7 beautiful beaches within 2-hours of London

Frinton-On-Sea
Two-hour drive from London

Lined with gorgeous Victorian-style beach huts, Frinton-On-Sea is in the Tendring district of Essex approximately a two-hour drive from London. Retaining the atmosphere of the 1920s and 30s, this small coastal town was once a favourite for aristocrats and even royalty. Now the long stretch of soft sand welcomes families, couples and dog walkers… and the quaint town mirrors the same. Expect small shops, cafés and plenty of tea rooms.
 

Whitstable
1.5-hour drive from London
1.5 hour train from London Victoria or London St. Pancras

Famed for its native oysters, the shingle beach of Whitstable in Kent is a favourite for coastal walks. Located a mere 90-minute drive or train ride from London, Whitstable represents traditional British seaside. Forget piers, rides and overpriced candy floss, instead you get charm by the bucketload. Expect to find an elderly couple sharing a sandwich on their deck chairs, fishing boats pulled onto the beach and plenty of boutique places to enjoy the day’s catch.
 

Camber Sands
2-hour drive from London
1-hour train from London Blackfriars to Rye

In the Sussex village of Camber, near Rye, this three-mile stretch is one of the only beaches along the Sussex coast that has sand… and lots of it, too. Home to the only sand-dunes in East Sussex, Camber Sands is covered in fine, golden powder and is beautiful for a long stroll or day spent doing nothing. With plenty of space, stretching to nearly five miles, our favourite spot to pitch up is toward the western end where the River Rother empties into the sea.
 

Brighton
2-hour drive from London 
1-hour train from London Blackfriars or London Victoria

Popular for its promenade, beach huts and lively pier that’s bursting with rides and amusements, Brighton is a great day out for all the family. Children, young and old, are spoilt for choice, while the pebble beach offers a great spot to soak up the English sun and devour a portion of fish and chips. 
 

Broadstairs
2-hour drive from London
2-hour train from London St. Pancras and London Victoria

Back to Kent, Broadstairs boasts seven sand-filled beaches and bays. The town’s main beach, Viking Bay, offers children’s rides, beach huts and a cliff-top promenade while Joss Bay is the ideal spot to learn how to surf. Oozing nostalgia, maybe this is because it was Charles Dickins favourite holiday spot, you’ll find plenty of memorabilia dotting throughout the town if you’re a literature aficionado. 

 

Ruislip Lido Beach
20-minute walk from Ruislip or Northwood Hills on Piccadilly Line

The only beach in London that you can get to via train, Ruislip Lido is a 60-acre lake within a nature reserve in our gorgeous capital. On the southern edge is where you’ll find the miraculous Ruislip Lido Beach. Ok, so it’s a faux seaside, but it is a stretch of sand lapped by beautiful water and perfect for families and couples. Oh, and let’s not forget the cute miniature train that takes you around the lake… it’s the ideal place to visit when the sun is shining in London.
 

Southwold
2-hour drive from London

This Suffolk beach has been recognised over the years and is a regular at the Blue Flag awards which demonstrates that the beach is not only clean, but it also provides a fantastic assortment of amenities. Candy-coloured beach huts line the edge of Southwold beach so don’t forget to bring your camera – you’ll be taking more than a few snaps for your grid. Oh, and while you’re in the area, beer fans must stop by the Adnams Brewery.

If you’re visiting any of these gorgeous beaches, why not turn your trip into a mini break? Winged Boots’ extensive range of suppliers means that we can always get competitive prices on hotels all over the UK. Call our personal travel managers today for your free holiday quote or submit an online enquiry here.