A day trip to the Seaside: Best beach towns near London

After what feels like endless grey days, the forecast finally shows a glimmer of hope, sunny (though chilly) skies for the weekend. And what better way to make the most of it than with a spontaneous escape to the coast? Less than 90 minutes from London, the seaside towns of Kent, Essex and Sussex offer the perfect setting for a much-needed change of scenery.

For me, this is more than just a day trip, it’s a way to momentarily recreate what I would normally be doing at this time of year: escaping winter for the sunny shores of my home country. While a getaway across the pond didn’t happen this winter, a walk along the coast, the smell of salt in the air, and a good lunch by the sea will do just fine for now.

Having visited most of these seaside towns—but not a single one in a long time—it feels like the time is right. So this weekend, I’ll be jumping in the car or hopping on a train and heading to one of the following destinations.

If like me, you’ve been craving fresh air and a break from the city, these are some of the best beach towns offering the perfect excuse for a day trip or even an overnight stay by the coast.

1. Whitstable

If you love seafood as much as I do, Whitstable is the place to be. This charming little town is famous for its oysters, and no matter how many times you visit, it never gets old. With plenty of great restaurants and stunning sea views, there’s something for everyone.

2. Broadstairs

This seaside town has a little gem of a beach called Joss Bay—the kind of place you picture when you think of a classic British seaside day out. It’s a favourite for both sunbathers and surfers, but in winter, it’s perfect for a peaceful walk followed by a cosy meal in town.

3. Ramsgate

Ramsgate has some seriously underrated beaches. Main Sands is a long beach that’s perfect for walks when the tide is out, while the other famous one, Western Undercliff, offers a quieter vibe.

4. Southend-on-Sea

London’s closest beach spot has miles of coastline to explore. While it has more of a city-like vibe, including a fun park, you can still find charm in Old Leigh or the more popular beaches of Thorpe Bay. And you can’t leave without walking Southend Pier, the UK’s longest.

5. Dungeness

Dungeness is for those seeking a wilder, more tranquil escape. It’s a favourite among artists, photographers, and anyone looking to disconnect from the buzz of traditional seaside towns.

6. Margate

Renowned Margate is a favourite among Londoners, and I last visited during the summer. With Walpole Bay beach as main "attraction", Ramsgate offers a great mix of seaside, galleries, pubs, restaurants, and artsy seaside charm.

7. Rye & Camber Sands

Picturesque Rye is a tiny village just minutes from one of the UK’s rare sandy beaches. Camber Sands stretches for miles, with its famous dunes and golden beach making it a great spot for families, dog walkers, and water sports lovers alike. A perfect two-in-one destination where you can wander charming village streets before heading to the shore for a long walk.

I hope this serves as a bit of inspiration for the weekend. We haven’t had a forecast like this so far this year, making it the perfect excuse for a little coastal escape—whether for the day or an overnight stay.