Best Beaches Near London: 25 Sandy Escapes Within 2 Hours of the City

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Best Beaches Near London: 25 Sandy Escapes Within 2 Hours of the City

Time to swap the sounds of the city for some salty sea air? These are the absolute best beaches near London

They might not be as well-known as Spain's stretches of sand or the sun-bleached white fringes of the Seychelles, but the UK's beaches still pack a punch. Who needs palm trees or constantly balmy temperatures when you've got the lure of the classic British seaside — striped beach huts, deck chairs, stone harbours, donkey rides and fish 'n' chips.

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If you live in London, the pull of a seaside outing is hard to resist when temperatures start climbing in the summer months. Swapping skyscraper views for salty air and unending sea horizons is easier than you might think. A whole range of secluded, photogenic beach destinations await, all steeped in charm, just a short train journey away on the UK's southern coast.

Whether you want to explore the vast expanse of Camber Sands or the eerie beauty of Dungeness, here are the best beaches within two hours of the capital.

Best Beaches Near London

1. Tankerton Beach & The Street, Whitstable, Kent — The Street, a 750-metre shingle spit that emerges from Whitstable's pretty Tankerton beach at low tide, offers lovely views of the colourful clapboard houses and beach huts. After beach time, head to Harbour Street for the town's famous native oysters. Getting there: 1hr 20min by train from London Victoria, or 1hr 10min from St Pancras International to Whitstable; approx 1hr 40min by car.

2. East Beach, Littlehampton, West Sussex — A faded promenade and old-school funfair give Littlehampton its ramshackle charm. Architecture fans flock to Thomas Heatherwick's sculptural East Beach Cafe. Great for swimming, while neighbouring West Beach offers homemade ice cream and gourmet fish and chips. Getting there: 1hr 40min from London Victoria or London Bridge; approx 2hr 30min by car.

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3. Minnis Bay, Birchington-on-Sea, Kent — This long, beautiful Blue Flag sandy beach is a firm family favourite with free parking, a children's play area and a paddling pool perfect for discovering marine life. Windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing keep older visitors happy, while walkers and cyclists can enjoy the 32-mile Viking Coastal Trail. Getting there: 1hr 30min from London St Pancras International; approx 2hr by car.

4. Leigh-on-Sea, Essex — Nestled near Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea is its older, quainter cousin. Cobbled streets, swaying boats and traces of a historic fishing past make it a photographer's delight. The beach is small but sandy, and you're close to excellent seafood eateries — try Osborne's Cafe & Seafood Hall for its award-winning cockles.