Who needs the Spanish costas or the Canary islands for a beach getaway? We might not have the temperatures, but we’ve got some great beaches within a short ride of the capital.
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in Britain. They may be cold and windy, but they are also beautiful. Some of the best are found on the south coast and are easily accessible from London. We often forget that the stunning coastline is just a short train journey away.
Classic arcade games, donkey rides, and candy floss are never far away in Britain. If you’re looking for an outing with the family this weekend, take a look at this list, and head to the beach.
Clacton-on-sea
If you grew up in the south east or Essex, then Clacton-on-Sea is your familiar seaside town. It became a hot spot during the tourist boom of the 1950s-1970s and has a somewhat dated reputation, but nevertheless remains popular today.
The highlight, of course, is the enormous pier stretching out into the ocean. It’s a rival to Brighton’s iconic pier if you ask us. Here you’ll find games arcades, cafes, and performances all year round. You can even fish right off the edge of the pier, though it might get quite chilly in the winter! It boasts one of Britain’s few blue flag beaches, and it’s impeccably clean, despite its popularity.
Clacton itself has tons of great activities that make it a year-round hotspot. The Clacton Carnival, for example, rolls into town in August. It’s fun for all the family, and provides entertainment for an entire week. You’ll also enjoy the Clacton air show over the August Bank Holiday.
If you’re looking to get the sand out of your toes, there’s a large shopping area away from the beach. You’re never far away from a good fish and chip shop, that’s for sure! Clacton is a classic seaside resort, and it’s only an hour and a half from Liverpool Street.
Camber Sands
Camber Sands is another classic British seaside resort. It’s located on the south coast compared to Clacton on the east, which makes it just a touch warmer during the summer, and you can enjoy the beating sun.
It’s generally a little quieter than Clacton too, with deserted beaches during most of the year. The picturesque dunes are the highlight and main attraction of Camber Sands. The rolling sands create a wavy effect leading right into the distance. It’s quite beautiful, and makes for a stunning photograph at sunset and twilight.
During the summer, Camber Sands picks up a little thanks to the holiday resorts close by. Pontins is the most popular choice, and makes the perfect getaway for families. They even host a music festival here now and then. Back on the beach, you can try your hand at kitesurfing. Camber Sands has one of the best kitesurf centres in the country, so you’re in good company.
If you don’t fancy an adrenaline rush, you can simply have a lazy day on the beach. It’s even possible to get permission from the council to have a barbecue on the beach. It’s a great way to spend a warm evening outside with the family. Just make sure you get the last train to St. Pancras at the end of the day! But, don’t worry, it only takes an hour back to London.
Broadstairs
Broadstairs is a beautiful, quaint town in Kent. Not too far from Camber Sands, Broadstairs shares the same warmer weather. When you arrive at Broadstairs, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches.
There are three stunning stretches of beach, each with their unique features. You might recognise Botany Bay, which is regularly cited as Britain’s most photographed beach. Used as the backdrop for countless sunrise beach shots, it is just as beautiful as it looks in pictures. The iconic chalk stacks reach out into the sea like giant stepping stones.
Around the corner in James Bay, there’s a professional surf school. James Bay is perfectly situated to capture the crashing waves, and you ride them! It’s also considered one of the most family friendly beaches in the area. That’s all down to its disabled access, clean toilets, and cafes that sit on the beach line.
Finally, there’s the quieter Viking Bay. Legend tells us that Charles Dickens used to enjoy this particular spot, watching the waves. If you can, try to book your trip in the middle of August. That’s when the town hosts Broadstairs Folk Week, where you’re treated to fantastic folk music. Jump on the train at St. Pancras, and you’ll arrive in Broadstairs just an hour and twenty minutes later.
Sunny Sands, Folkestone
This is another Kent beach and it is aptly named. In fact, the sand is so good here, Sunny Sands is the official host of Folkestone Sandcastle Competition.
That’s right, folks. Sandcastle builders from all over the country descend on Sunny Sands to compete. It’s the best place to see beautiful, intricate, and downright enormous sandcastles. Think you’ve got what it takes to compete? You can even sign up and join the fun.
You’ll also find all the usual seaside amenities here at Sunny Sands. The shoreline is full of seafood shacks, ice cream parlours, and that old British favourite, arcade games. The beach is also well known for its rock pools where you’ll regularly spot crabs and other sea creatures.
Shoeburyness
It’s a tricky one to get your mouth around. But, it’s also one of the cleanest and highest rated beaches in the country. There are two stretches to choose from, both are blue-flag awarded.
The Shoebury Common stretch is the adrenaline-junky’s hangout of choice. The whip of the wind on this peninsula makes it perfect for windsurfing and extreme kiting. You’ll also see jet skies flying around on the waves.
Around the corner, you’ll find East Beach. It’s a little more secluded and family friendly than Shoebury Common. Here the beach combines sand and pebble stretching into the blue sea. It’s one of the few places with a manned lifeguard tower, so it’s safe for families, and great for kids.
Brighton
A quick one-hour train ride from London Victoria station takes you to Brighton, one of Britain’s best known seaside resorts.
Pack up a big picnic, and choose an empty spot on the pebble beach. The kids will love running around in the wide open space and paddling in the sea. Meanwhile, you can take a well-deserved rest in the sun. If you go at the weekend, children can join in clubs for football and beach volleyball too.
Before heading back to the city, take a stroll around the Indian-style Pavilions or through the narrow shopping streets known as The Lanes. Don’t forget to take a walk along Brighton’s iconic pier, and play the arcade games at the very end.
As you can see, there’s plenty to choose from on the south east coast. You’re never more than a 90 minute train journey away from central London either. Which is your favourite?