London


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-more-than-1hr">No more than 1hr</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruislip-lido-beach-west-london-20-mins-piccadilly-line">Ruislip Lido Beach, West London, 20 mins Piccadilly Line</h3>



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<p>It doesn&#8217;t get much closer than this! Just at the end of the Piccadilly line there&#8217;s a little slice of the seaside in the form of <strong>Ruislip Lido Beach</strong> &#8211; a 700-acre woodland nature reserve, gorgeous natural lake with a genuine sandy beach. You can&#8217;t swim in it but, if you&#8217;re unable to escape the city for a beach day trip this is a close second best. The nearest stations are Ruislip and Northwood Hill which are a short 20 min walk away. As expected, being the only beach on the doorstep, it does get busy so sharpen those elbows and get there early for a prime sunbathing spot.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brighton-east-sussex-from-victoria-or-london-bridge">Brighton, East Sussex, from Victoria or London Bridge</h3>



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<p>You don’t need us to tell you about London&#8217;s cool little sister <strong>Brighton</strong>, but don’t discount it for a day trip. It might be a pebble beach but we don’t mind when it&#8217;s so easy to get to (trains direct from Victoria and London Bridge will get you there within the hour) and when there’s so much else to do. All the cool kids live in Hove now, so head west for a slightly quieter beach and amazing pizza at <a href="http://www.fattoamanopizza.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Fatto A Mano</strong></a>&nbsp;on Church Street or make time for a cocktail in <a href="https://www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Bohemia</strong></a> before wandering through the lanes to pick up a treasure or two.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leigh-on-sea-essex-direct-train-from-fenchurch-street">Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, direct train from Fenchurch Street</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="771" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/Leigh-on-Sea-Claudiu-S-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/Leigh-on-Sea-Claudiu-S-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/Leigh-on-Sea-Claudiu-S-copy-300x231.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/Leigh-on-Sea-Claudiu-S-copy-768x592.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A small (we’re talking a sliver) but perfectly formed sandy beach lined by cockle sheds, <strong>Bell Wharf Beach</strong> on the edge of <strong>Old Leigh</strong> is dinky but packed with character. Great for an early-morning swim or walk (it’s skinny but long at seven miles), be sure to stop at one of the many on-trend eateries, from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RusBubbleWaffles/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Ru’s Bubble Waffles</strong></a>&nbsp;selling desserts to go up a dress size for, to truly incredible Japanese food courtesy of&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://ozenrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozen</a></strong>, two miles up the road in <strong>Westcliff</strong>. Later in the day, head back to the beach when it becomes livelier in a chilled-out way, with windsurfing and sailing when the tide’s right, followed by littlies cockle-hunting in the muddy flats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southend-on-sea-essex-trains-direct-from-fenchurch-street">Southend-on-Sea, Essex, trains direct from Fenchurch Street</h3>



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<p>England’s newest city is also one of London’s nearest seaside towns: <strong>Southend</strong> is perfect if you’re all for a bit of kiss-me-quick and Waltzer action. Famous for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southendpier.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the longest pleasure pier in the world</a>&nbsp;(a Victorian showstopper at 1.33 miles long), you’ll find arcades, rollercoasters and fish and chips. For when you want a breather from the teacups, Southend’s sweeping coastline is also home to&nbsp;seven award-winning beaches, with <strong>Westcliff</strong> one of the best. A good choice for families with nippers, not only is it sparkling clean, but there’s a crabbing pool where kids can play when the tide is out (be warned that the beach can be totally submerged in high tide). Make sure you pay a visit to 1950s ice-cream parlour&nbsp;<a href="https://rossiparlour.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Rossi’s</strong></a>, loved by locals including Jamie Oliver.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-more-than-1-5-hrs">No more than 1.5 hrs</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botany-bay-broadstairs-trains-from-victoria-and-st-pancras-int">Botany Bay, Broadstairs, trains from Victoria and St Pancras Int</h3>



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<p>Yes, Kent has its very own <strong>Botany Bay</strong> and it is a surprising rival for its cousin down under. What it lacks in toned, tanned Aussie surfers it makes up for in beautiful chalk stacked cliffs, which offer stunning views and plenty of unbelievable photo ops for the &#8216;gram. A great one to bring the kids to thanks to the many rock pools as well as sand for hole-digging and castle-building. Relatively underdeveloped, this secluded hidden gem is perfect for a more relaxing beach day away from the city. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-margate-kent-trains-from-victoria-and-st-pancras-int">Margate, Kent, trains from Victoria and St Pancras Int</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/315701000_10160664805426458_8947548953875244143_n.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-73290" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Walpole Bay, Visit Kent</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Margate</strong> is well and truly back on the map now courtesy of the Sam Mendes movie <em>Empire of Light</em>. It&#8217;s got something for every kind of beach-goer &#8211; fun arcade games, a retro theme park, the pomp of the pier, lovely independent shops and delicious seafood (check out <a href="https://www.buoyandoyster.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Buoy and Oyster</strong></a> for lush platters). Fancy a dip? Our favourite place is <strong>Walpole Bay</strong> &#8211; a gorgeous tidal pool with all the pros of sea swimming without the panic of incoming tides.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whitstable-kent-trains-from-victoria-and-st-pancras-int">Whitstable, Kent, trains from Victoria and St Pancras Int</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="576" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/fred-moon-GzJYPYUi-7g-unsplash-576x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2757" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/fred-moon-GzJYPYUi-7g-unsplash-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/fred-moon-GzJYPYUi-7g-unsplash-169x300.jpg 169w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/fred-moon-GzJYPYUi-7g-unsplash-768x1366.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/fred-moon-GzJYPYUi-7g-unsplash-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/fred-moon-GzJYPYUi-7g-unsplash.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure>



<p>Seafood fans Whitstable is the place for you. Crowned one of the best places in England for oysters there&#8217;s a number of restaurants selling native Whitstable spoils for you to enjoy either in house or on the seafront. Aside from delicious seafood, Whitstable has been ranked one of the best beaches in the UK thanks to its wide sandy shores and abundance of space. It&#8217;s also renowned for its former fishermen huts which have now been transformed into self catering accommodation if you fancy making more than a day of it. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hastings-east-sussex-trains-from-st-pancras-london-bridge-or-victoria">Hastings, East Sussex, trains from St Pancras, London Bridge or Victoria</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="654" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ben-guerin-gJu4tumBu-c-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2762" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ben-guerin-gJu4tumBu-c-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ben-guerin-gJu4tumBu-c-unsplash-300x196.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ben-guerin-gJu4tumBu-c-unsplash-768x502.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With it&#8217;s world famous pier, cute cobbled streets, one of a kind independent shops and time worn pubs it&#8217;s no surprise Hastings is a popular filming location (<em>Foyle&#8217;s War</em>, <em>The Canterbury Tales</em> and most recently <em>The Great Escaper </em>starring Michael Cane). Yes it&#8217;s pebbly while the tides in but as soon as it&#8217;s out there&#8217;s plenty of sand which means plenty of sandcastle-building and stone-skimming opportunities. If you&#8217;re in the mood for mooching, the old town has all the traditional trappings of a classic coastal town and the nearby area known as the Stade is Europe&#8217;s oldest fishing beach and is like stepping back in time. Gorgeous. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eastbourne-east-sussex-direct-from-victoria">Eastbourne, East Sussex, direct from Victoria</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ana-paula-grimaldi-jTbdidIGjJI-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2777" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ana-paula-grimaldi-jTbdidIGjJI-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ana-paula-grimaldi-jTbdidIGjJI-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/ana-paula-grimaldi-jTbdidIGjJI-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Yes it may have a reputation as one for the oldies but don&#8217;t fob Eastbourne off just yet. Reached in just over an hour direct from Victoria station, sandwiched between Brighton and Hastings, Eastbourne offers something for everyone. For traditionalists there&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.eastbournepier.com/victorian-tea-rooms.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victorian Tea Rooms</a>, a bandstand and cracking pier, for families there&#8217;s the <a href="https://emsr.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miniature Steam Railway</a> and <a href="http://www.treasure-island.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treasure Island Adventure Park</a> for when they get bored of paddling, for the active there&#8217;s plenty of gorgeous walks, watersports and rollerskating along the prom available and for sunbathers, there&#8217;s plenty of sandy spots to claim for the day. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mersea-island-colchester-trains-from-liverpool-street">Mersea Island, Colchester, trains from Liverpool Street</h3>



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<p>Pastel beach huts, delectable oysters and rolling countryside views – who knew this hidden gem island was under 2 hours on the train from London? Just seven miles across, <strong>Mersea Island</strong> is home to beautiful wild beaches and, fun fact alert, some of the world&#8217;s finest oysters have been harvested here since Roman times. Twice a day, high tide covers the road, forcing everyone to slow down and wait – no bad thing in this beautiful setting. You can check the tides&nbsp;<a href="https://visitmerseaisland.co.uk/tides-and-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;before you travel. Don&#8217;t miss a meal at the <strong><a href="https://www.the-company-shed.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Company Shed</a></strong> on the west of the island too which is the best place to buy seafood, though it does get very booked up, we love taking away a seafood platter and eating alfresco on the beach with some wine and bread &#8211; bliss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2hrs">2hrs +</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-camber-sands-east-sussex-london-st-pancras-to-ashford-ashford-to-rye">Camber Sands, East Sussex, London St. Pancras to Ashford, Ashford to Rye </h3>



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<p>Up your sandcastle game at <strong>Camber Sands</strong>, a five-mile stretch of gorgeous talc-soft beaches with rolling dunes. Justifiably well-loved by beach-goers, it&#8217;s also a dream filming location, having featured in <em>Dunkirk, The Invisible Woman, </em>and <em>The Longest Day</em> to name a few. It&#8217;s a great spot if you&#8217;re into your watersports with kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, fly-boarding, and jet skiing (phew) available for water babies. When the tide rolls in make a beeline for <a href="https://thegallivant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gallivant</a>, an award-winning restaurant nestled in the dunes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlehampton-beach-sussex-trains-direct-from-victoria">Littlehampton Beach, Sussex, trains direct from Victoria</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/zahid-mahmood-p9xRrvmJGrg-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2779" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/zahid-mahmood-p9xRrvmJGrg-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/zahid-mahmood-p9xRrvmJGrg-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/zahid-mahmood-p9xRrvmJGrg-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you like your beaches postcard pretty you have two stunners to choose from in Littlehampton. <strong>East Beach</strong> and <strong>West Beach</strong> have both won awards and offer visitors gorgeous views, ample sandy space to spread out, relax and enjoy. The town itself is super cute with amusements and rides at <strong>Harbour Park</strong> if you&#8217;re travelling with kids (big and small). Don&#8217;t leave without trying out the longest bench in the UK, seating up to 300 people the bench runs from the seafront kiosks all the way to a café on the East Beach. Impressive. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bournemouth-dorset-trains-direct-from-waterloo">Bournemouth, Dorset, trains direct from Waterloo</h3>



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<p>If you&#8217;ve been there done that with beaches in Essex, Sussex and Kent, why not give Bournemouth a whirl? The coastal city in Dorset is another all rounder with seven-mile-long golden sandy beach for swimming, sunning and relaxing, great walks and cycling routes for the active, traditional seaside attractions dotted along the iconic pier, a zip wire for the adrenaline junkies as well as mini golf, balloon rides and an aquarium. Yes it gets busy but there&#8217;s plenty of room and enough to do for everyone to enjoy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-west-wittering-west-sussex-trains-from-london-bridge-or-victoria"><strong>West Wittering, West Sussex</strong>, trains from London Bridge or Victoria</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/west-wittering-beach-hero.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2791" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/west-wittering-beach-hero.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/west-wittering-beach-hero-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/06/west-wittering-beach-hero-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For peace and quiet head to West Wittering, a natural beach which is largely undeveloped save for a few amenities like toilets, showers and a café so best to bring a picnic with you. Surfing is available if you are travelling with someone who can&#8217;t sit still meaning you can relax and read your book while they make a splash. It&#8217;s also a great choice if you like nature with all sorts of waders and wildfowl to spot between the sand dunes in the more shallow lagoons. </p>


This way to the beach! 14 seaside day trips in under 2hrs by train

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