The UK is full of great seaside destinations, the hardest decision is picking the best sunny locations to visit. You may be looking for a sandy beach, family-friendly arcades and entertainment, or even a seaside spot that can be easily accessed by public transport.
This article with guide you through all the best destinations within easy reach of London for when you want to take a break from city life.
London Bridge to Brighton (around a 1hr 10 mins)
Brighton is a lively seaside town with plenty to do, known for its iconic palace pier and observation tower. Brighton is one of the UK’s most eco-friendly cities with an arty and culture-packed feel. You will find works of art at every turn. All this entertainment can be easily reached from London Bridge, where you’ll find a direct route to Brighton Train Station.
If you have an eye for arts and crafts, The Lanes is home to many independent retailers. Here you can browse all kinds of goods, from jewellery to fashion.
London to Hastings (around a 1hr 30 mins)
Hastings town overlooks the English Channel and is a great spot for weekend getaways and day trips. You will find plenty to do here, whether that be taking a trip on the cliffside railway or a walk with the family along the Pier. Hastings is known for its large fishing presence, and youngsters typically enjoy seeing the many fishing boats on the beach, ready to be set out to sea.
History fans will enjoy a visit to the Old Town or Battle Abbey, which was erected on the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1070 by the Normans. The battlefield and Abbey are only 15 minutes by road or train.
London to Eastbourne (around a 1hr 35 mins)
Eastbourne is a resort town, housing a popular venue in the area. Sports fans may be keen to visit the International Lawn Tennis Centre when it hosts an annual tournament ahead of Wimbledon. There are also plenty of attractions to suit families including several local theme parks, museums and art galleries. Keen walkers will enjoy the Seven Sisters’ cliffside walks and the fizz on foot walking tours.
This town is also easy to get around. In fact, the walk to the main pier is just 13 minutes from Eastbourne Train Station.
London to Southsea (around a 2hr 10 mins)
A visit to Southsea means seafront gardens and a long beach, as well as your favourite funfair rides on the South Parade Pier. Entertain the family with a visit to the local aquarium or Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII, with idyllic views adding to the sense of adventure.
If you want to make the most of your visit you could visit the Spinnaker Tower, a 170-metre landmark that towers over Portsmouth. Climb the tower to venture across the glass Sky Walk and watch the boats and waves below your feet. When you are done having fun here, don’t forget to head up to the Sky Garden for a coffee and cake.
London to Margate (around a 2hrs)
Margate is the home of Dreamland, a long-standing amusement park. Having recently secured £18 million in public funding, the park’s Grade II listed railway, cinema complex, and menagerie cages have all recently been refurbished and upgraded.
Away from the rollercoasters on offer, you could visit the Town Centre’s Shell Grotto, where an estimated 4.5 million make for a stunning display or soak up the fun in the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool and arcades.
