The Best Seaside Towns and Cities Within Easy Reach of London 

From the unspoilt charm of Whitstable to the flamboyance of Brighton, there are plenty of top seaside towns and cities less than two hours away from the UK capital. Characterful and filled with amazing things to do, they promise a fun escape. Pick your own favourite.

Only 25mi (40km) from the coast of France – which is visible on a clear day – this old-fashioned seaside town, less than two hours by train from London, is home to Georgian houses, shingle beaches and a long pier. It also has some imposing Tudor castles, the most magnificent of which is Deal Castle, built during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Unsurprisingly for a seaside resort, there’s plenty of fresh fish on offer here, as well as cute coffee shops and independent stores such as Smugglers Records, which houses an impressive selection of vinyl.

How to get here: 1hr 23mins by train from St Pancras International; two hours by car.

Charles Dickens was smitten with Broadstairs and spent many of his summers here; he wrote David Copperfield during a stay in a clifftop house overlooking Viking Bay. Bleak House, as it is now known, is no longer open to visitors, but you’re sure to feel inspired by walking past it.

It’s easy to see why Dickens chose this lofty spot: Victoria Gardens along the clifftop promenade and the sandy Viking Bay beach beneath are pleasant spots to stroll, and the chalk cliffs and caves complete the setting. You can grab an ice cream cone from Morelli’s – they even do alcoholic flavours such as mojito and lime.

How to get here: 1hr 40mins by train from St Pancras International; two hours by car.

This golden sandy beach is a surfer’s paradise. The surf school at the beach hires boards and wetsuits so you can just show up and get stuck in. If watersports aren’t your thing, the beach is surrounded by fields and golf courses, or you can simply hire a deckchair and watch the waves roll in.

Getting to Joss Bay from London: Direct trains from St Pancras International to Broadstairs: 1hr 22min.

This beach has such amazing sand, they hold the annual Folkestone Sandcastle Competition here. This beach is an absolute British classic. Alongside the flat stretch of sand, there are rock pools, seafood shacks, fish and chips and plenty of photo opportunities.

Getting to Sunny Sands from London: Direct trains from St Pancras International to Folkestone: 55min

Famous for its rock oysters, pastel shopfronts and friendly people, Whitstable attracts day-trippers all year round. Fresh seafood is served everywhere, but for the best oysters, head to the Lobster on the waterfront for a cold beer and some live music.

A number of old-school record stores and independent bookshops line the back streets, along with some interesting art galleries – among them is the Fish Slab Gallery, which used to be a fishmonger’s. Enjoy afternoon tea or wander around the grounds at Whitstable Castle, which was built in the late 1790s.

How to get here: 1hr 30mins by train from London Victoria; two hours by car.

This hidden gem has stunning views of white cliffs and chalk stacks. Sea kayaking and canoeing are favoured sports here. This is one of the most photographed beaches in the UK – with good reason – so don’t forget to take your phone and fire up your Instagram.

Getting to Botany Bay from London: Direct trains from St Pancras International to Broadstairs: 1hr 22min

Southend-on-Sea is a quintessentially English seaside town that comes with a retro amusement park. If rollercoasters are your thing, head to Adventure Island for an afternoon of thrill-seeking, rainbow-coloured ice-cream cones and gift shops selling all kinds of unnecessary but fun stuff. Southend is also home to the world’s longest pier, so you can enjoy a long walk over the water.

For cobbled streets, period houses and a sleepier vibe, Leigh-on-Sea down the road is worth a visit. The Leigh Folk Festival is held here each summer and there’s the Old Leigh Regatta in September, which includes boating events next to pillow-fighting and cockle-eating competitions. If you’re looking for a bit of entertainment, try out the scavenger hunt they have going on in Southend!

How to get here: 1hr 15mins by train from London Liverpool Street; just under two hours by car.

This good old-fashioned seaside resort is perfect for a bit of retro summer chilling. If you get fed up of building sandcastles on the beach, there’s plenty of other stuff to keep you occupied. Drop a fishing line off the pier, take a pleasure cruise up the Thames aboard a “steamer” or visit the SeaQuarium.

Getting to Clacton-on-Sea from London: Direct trains from Liverpool Street: 1hr 26min.

Take your pick from two Blue Flag-awarded beaches: the relaxing East Beach, with its mixture of sand and pebbles, or Shoebury Common Beach, which is more for adrenaline junkies. It’s a hotspot for jet skiers and windsurfers.

Getting to Shoeburyness from London: Direct trains from Fenchurch Street: 1hr 3min.

Few UK cities are more colourful than Brighton. The unapologetically kitsch pier is what initially stands out and it’s where many Londoners escape to during a hot summer weekend. Ice-cream carts are in abundance, so grab a cone and hit the beach. Or why not explore the Lanes? These narrow streets are lined with boutiques, independent coffee shops, book and record stores, housed in 18th-century buildings. For a touch of opulence, check out the Royal Pavilion, which was built in the early 1800s as a seaside retreat for King George IV. Make sure to see the best sights on this open deck bus tour!

How to get here: 1hr by train from London Bridge; 1hr 45mins by car.

Dubbed “the new Brighton”, Hastings is best known for the 1066 battle that started the Norman Conquest of England, making it a magnet for history buffs who flock to its museums and the ruins of Hastings Castle, a stone fortress built after William of Normandy’s coronation.

Others come here to explore St Clements Caves, home to Smugglers Adventure, a tour which revisits the smuggling industry from 200 years ago. You can visit Hastings Contemporary for modern British art, dine on fresh fish across town, and for the best views, climb aboard the East Cliff Railway funicular, which will take you to the top of East Hill.

How to get here: 1hr 30mins by train from London Bridge; two hours by car.

Victorian hotels and tea rooms, a pier with bars and eateries and a 1930s bandstand set the tone in this resort town on the southeast coast. Eastbourne echoes its coastal sisters – of course – with plenty of ice-cream parlours, shingle beaches and retro arcades.

But there’s more besides the traditional seaside fare. The tiny area of Little Chelsea is filled with crafts shops and cafes, as well as an antique emporium, while the Towner Gallery hosts rare artworks, indie film screenings and creative workshops. Check out a fun local mini golf game in you are to unwind and have some fun!

How to get here: 1hr 20mins by train from London Victoria; 2hrs 20mins by car.

The beautiful golden sands here stretch for 7mi (11km) behind a wall of dramatic sand dunes. Enjoy the tranquillity, or if you’re feeling a little more active, try your hand at kitesurfing.

Getting to Camber Sands from London: Trains from St Pancras International to Rye: 1hr 12min, plus a five-minute taxi ride to Camber Sands

While technically not a seaside town – as it lies about 2mi (3km) upriver from the English Channel – Rye is a 10-minute drive from the coast, so it would be a shame not to include it.

Step on the uneven floors of Rye Castle’s Ypres Tower and climb the bell tower of the 12th-century St Mary’s church for splendid views of half-timbered roofs. Mermaid Street, with its cobbles and Hansel-and-Gretel houses, more than lives up to its name. Carve out some time to visit Camber Sands beach, and wander around the 19ha (47 acres) Rye Nature Reserve, which includes hiking trails, ponds and streams. See the beauties that Rye has to offer on this tour!

How to get here: 1hr 30mins by train from Liverpool Street; two hours by car.

This Blue Flag-awarded sandy beach offers plenty to see and do. It would be rude not to treat yourself to fish and chips, or if you want to find out where it comes from, head out on a fishing trip. Alternatively, cycle along the promenade, check out the nature reserve or try your hand at the old-school seaside amusements at the harbour park.

Getting to Littlehampton beach from London: Trains from Victoria to Littlehampton: 1hr 40min

The Isle of Wight has lots of beaches to choose from, but this little stunner located near the opulent Priory Bay Hotel is one to visit. It boasts crystal clear water and golden sands surrounded by rocks – a tranquil spot, made all the more peaceful by a barrier of helpful trees that shelter it from the wind. Getting to Priory Bay beach from London:

Trains from Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour: 1hr 30min + ferry from Fishbourne, 40min.

Additional suggestions and recommendations from Nicholas Atkins