Beaches Around London: My Favourite 5 (#4 has a surprise for you)

London remains one of my favourite cities in the world. Since childhood, most of my summer vacations have been spent in the city and hence it is hardly surprising that London has a special place in my heart. One of the things I love most about London is that the beach is never too far away. My fondest memories of summers in London are packing sunscreen, my most comfortable pair of shorts and a paper back, and driving away to the nearest beach.

So come with me as I take you on a journey to my 5 favourite beaches around London. Easily accessible and a short drive away from the city, these beaches make for the perfect summer getaway.

1. Brighton

One of the first beaches I visited in England and my absolute favourite, Brighton, is perfect for a quick weekend trip from London. The legendary Brighton Pier is home to many restaurants, pubs, bars and even a fun arcade which is a great place for children as well as adults. Indulge in water sports like sailing, take a relaxed walk along the Brighton promenade, enjoy a drink at a traditional English pub, or party the night away at one of the many night clubs in the area! Known for its fresh seafood, don’t forget to dig into a plate of fish and chips at the many gastropubs around to savour the true flavours of Brighton.

How to Get There? There are regular train services from London Victoria station, London Bridge and St. Pancras station which take roughly an hour to reach Brighton. You could also take a bus from Gatwick or Heathrow airport and from Luton and Southhampton airport. A bus journey to Brighton will take you around three hours.

2. Frinton

Another favourite of mine remains Frinton. Also known as Frinton on Sea, this is a quaint little seaside town in Essex. If you’re looking for a quiet beach experience, look no further and head to this beautiful Victorian seaside. Complete with a breezy promenade, beach huts, lush gardens and Victorian style houses overlooking the sea, Frinton is like a dream come true. The beach at Frinton is blessed with golden sands, perfect for a relaxed afternoon with the family.

How to Get There? The best way to get to Frinton is by train. There are regular rail services from London Liverpool Street and the journey takes roughly an hour and a half. There are also regular bus services from London Victoria coach station and the journey takes around two hours.

3. Three Shells Beach

A cosy little sandy beach, Three Shells is another beach I love and strongly recommend. An ideal place to spend a sunny summer day, this beach is perfect for people with kids as there are many options for the little ones, including a theme park and play equipment. The beach is cleaned every day and is great for people looking at swimming and water sports such as paddling. Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the cool sea breeze. Want to cool down after a long day out on the beach? Then head to the many cafés, bars and restaurants in the area and enjoy the view with a nice drink.

How to Get There? Three Shells Beach is located 67 kilometers away from London and you can either drive down, or take a train from London Liverpool Street, which would take you little over an hour.

4. Camber Sands

Ever heard of sand dunes at a beach? Camber sands will take you by surprise with its golden sand dunes, which form a stunning backdrop to the beach. Complete with vast stretches of caramel coloured sand and blue sky, Camber Sands beach stretches for as far as the eye can see.The beach is also a great place to go bird watching. Some of the birds you’ll spot here are Snow Bunting, Hen Harrier and the Short Eared Owl among others. Make sure you don’t miss the gorgeous sunset at this beach, particularly in autumn and the spring. Known for its strong winds, Camber Sands is a great place to fly a kite, but do bring a windcheater along as it can get cold in the evenings.

How to Get There? If self-drive is not your thing then you could take a train from Waterloo or London Bridge station in London to Rye, a journey which will take you an hour and a half. From Rye you’ll need to take a bus to Camber Sands which will take you another 10 minutes.

5. Priory Bay

Located in the Isle of Wight, Priory Bay is one of the most stunning beaches on the English coast. The beach is privately owned and you’ll only be able to visit it through the Priory Bay Hotel. The beach is easily accessible though the hotel and you needn’t be a guest to enjoy this gorgeous beach. You could make yourself comfortable at the Oyster Bar at the hotel and enjoy your favourite drink along with the beautiful view. Fringed by a mysterious looking forested area, Priory Bay reminded me of the Famous Five adventure series which I grew up reading and is sure to instill a sense of adventure within you as well. Given its lush green flora, you will feel as if you’re holidaying on a tropical island! Take along a picnic basket and enjoy your day by the sea.

How to Get There? One of the best ways to get to Priory Bay is to drive down. If you don't have a car, you could take a train or a bus, which will take you roughly three hours to get there.

Has reading this got you reaching for the sun screen already? So what are you waiting for, book your holiday to London now!

 Look out for my next blog in which I reveal the secrets of the best Indian food in London!