London is one of the best cities in the world for a spring and summer break, not just because of its plethora of parks, but because of how easy it is to reach other parts of the country. Guests of twin room London hotels needn’t travel far to find a train station promising short train journeys under two hours to some of the most beautiful parts of the country, not least England’s beautiful coastlines.
As the clocks go forward and the weather begins to warm again, exploring England’s coastline is a great way to get to know the wider London area. This blog will explore some of the best beaches less than two hours outside of London. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or setting sail from the hotels near Paddington London, these are some of the unmissable beaches not far from the city.
Brighton Beach
This southeastern “London by the sea” shares much of the great nightlife and cultural allure of the English capital, but pairs that with a classic beach promenade. More pebbly than some would like, Brighton still holds its own as a great day out in the summer. The funfair rides on the Palace Pier also add a family friendliness to proceedings. Daytrippers from the Queens Park Hotel can reach Brighton in just an hour from many London stations, most notably London Bridge, Kings Cross St Pancras and Victoria.
Margate
Situated on the tip of Kent, Margate is a seaside town that is so popular for Londoners that many end up living there! The small town is home to a lovely bay and restaurant lined fishing pier, alongside the free-to-visit Turner Art Gallery, dedicated to the famous English artist JMQ Turner.
Hastings
The cliff lined beauty of this sleepy Sussex town makes it a rather dramatic beach day out, just an hour and 15 from London Victoria. Adding more drama is the history of Norman conquest that changed the path of British rule in 1066. Battle of Hastings aside, the town has many attractive qualities for tourists, including a classic beach promenade, lovely seaside shops and beautiful viewpoints over the English Channel.
Whitstable
This classy harbour town in Kent is a popular spot for foodies, the oysters and shellfish in Whitstable being some of the best in the UK. The shingly, clear beaches surrounding this Kentish retreat are quaint and quintessentially British as well, making for a great day trip for guests of the double hotel rooms in London wanting to get a taste of the wider realms of the country. To get to Whitstable, take a train from Victoria Station in just an hour and a half.
Camber Sands
A popular holiday spot for Londoners, Camber Sands is just a train and a bus away, taking just an hour and 45 from London Bridge and Victoria Station. Situated next to Rye on the edge of Sussex, the dune soaked beaches of this corner of the south is perfect sunbathing territory, as long as you don’t mind bringing a little sand back to London with you!
