We’re not sure there’s anything better than whipping off your shoes and socks and having a stroll along the sand on a hot day. There’s something really special about a day spend on the beach. If you’re looking for a place to feel the sand between your toes within easy reach of the capital, we’ve got you covered. Check out our favourite sandy beaches near London and plan your trip today.
Camber Sands
It’s in the name… Camber Sands is a beautiful two mile stretch of sandy beach in East Sussex. You can be there in just over 2 hours from London and oh wow is it worth the drive. As well as beautiful, uninterrupted sand and sea, there are also sand dunes to walk in and enjoy. It’s a great spot for wind surfing and is also brilliant for beachcombing.
Margate Beach
Margate beach is really stunning. It even has its own tidal pool, which is great to dip in on hot days. The town also has lots of delicious restaurants (including fish and chips!) and amusement arcades for a quintessentially British trip to the coast!
Birling Gap
The Birling Gap is a part-sand, part-pebble beach with the stunning backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs. It’s managed by the National Trust and they have recently refurbished their café to be able to offer delicious refreshments during your stay. It really is a must visit location on the South coast.
Botany Bay
We absolutely spending time at Botany Bay. The chalk cliffs are very dramatic and if you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to find a fossil wandering along the beach here. There are rock pools to explore if you get tired of relaxing on the soft sand. The beach here won a Blue Flag Award in 2023 for its commitment to the environment, education and safety.
Ruislip Lido
While not strictly a beach, we’re including Ruislip Lido in this list! It just might give you your sandy beach fix without having to travel too far out of London. The 60 acre lake has sandy beaches perfect for enjoying on a sunny day. It’s set at the edge or Ruislip woods, so you can find shade easily and explore a variety of landscapes here.
Bell Wharf Beach
Small but utterly perfect is Bell Wharf beach. You can see working fishing boats as you relax on the sandy shore. The town has everything you need and is bursting with character. If you do visit, make sure you sample some of the seafood in the local cafes and restaurants. It’s so fresh and is perfect to fill you up after a day enjoying the sand.
Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton-on-Sea is another of our favourite getaways when we want to enjoy a proper sandy beach near London. As well as the open sands and sparkling sea, there’s a pleasure pier, water sports and arcades to keep the whole family entertained on your beach day.
Plan your trip
If you’re planning a visit to one of the lovely sandy beaches near London this summer, book your car hire in with Meashams today. We can help with last minute bookings as well as ones planned ahead to help you make the most of hot summer days in the UK.
We have a wide range of hire cars available for your trip. Or, if you’re planning a group beach day, why not book into one of our self drive minibuses and share the ride?