Mapped: the 5 best beaches near London in 2026

Image: Time Out

Grab a towel and a bottle of factor 50 and let’s go. It’s summer, which means one thing and one thing only: time for a seaside escape.

London’s pretty short on beach options (unless you fancy a dip in the Thames, and we certainly don’t). Good thing, then, that several of the UK’s greatest beaches are within easy reach of the capital.

Each year, Time Out’s writers and editors head out, bucket and spade in hand, to test the country’s shorelines. The result? A list of the top beaches up and down the UK, from Cornwall’s world-famous sands all the way up to Scotland’s West Isles.

Of the 40 beaches that feature in Time Out’s latest ranking of Britain’s best beaches, a not-too-shabby five are day-trip distance from the capital. Sandy coves and gorgeous dunes, here we come – here’s a map of excellent beaches you can get to from London.

The best beaches near London, mapped

Image: Time OutMapped, the five best beaches near London, according to Time Out

Cuckmere Haven, Sussex

First up, prepare for your jaw to drop and your eyes to bulge at some seriously gorg chalky cliffs. In the shadow of the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven’s shores are not just pristine, they’re famous too, having appeared in Atonement, A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. If they’re good enough for Hollywood, they’re good enough for us.

Travel time from London: In the car, you can expect the journey to take around two hours and 20 minutes. Alternatively, catch the train from Clapham Junction. The journey takes just over an hour.

Nearest public transport: The nearest station is Seaford, just under 5km from the beach.

Camber Sands, Sussex

Chances are, you’ve heard of Camber Sands. It’s one of the southeast’s best-known beaches, which makes it a popular choice among Sussex locals and holidaymakers alike. Sure, Camber Sands unlikely to offer a secluded swim spot during the summer, but its three miles of sand mean you’ll always be able to find a place to pitch your towel.

Travel time from London: Driving takes around two hours, while the train from London Bridge to Rye is about an hour and 20 minutes, though it stops off at Ashford International.

Nearest public transport: the closest train station is Rye, a 12-minute drive away.

Sunny Sands, Folkestone, Kent

Photograph: ShutterstockFolkestone beach, Kent

Art lovers, this one’s for you. Not only can you spot Baby Things, Tracey Emin’s series of bronze casts of infant clothing and toys scattered throughout town, but perched atop a pile of rocks you’ll also find the Folkestone Mermaid, a life-sized bronze by Cornelia Parker, proving that you can take in some culture while also lathering yourself in tanning oil.

Travel time from London: The car from London to Folkestone takes around an hour and 40 minutes, or the train will get you there in an hour and a half from London Bridge.

Nearest public transport: The bay is a 15-20-minute walk from Folkestone Central station.

Brighton Beach, Sussex

Photograph: ShutterstockLoungers on the beach at Brighton, England

Sure, given the choice, most of us would pick soft sandy shores over a pebbled coastline. But life is all about balance, and what Brighton’s iconic beach lacks in terms of comfort, it more than makes up for in activities. Think fairground on the pier, stellar pubs with a sea view and even a coastal sauna.

Travel time from London: The drive takes less than two hours, or hop on a train from various London stations (Victoria, King’s Cross, London Bridge, Finsbury Park) and you’ll be there in under an hour.

Nearest public transport: Brighton Station is only a 15-minute walk to the seafront.

Southwold Beach, Suffolk

Known for its colourful beach huts and ’sleb second homes (yep, everyone from Keira Knightley to Bill Nighy, Richard Curtis and Twiggy own houses in the area), Southwold is a top spot for those wanting to take a paddle in the sea and a stroll along the prom. Home to the Adnams Brewery, its beers aren’t half bad either.

Travel time from London: You can drive to Southwold from London in under three hours. The train takes two and a half hours from Liverpool Street station, changing at Norwich.

Nearest public transport: Halesworth station is about 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.