Top Seaside Daytrips From London

If you live in London you have so much on your doorstep, but one thing you’re definitely lacking is a beach. The coast is glorious in the summer and now is the perfect time of year to think about organising coach hire from London to take you and your mates to the seaside for a day out.

But where should you go if you’re starting in the capital? We’ve put together a few suggestions to help you plan the ideal seaside escape this summer, whether you’re looking for a traditional seaside experience, or something a bit more natural.

Brighton

If you’re after the quintessential British seaside experience, you really can’t beat Brighton. While the beach may be pebbly rather than sandy, that doesn’t detract from its charm. Take a stroll along the pier, slide down its helter skelter and enjoy an ice cream in the sun.

The great thing about Brighton is that you don’t have to go far to find something a bit different if you tire of the beach – you’ve got the galleries of the Artists’ Quarter just a short stroll from the beach, not to mention the beautiful Royal Pavilion Gardens a little further into the city.

Camber Sands

According to TimeOut, this is one of the best beaches to visit from London, with the East Sussex spot boasting rolling dunes and glorious golden sand. Take your towels, a picnic and find a spot to set up camp for the day, where you can lounge in the sun and take a dip in the sea if you’re feeling brave.

You can also watch the kite surfers racing across the sea, or doing a few tricks. That does also give you a hint that this spot can be a bit windy, so make sure you pack a windbreak if you’re planning to set up camp on the sand for the day.

Walton-on-the-Naze

Also on the TimeOut list is Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. This is a wonderful choice if you want to see a bit of nature as well as topping up your tan. Seals can be spotted in the harbour and there are regular boat tours that can introduce you to some of the varied wildlife that inhabits the nearby mudflats, salt marshes and tidal creeks.

There’s a Blue Flag beach here as well, so you’ll be able to simply enjoy the sand and sea if that’s all you want from your day away from the city.

Botany Bay

Kent’s Botany Bay has long been a popular spot among day trippers from London and with good reason – its sandy shores are backed by spectacular white chalk cliffs and there are sea stacks dotted along the coastline.

The Evening Standard recently highlighted it as a great place for a beach day if you live in the capital. When the tide is out, you can go rockpooling and in search of fossils. You should be aware that at high tide both ends of the beach are cut off by the sea though, so make sure you plan your day around the tide tables.