long pebble beach that stretches for miles along the coast, making it a perfect destination for a beach walk or a day out with the family. The beach also offers a range of water sports, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. There are also plenty of deck chairs available for rent.
One of the main attractions of Brighton Beach is the Brighton Palace Pier, a Victorian-era pier converted into an amusement park with rides, games, and food stalls. Visitors can enjoy a variety of funfair attractions and games, including a traditional carousel and a helter-skelter. Another popular attraction is the British Airways i360, a 162-metre observation tower that provides stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding area.
Accommodation
Brighton has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.
Booking.comPlace to eat
For food, visitors can head to The Coal Shed, or Terre à Terre, a vegetarian restaurant that has won several awards for its innovative and delicious cuisine.
How to get to Brighton Beach by train from London
Getting to Brighton Beach from London is easy, with regular trains from London Victoria, London Bridge, and St Pancras International taking around an hour. The beach is just a short walk from Brighton train station, making it easy to reach on foot.
Botany Bay Beach by Train
Botany Bay Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located in the village of Broadstairs on the southeast coast of England. Its stunning chalk cliffs, rock pools, and clear waters make it a true hidden gem. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the rock pools at low tide. There are also coastal walks to nearby Joss Bay and Kingsgate Bay and local seafood cafes and ice cream stalls.
Botany Bay Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Kent, located just a short distance from Viking Bay Beach in Broadstairs. The beach is known for its sweeping, crescent-shaped coastline and towering white cliffs, which offer spectacular views of the English Channel.
Like Viking Bay, Botany Bay Beach has been awarded Blue Flag status for its cleanliness. The beach is known for its soft, golden sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Botany Bay Beach also has a rich history. The beach was named after the plants and fossils that can be found in the surrounding cliffs, and visitors can explore the area’s geological history by taking a guided tour or visiting the nearby Crampton Tower Museum.
Accommodation
Several B&Bs and guesthouses in the nearby villages, such as Kingsgate Bed & Breakfast and Botany Bay Hotel, offer cosy accommodation options.
Place to Eat
The Botany Bay Hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves locally-sourced seafood, making it a great place to enjoy a meal while supporting local businesses. Wyatt and Jones, a popular seafood restaurant that offers fresh dishes. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the beach.
Getting there by train
Take a train from London St. Pancras International to Broadstairs station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Botany Bay Beach is about a 20-minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride from Broadstairs station.
Viking Bay Beach by train
Viking Bay Beach is a picturesque, sandy beach situated on the east coast of Kent, just over an hour and a half from London by train. It’s a popular destination for families and couples looking for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway from the city.
What makes Viking Bay Beach special is its stunning views of the English Channel and its iconic white cliffs.
There’s plenty to see and do in the quaint seaside town of Broadstairs, where the beach is located. Visitors can explore the historic town center, which is home to several independent shops and cafes, or take a stroll along the cliff-top promenade for more spectacular views of the coast.
Accommodation
For accommodations, visitors can check out the Botany Bay Hotel, a small, family-run hotel located just a short distance from Viking Bay Beach.
Place to eat
As for dining options, The Old Bakehouse is a great choice for a cozy meal after a day at the beach. This charming restaurant serves traditional English dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
How to get to Viking Bay Beach by train
To get to Viking Bay Beach from London, travellers can take a direct train from London St. Pancras International to Broadstairs, which takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. From there, the beach is just a short walk away from the train station. Visitors can also take a bus or taxi to the beach if they prefer.
When it comes to accommodations, there are several options. One great choice is the Bay Tree Hotel, which is located just a short walk from Botany Bay Beach. This charming hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves locally-sourced food.
Many beautiful beaches are located within 1 to 3 hours by train from London, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventure playground or a lively atmosphere, there is a beach to suit every taste. With good accommodation options and plenty of local restaurants serving up delicious seafood, these beaches are perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. So hop on a train and discover the stunning coastal gems that await you just a short journey away from London.
