Best beaches near London for day trips by train

Features: Pebble Beach, World-Famous Pier, Beachfront Hotels

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Family fun and plentiful activities await at one of the most iconic beaches near London. A seaside resort in East Sussex, day trippers from the capital have long chosen Brighton Beach for its iconic pier, wide pebble beaches, dog-friendly stretches and charming beachfront. At just one hour from London, taking the train to Brighton Beach is a delightfully easy way to soak in some seaside sun.

Trains to Brighton Beach

Nearest train station: Brighton

• London Bridge > Brighton (Thameslink, direct, 1 hour)
• London Blackfriars > Brighton (Thameslink, direct, 1 hour and 15 minutes)

What to do at Brighton Beach

Sports and games

Watersports fans will be spoilt for choice at Brighton Beach, with activities including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding popular with visitors. If you prefer to get active on the beach, play some volleyball or Frisbee on Brighton’s famous wide beachfront.

Take it easy

If a slower pace of life seems more appealing, you could sit back and relax in a deckchair or take a gentle stroll along Brighton Pier. Try your luck in an amusement park or soak up some culture at the opulent 18th-century pleasure palace.

Four-legged friends

Dogs are permitted on all Brighton & Hove beaches between October and April. Outside of these months, you’ll need to look for special dog-friendly beaches. If you’re planning to stroll along the promenade, remember that dogs must be on a lead at all times.

Beachfront hotels

If you want to make your trip into a weekend getaway, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels with a view over Brighton Beach. Choose from a Regency-style former townhouse, several 4-star hotels or elegant Victorian buildings.

Features: Sandy Beach, Victorian Pier, Amusements Galore

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For a classic British seaside holiday from London, Clacton-on-Sea should be a strong contender. This renowned seaside resort on the east coast combines all the splendour of a fine Victorian pier with the carefree fun of abundant amusements and the glow of golden sand. Not for nothing is Clacton-on-Sea known as the jewel in the crown of the ‘Essex Sunshine Coast’!

Trains to Clacton-on-Sea Beach

Nearest train station: Clacton-on-Sea

• London Liverpool Street > Clacton-on-Sea (Greater Anglia, direct, 1 hour and 26 minutes)

What to do at Clacton-on-Sea Beach

Activities for the whole family

With a pleasure pier, numerous amusements, a golf course and water sports, the whole family will find something to do. In fact, if you can’t fit all the fun into one day, you might want to stay over in a beachfront hotel.

Take a trip to the theatre

Clacton-on-Sea offers beach visitors a choice of two main theatres. Visit the Princes and the West Cliff Theatres to enjoy a wide array of shows – there’s something for everyone.

Build a sandcastle

The ever-popular Clacton-on-Sea beach brings in visitors with its glorious golden sand. For a sandy beach near London where you can kick back and relax, Clacton-on-Sea has a lot to offer. Grab an ice cream and enjoy the sun!

Take a walk

Whether a gentle stroll along the pier or a hike along the Essex Sunshine Coast, you’ll find beautiful surroundings wherever you go. If you’re planning to bring your four-legged friend, remember that dogs are not allowed on most areas of Clacton-on-Sea beach between May and September.

Features: Spacious Beaches, Golden Sand, Family Fun

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If wide, golden beaches are your thing then Bournemouth will not disappoint! Having welcomed sun-seekers since Victorian times, Bournemouth Beach is one of the best beaches near London for a relaxed day out. Down in Dorset, you’ll be able to bask in swathes of golden sand, swim in sparkling waters and walk for miles along beautiful beach fronts. What’s not to like?

Trains to Bournemouth Beach

Nearest train station: Bournemouth

• London Waterloo > Bournemouth (South Western Railway, direct, 1 hour 45)

What to do at Bournemouth Beach

Get active

As well as golden sand, Bournemouth Beach boasts more than 10 miles of connected beaches, making it ideal for a stunning walk in the sun. If you’re feeling lively, you could run or cycle the route either!

Take the train

After travelling to Bournemouth Beach by train, why not see the beachfront in style: by taking the Bournemouth land train along the promenade! Sit back and enjoy the view​ from the comfort of this charming seaside tradition.

Grab a bite to eat

Set in a perfect location just a stone’s throw from Bournemouth town means that you’ll have no trouble getting some delicious food on your trip to Bournemouth Beach. After a busy afternoon on the beach, why not unwind in one of Bournemouth’s many independent cafes and restaurants, or browse quirky seaside shops in search of a bargain.

Features: Sand Dunes, Beachcombing

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At just over an hour from the capital, Camber Sands in East Sussex is one of the UK’s best beaches near London, known for its golden sand and rolling dunes. While most Sussex beaches are shingle and pebble, Camber Sands draws in visitors for its miles of glorious sand, while families will find plenty of activities to keep everyone happy.

Trains to Camber Sands

Nearest train station: Rye (Sussex)

• London St Pancras > Rye (Southeastern, Southern, 1 change, 1 hour and 6 minutes)

What to do at Camber Sands

Get on the water

Those looking for a beach near London to let loose and get active will enjoy a trip to Camber Sands. As a popular windsurfing and kitesurfing spot, Camber Sands draws in experts and beginners alike – with several schools established to initiate newbies into kitesurfing. You can try paddleboarding too or make a visit to the surf shop for some surf lessons.

See the sand dunes

If spending some time on the water isn’t your thing, Camber Sands also has a lot to offer on land! Any visitor to Camber Sands should make time to see the impressive natural environment along the beachfront, exploring the unique sand dunes that make Camber Sands unique. For a different view, climb up to Camber Castle, a 16th-century fort built by Henry VIII, which offers a great view over the beach.

Walkies

When you’re relaxing on wide sandy beaches, taking a stroll along the beachfront is a great way to take it all in. Camber Sands has the added advantage of being considered one the best places for beachcombing (looking for collectables on the beach) in the UK. If you’re bringing your furry friend, it’s good to know that Camber Sands is relatively dog friendly: dogs are allowed on Camber Sands, except on the central and eastern sections (May to September).

Take it easy

With wide and spacious beaches, it is possible to relax in relative solitude along the unspoiled beach front of Camber Sands, even in the busy summer season. Bring a bucket and spade to build a sandcastle or just lie back on the soft sand.

Travelling to the best beaches near London by train is a great way to soak up some sun and explore stunning natural scenery without the annoyance of traffic jams and the hassle of finding parking. As well as being more environmentally friendly, you can save money when you take the train when booking advance tickets with TrainPal.

To make the most of your trip, look for Off-Peak tickets, which offer cheaper train travel at less busy times. TrainPal will automatically suggest Split Tickets that allow you to save money without affecting your journey.

Another important point is to check the luggage rules before you travel. For example, most train operators will not allow you to bring surfboards onboard, though you should check the specific rules with the relevant operator, as this may vary.

Look out too for seasonal train schedules, as many busy routes to popular beaches near London will have extra services in the peak tourist season.

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