Looking for a seaside break as a change of scenery? Doesn’t matter if its a lovely sunny day or perhaps you’re looking to enjoy a winter walk along the seaside then check out our favourite towns to spend a day at the seaside from London.
Starting your journey from London? Check out our 3 Day London Itinerary: How to spend 3 Memorable Days in London
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Whitstable
Whitstable is situated on the north coast of England in Kent . Located only around 80 kms from London, Whitstable is the perfect day trip from London.
To get the train there are two main train routes from London to Whitstable, running from either London Victoria or London St Pancras International. Both trains run from London to Whitstable in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Tickets for the trains can be purchased through Trainline here.
Whitstable seafront is the perfect place to spend a day. The coastline is so spread out that you can enjoy the seaside without the crowds even on the busiest of days.
Whitstable is famous for its oyster production due to its ideal growing conditions in its tidal waters. When in Whitstable you must try some freshly shucked oysters from The Oyster Shed at Harbour Market or The Forge.
While in Whitstable make sure to spend some time wandering along Harbour Street the town’s high street lined with many independent stores. There is everything you need from local clothing labels, homewares, sweet shops and more. For lunch we recommend getting fish and chips to enjoy at the seaside. Make sure to try Ossies fish bar and The Offy located next door for local beers and ciders. Afterwards you get an icecream from one of Whitstable two outstanding shops Bear Ice cream Shop and Gelateria Whitstable.
For more on what to do in Whitstable check out Our Whitstable, UK Travel Guide: A Charming Day at the Seaside from London
Where to stay?
Warehouse Holiday Lets
Brighton
Brighton well known for it’s artsy vibe and seaside charm, is one of the best and quickest day trips to take from London. There are lots of hidden gems and unique places to visit whilst on your seaside escape.
From London, trains to Brighton run very regularly from stations such as Clapham Junction, London Victoria and Finsbury Park. The journey from central London to Brighton will take around an hour. All your train tickets can be booked through Trainline.
While in Brighton you can explore the lanes, full of antique and jewellery stores as well as coffee shops and resturants. There are also many independent galleries including They Made This and Enter Gallery that are worth browsing on your walk through Brighton.
A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without fish and chips on the beach. Our favourite place for fish and chips is from Little Jack Fullers, they also do vegan fish and chips, which you can then take down to the seafront to enjoy.
For our full guide on Brighton check out Our 1 Day Guide for Things to do in Brighton & Hove: A Day trip from London
Where to stay?
Artists Residence
Margate
Margate is a seaside town located in the county of Kent. Well known for its sandy beach and its easy access from London, only 1 hour 20 by train, makes it a great day trip out of the city. Margate’s small lanes mixed with its up and coming artsy vibe has lots for you to explore on your next day trip.
To drive from London to Margate it would take you between 2 – 2.5 hours. Instead you can get a train which leaves from London Victoria or St Pancras International and take around 1 hour and 20 mins. All your train tickets can be booked through Tranline here. Then from the train station to Margate Town Center it is around a 5-minute walk.
Once you arrive in Margate you can spend some time wandering through the Turner Gallery, showcasing a rotation of local art alongside its own local run cafe on site.
Dreamland is one of the main attractions to Margate, this amusement park pulls a crowd. They also have a range of music concerts and other events throughout the year as well as their in-house artwork from Banksy.
If youre looking for great local shops make sure not to miss a visit to Curve Coffee and end your time in Margate with an ice cream from Ramsay & Williams Ice Cream Bar.
To read our full guide on Margate check out Our guide to Margate, UK: A Seaside Day Trip from London
Where to stay?
Fort Road Hotel
Bournemouth
To get to Bournemouth from London on the train it will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes from London Waterloo. For a day trip this is a slightly longer journey, however this is on one of the longest swimming beaches out of these towns to enjoy.
Bournemouth beach is complete with its own pier lined with resturants and pubs. A typical English seaside town which on a sunny day can become very busy, so make sure to head there early to pick a good spot.
If you want to extend your time in Bournemouth is a great location to reach the nearby towns of Southampton, Poole and of course the Jurassic Coast.
Want to read our full guide on the Jurassic Coast? Check our Best towns to see near Durdle Door & the Jurassic Coast in Dorset UK
Where to stay?
The Nici
Worthing
Worthing can be found in West Sussex which includes the neighbouring town of Brighton. From London you can get the Southern train from London Victoria direct to Worthing in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the most direct train to reach Worthing however you also have the option to also catch a Thameslink train from London St Pancras to Brighton and then change to the Southern service to Worthing.
Worthing is a much quieter and up and coming town compared to its neighbouring Brighton however don’t let that put you off. If you are after a beach with a seaside pier filled with amusements but not the crowds then Worthing has everything you are looking for. Worthing has so much to offer including Worthing Pavilion Theatre, coastal walks and great independent shops and cafes.
Want to read our full guide on Worthing? Check out A Guide to Worthing, West Sussex: A Seaside Day trip from London
Where to stay?
The Burlington
Want to go on a weekend away? Check out Our Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London: UK Getaways by Car or Train
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