Discover Incredible Beaches Near London

London might be famous for its historic landmarks, world-class museums and incredible food, but did you know you can also find some pretty amazing beaches near London, not too far away? And in some cases, even within the city itself. 

Whether you're looking for golden sands, lively seaside towns or a hidden lake beach, we've got you covered. Pack your sun cream (and maybe an umbrella, just in case) and get ready to explore these brilliant beaches near London.

Are there any beaches in London?

Yes! You don’t have to travel far to get a beach fix, London has several urban beaches that bring the seaside to the city.

• Ruislip Lido (West London): A true hidden gem with sandy shores, woodland walks and a splash park. Ruislip Lido is a lake beach and is the closest sandy beach to the capital and makes for a fantastic day trip (Closest station: Ruislip, Metropolitan/Piccadilly line).
• The Beach at Brent Cross (North London): A pop-up summer beach with golden sands, fairground rides and street food stalls (Closest station: Brent Cross, Northern line).
• Neverland London (Fulham Beach): A stylish beach club by the River Thames, complete with beach huts, DJs and cocktails (Closest station: Imperial Wharf, Overground).
• Royal Victoria Beach (East London): A small stretch of imported sand by the Royal Docks, offering watersports like paddleboarding and wakeboarding (Closest station: Royal Victoria, DLR).

If you're looking for a more traditional seaside beach, the counties surrounding the capital have loads of options, with every one of them reachable by public transport and totally doable in one day. Below, we'll take a look at some of the best beaches close by so you can soak in some sand, sun and sea air.

Best beaches in East Sussex

Camber Sands

Camber Sands is a long stretch of golden sands backed by rolling sand dunes. High tide? Perfect for swimming. Low tide? Expect to see families having fun and dogs living their best lives. It’s like a scene from a movie, just with more ice cream vans.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach might be a pebbly beach, but its buzzing atmosphere more than makes up for it. The sea front is packed with lively bars, fantastic seafood restaurants, visitor attractions and quirky shops, and it’s the perfect beach for those who like a side of entertainment with their sea views.

Eastbourne Beach

A quieter alternative to Brighton, Eastbourne Beach boasts a long stretch of golden sands, a charming seaside town and a brilliant pier. Great for families, couples or anyone who just wants to chill without the Brighton crowds.

Best beaches in Kent

Whitstable Beach

Whitstable Beach is a postcard-perfect shingle beach, and the local area is known for its fresh oysters and stunning sunsets. The beach huts and the local art gallery make this a must-visit spot for a relaxed day by the sea.

Botany Bay

Tucked between Margate and Broadstairs, Botany Bay is a sandy paradise surrounded by enormous chalk cliffs. It's perfect for rock pools, fossil hunting or simply chilling out.

Joss Bay

One of Kent’s best sandy beaches, Joss Bay is a small but beautiful cove in Broadstairs, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and catching a few waves if you’re into surfing.

Best beaches in Essex

Southend-on-Sea

With seven miles of coastline and the world-famous Southend Pier, this Essex hotspot is perfect for a traditional British seaside day out. There's also Adventure Island theme park if you're in the mood to get thrown about on a rollercoaster.

Walton-on-the-Naze

A colourful and lovely beach town, Walton-on-the-Naze is great for sunbathing, fossil hunting and even spotting seals if you’re lucky!

Mersea Island

Mersea Island feels like stepping back in time. It’s a peaceful retreat with sandy beaches, beach huts bursting with colour and some of the best seafood in the region.

Best beaches in Dorset

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the south coast, boasting seven miles of golden sands, a bustling promenade and good ol' fashioned seaside fun. Whether you want to relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea or explore the nearby attractions, Bournemouth Beach is the perfect spot for a getaway.

Studland Bay

If you love soft sand and natural beauty, Studland Bay is a must-visit. It's a National Trust-managed beach and is home to some of the UK’s only sand dunes, as well as great views of Old Harry Rocks. It's ideal for swimming, sunbathing and long scenic walks.

Chesil Beach

A unique and dramatic pebble beach stretching for 18 miles, Chesil Beach is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. It’s part of the Jurassic Coast, meaning you might even stumble across some prehistoric fossils.

Durdle Door Beach

One of the most iconic beaches in the UK, Durdle Door Beach is famous for its stunning limestone arch and crystal-clear waters. It might be a bit of a hike to get to, but absolutely worth it for the view alone.

Best beaches in Hampshire

Hayling Island Beach

A fantastic mix of sandy and pebbly beach areas, Hayling Island Beach is great for water sports, sunbathing and long coastal walks.

Lepe Beach

Located in the New Forest, Lepe Beach offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight and is perfect for picnics, walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline.

Southsea Beach

Southsea Beach in Portsmouth is a classic British seaside destination, offering a lively atmosphere, great seafood and a long promenade perfect for strolling.

Calshot Beach

With views of Southampton Water, Calshot Beach is known for its beach huts, watersports and peaceful surroundings.

Priory Bay Beach, Isle of Wight

Not technically in Hampshire, but just a short ferry trip from Southampton, Priory Bay Beach is a hidden gem famous for its soft sand and unspoiled natural beauty, making it an idyllic escape from city life.

Local lake beaches near London

If you’d rather stay closer to home, check out these hidden lake beaches for a seaside vibe without the long journey. It might not come with the sea air, but it's the next best thing if you don't want to travel to the coast.

Frensham Beach

A picturesque lakeside beach in Surrey, perfect for a relaxing day in nature. Calm waters, soft sand and no risk of jellyfish.

Thorpe Lakes

Located in Surrey, Thorpe Lakes is known for watersports, but it also has a sandy beach area where you can sunbathe and relax while watching the action on the water.

Beckenham Place Park Lake

This South London spot features a restored lake with a small beach area, ideal for wild swimming, paddleboarding and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.

Time to hit the beach!

Whether you’re after a traditional seaside experience, a peaceful sandy retreat or just a quick London-based beach day, there’s no shortage of options. From the white cliffs of the south coast to the charming seaside town of Whitstable, there’s a beach for everyone. So grab your sun cream, your picnic basket and maybe even your wellies (because, let’s be real, British weather is unpredictable), and get exploring the best beaches near London!At UNCLE, we have a range of fully-serviced flats across London, so you can live just a short distance from all these amazing beaches. Check out what we have available right now at locations including Acton, Deptford, Colindale, Elephant and Castle, Southall, Stockwell, Wembley and New Cross.