Spending a sunny day on the beach is a wonderful way to make memories together as a family. From paddling in the water to building sand castles and exploring rock pools, the beach never fails to entertain and enchant kids of all ages.
To get that true holiday feel, you might want to steer clear of pebbles in favour of a softer beach where you can feel the sand between your toes.
While a relaxing afternoon spent amongst the sand and sea might seem like a distant dream to many Londoners, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn there are several amazing options within easy reach of the city!
1. Ruislip Lido, West London
Distance from London: 1 hour by public transport or car
Reviews: 4.4/5 stars from 1,012 reviews on Google
Ruislip Lido would likely be found near the top of any list of London’s best-kept secrets.
This delightful stretch of sand in zone six sits along the edge of a 60-acre lake that backs onto a huge nature reserve. Your little ones will love the play areas and climbing frames here, and they can take a ride around the water on a miniature train.
Be aware that swimming in the lake is not permitted, but you can still appreciate the view out over the lake from the beach.
Where to eat at Ruislip Lido
For freshly made hot meals, snacks, drinks and a toilet stop, head to the Lakeside Café. This is an ideal spot to end your day with a tasty treat on the terrace and enjoy the sunset.
How to get to Ruislip Lido
It takes only an hour to reach this gem from central London, whether you’re travelling by car or using public transport (you’ll need to take a tube ride to Ruislip Underground Station, followed by a quick bus ride). There are several car parks to choose from, so don’t worry about finding a spot if you do decide to drive!
Other need-to-knows
Dogs aren’t permitted on the main beach area at Ruislip Lido, but there’s a separate space nearby for your four-legged friends, and it is the only dog beach in all of Greater London!
2. Camber Sands, Sussex
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport, 2-3 hours by car
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 2,693 reviews on Google
Camber Sands is one of just a few sandy beaches along the Sussex coast and boasts the only sand dunes in East Sussex. This much-loved beach can get super busy in the sunnier months. However, as it covers such a wide area, you won’t have any trouble finding a peaceful spot for yourself.
What to do at Camber Sands
The range of activities on offer here makes it an ideal destination for the whole family, with windsurfing, kitesurfing, donkey rides and more. Of course, you may decide that you’d rather build a few sandcastles and enjoy the view. It’s also very easy to find cafés, toilets and parking spaces along the beach.
How to get to Camber Sands
If you are travelling by car, you can arrive at Camber Sands from London in two to three hours, depending on the traffic. If you opt for public transport, you can expect to reach the beach within two hours from London Bridge.
Other need-to-knows
Dogs are allowed on most of Camber Sands Beach throughout the year. Please note, however, that some places are signposted as dog-free in the summer months.
3. Margate Main Sands, Kent
Distance from London: 2 hours when travelling by public transport or car
Reviews: 4.4/5 stars from 862 reviews on Google
If you like to pack a lot of different activities into one day, Margate Main Sands won’t disappoint. With children’s rides, an adventure golf park, amusement arcades, and a tidal pool within walking distance of the beach, there’s something for everyone.
What to do at Margate Main Sands
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Margate Old Town, which is bursting with independent shops, galleries, cafés and much more, is just a short stroll away.
Even at high tide, most of the 200-metre stretch of sandy beach can be explored, and public toilets with accessible facilities are available on both sides.
How to get to Margate Main Sands
If you decide to drive to Margate Main Sands, you can arrive from central London in just over two hours, and there are two large car parks to choose from. For those looking to travel by train, a direct route from Kings Cross, plus a 15-minute walk, will have you on the beach in less than two hours.
Other need-to-knows
Please note that dogs are not allowed on any part of the beach between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 1 – September 30.
4. Frensham Beach, Surrey
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport, 1.5 hours by car
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 499 reviews on Google
Frensham Beach is a man-made beach in the market town of Farnham, Surrey.
The beach area can be found on the edge of Frensham Pond and is surrounded by a stunning nature reserve. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a walk and soak up the natural beauty!
Where to eat at Frensham Beach
A snack bar close to the water is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a range of hot and cold food and drinks. Picnic tables around the pond are the perfect place to enjoy refreshments, with accessible public toilets just a moment away.
Frensham Pond and the beach are very popular spots for sun-seekers in summer, so it’s wise to arrive early to beat the crowds.
How to get to Frensham Beach
If you decide to come by car, you can make the trip from central London in an hour and a half. The entire area is owned and managed by the National Trust, so parking is free for members.
However, be advised that the car park fills up fast! If you opt instead for public transport, you can arrive in approximately two hours, with a train out of London followed by a bus ride and a short walk.
Other need-to-knows
Whilst there’s a designated walking route for dogs in the nature reserve, bear in mind that they’re not allowed on the sand, so you’ll want to leave your four-legged friends at home!
5. Chalkwell Beach, Southend-on-Sea
Distance from London: 1 hour by public transport, 2 hours by car
Reviews: 4.4/5 stars from 321 reviews on Google
Chalkwell Beach in Southend-on-Sea is an award-winning beach made up of a combination of sand and pebbles.
This area is great for those who want a relaxing break from the main seaside area of Southend-on-Sea, which can get quite busy from June through August.
Where to eat at Chalkwell Beach
You can choose from a selection of enticing cafés along the seafront if you fancy some refreshments, and there are also kiosks selling beach toys in case you left any essentials behind!
How to get to Chalkwell Beach
You can reach Chalkwell Beach in less than two hours from central London, and there’s a car park by the promenade. For a quicker trip, you can arrive on a direct train from Fenchurch Street in less than an hour, with the seafront just a five-minute stroll from the train station.
Other need-to-knows
Please note that dogs are not allowed on Chalkwell Beach between May 1 and September 30.
6. West Mersea Beach, Colchester
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport, 2-2.5 hours by car
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 449 reviews on Google
West Mersea Beach has a charmingly old-fashioned feel to it, with its long row of charming, colourful beach huts and unspoilt landscape. This seafront hotspot is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, making it a great destination for a relaxing family day out.
Where to eat at West Mersea Beach
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, the nearby Sandbank Pub & Restaurant is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to midnight. If you’d prefer a casual bite to eat, there are plenty of excellent cafés and diners along the beach. Also, public toilets are easy to find.
How to get to West Mersea Beach
Driving here from central London will take 2-2.5 hours, and there are a number of pay and display car parks in the area. Using public transport will take you door to door in less than two hours.
Other need-to-knows
Dogs are always welcome on the beach, but visitors are required to keep them on a lead when walking through certain sections during the summer.
7. Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Distance from London: 2.5 hours when travelling by public transport or car
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 6,865 reviews on Google
Botany Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on this list, thanks to its towering chalk stacks and stunning white-cliff backdrop.
What to do at Botany Bay
Your adventurous young ones will have hours of fun in the vast expanse of rock pools that are revealed at low tide. A walking trail can be found just behind the beach and passes by a pub, so you can enjoy refreshments along the way. There are also cafés and public toilets just a short walk away from the sea.
How to get to Botany Bay
If you are travelling by car from central London, you can expect to arrive at Botany Bay in two and a half hours. You should bear in mind, however, that parking in the area is limited. It’s a better idea to head to neighbouring Palm Beach Bay, with its large car park, and then walk along the cliff top. Travelling by public transport will also take around two and a half hours.
Other need-to-knows
Botany Bay offers plenty of stunning dog walks along the cliff tops. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between May 1 and September 30.
8. Lydden Spout, Samphire Hoe, Dover
Distance from London: 3.5 hours by public transport, 2.5 hours by car
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars from 535 reviews on Google
Lydden Spout Beach is a wonderfully secluded spot tucked away in Samphire Hoe, which is surrounded by the stunning white cliffs of Dover. While this area of outstanding beauty is mostly made up of shingles until the tide goes out, there is plenty of sand to enjoy when the tide goes out.
Where to eat at Lydden Spout
Refreshments are available at Samphire Café, which is just a short walk away from the beach and includes outdoor seating and public toilets.
How to get to Lydden Spout
It takes two and a half hours to reach Samphire Hoe by car from central London. Pay and display parking is readily available, and you can then set off on foot to Lydden Spout. It’ll take you slightly longer to arrive by public transport, as the walk from the bus stop to the beach takes around half an hour or so.
Other need-to-knows
Dogs are welcome year-round at Samphire Hoe, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
9. East Beach, Littlehampton
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport, 3 hours by car
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 1,137 reviews on Google
East Beach in Littlehampton is a beautiful mile-long stretch of the West Sussex coast.
What to do at East Beach
This award-winning, family-friendly beach is close to several expansive green spaces, meaning it’s great for all kinds of activities. Play ball games on the grass and tuck into a picnic before heading out to the beach to build a sandcastle and paddle in the sea. Kidcare bracelets are available to purchase, providing you with extra peace of mind during your day out.
How to get to East Beach
You can reach East Beach in under three hours when travelling by car from central London, and there are several pay and display car parks nearby. Alternatively, you can arrive in two hours by public transport.
Other need-to-knows
Dogs are restricted to the area east of Norfolk Road between May 1 and September 30, but they are welcome to roam the whole beach for the rest of the year.
10. Minnis Bay Beach, Kent
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport, 2.5 hours by car
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 913 reviews on Google
Minnis Bay borders the picturesque village of Birchington-on-Sea in Kent, where visitors can dine at local pubs and restaurants and visit the Powell-Cotton Museum.
What to do at Minnis Bay Beach
This Blue Flag beach has activities for all age groups. The older kids can make the most of the water with sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. For your younger ones, there’s a paddling pool and play area for all-day fun.
Cafés and kiosks surround the beach, and there is also a picnic area nearby, so there are plenty of food and drink options.
How to get to Minnis Bay Beach
You can reach Minnis Bay from central London in two and a half hours by car, and there are plenty of paid and free parking spots available. Alternatively, you can jump on a direct train to Birchington from London Victoria, and then take a short walk, which will bring you to the beach in around two hours.
Other need-to-knows
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your dog with you in the summer months, but they are welcome for the remainder of the year.
Shingle Beaches Near London
If you and your family don’t need sand for the perfect seaside day out, then the following shingle beaches also make for a fantastic trip.
Rottingdean Beach
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport or car
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 175 reviews on Google
Rottingdean is a small village not far from Brighton, where you can find a peaceful stretch of beach backed by white chalk cliffs.
A popular cafe sits on the seafront with public toilets to the side. For shops, pubs and restaurants, you can take a short walk into the village itself.
Whitstable Beach
Distance from London: 2 hours by public transport or car
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 721 reviews on Google
Whitstable Beach is home to the famous Whitstable Oyster Company restaurant, a great choice if you’re in the mood for fine dining. There are also cafés and a friendly pub to opt for instead.
This mile-long stretch of shingle is surrounded by colourful beach huts and charming cottages, creating that nostalgic British seaside feel.
St Margaret’s Bay Beach
Distance from London: 2 hours by car and 3 hours by train
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 999 reviews on Google
St Margaret’s Bay Beach has the advantage of being one of the quieter beaches along the Kent coast but still enjoys the beauty of the white cliffs of Dover. If you want to sit and take in the view while the kids poke around the rock pools, then this is the place for you.
Brighton Beach
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by public transport, 2 hours by car
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 5,359 reviews on Google
Brighton is undeniably one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from London, with something to suit every age group.
Brighton Beach is a quick walk from the train station, and there are countless cafés, bars and restaurants, both within the city itself and along the seafront.
Dungeness Beach
Distance from London: 3 hours by public transport, 2.5 hours by car
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars from 208 reviews on Google
Dungeness Beach is a great choice for those who want to enjoy nature and wildlife. The area boasts more than 600 species of plants and is home to many rare insects. Also, the beach area is huge, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot.
Planning Your Family Trip to the Beach
Choosing the right destination is just one piece of the puzzle when planning your family day out. You’ll also want to make sure you pack everything that you need and are prepared for any changes in the weather.
Suncream should always be high on your list, as well as hats and sunglasses for extra protection from the sun. But don’t forget to pack a jacket for everyone too, in case the British weather takes a predictable turn for the worse!
If you’re travelling by car, you might want to bring a cooler to keep your drinks and snacks out of the heat. Beach toys, such as buckets, spades and balls, are also a good choice for simple games and entertainment. And of course, you’ll want swimsuits and towels, so that everyone can make the most of the sea.
If you’re someone who likes to be extra prepared, consider taking a portable power bank to charge your phone, aftersun cream to combat sunburn and essential toiletries in case the facilities let you down!
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