Top 5 Family-Friendly Beaches Near London

Escape the hustle of London for a day of sandcastles, ice cream, and sea breezes! For families, a beach trip offers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and adventure, all within a 2-3 hour journey from the capital. Whether your kids are toddlers splashing in shallow waves or teens craving arcade thrills, the beaches near London deliver unforgettable family moments. With clean shores, lifeguard patrols, and amenities like toilets and cafes, these destinations make planning a stress-free outing a breeze.

This guide highlights the top five family-friendly beaches near London: Brighton, Camber Sands, West Wittering, Margate, and Southend-on-Sea. Each is accessible by train or car, packed with kid-friendly activities, and perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. From building sandcastles to exploring piers, we’ve got you covered with practical tips, budget hacks, and safety advice to ensure your family’s beach day is a hit. Let’s dive into the best coastal escapes for London families!

Why Choose a Beach Day Near London?

While London is known for its parks and iconic attractions, sometimes nothing beats the smell of sea air and the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Luckily, the southeast of England offers a fantastic range of coastal destinations—many of which are under two hours from central London.

Benefits of a Beach Day Near London:

• Easy access by train or car

• Low-cost family outings

• Health benefits from time outdoors

• Perfect mini-break without needing a passport

• Great way to escape the city heat in summer

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a spontaneous day trip, these beaches promise a stress-free and fun-filled escape for families of all sizes.

1. Botany Bay, Kent – For Scenic Cliffs and Sandcastle Dreams

Why It’s Great for Families

Located near Broadstairs, Botany Bay is a hidden gem with soft golden sands, calm shallow waters, and striking chalk cliffs that give it a dramatic yet serene backdrop. It’s quieter than other nearby beaches, making it ideal for toddlers and younger kids.

Things to Do:

• Build sandcastles in the powdery sand

• Search for fossils and shells along the rock pools

• Go paddleboarding or take a dip (lifeguards are on duty in summer)

Facilities:

• Toilets and seasonal cafe

• Parking nearby

• Lifeguards during summer holidays

How to Get There:

• Train: London to Broadstairs (1 hour 45 mins), then a short taxi ride

• Drive: Around 1 hour 50 minutes via A2/M2

Insider Tip:

Go early to catch low tide for rockpooling and avoid crowds. Bring a picnic as café options are limited.

2. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex – For Sandy Bliss and Family Picnics

Why It’s Great for Families

West Wittering is a Blue Flag award-winning beach, known for its clean sands and shallow tidal pools. It’s ideal for families who want space to spread out, splash around, and enjoy nature safely.

Things to Do:

• Safe paddling and swimming in the shallows

• Birdwatching in the adjacent Chichester Harbour nature reserve

• Picnic or BBQ in designated areas

Facilities:

• Toilets, showers, and baby changing

• Seasonal café

• Lifeguards in peak season

• Bookable parking online

How to Get There:

• Train: London Victoria to Chichester (1 hour 40 mins), then taxi/bus

• Drive: Around 2 hours from London

Insider Tip:

Parking fills up quickly in summer—pre-booking is essential. Bring a kite, as the open sands are perfect for flying.

3. Brighton Beach, East Sussex – For Classic Seaside Fun

Why It’s Great for Families

Just under an hour from London, Brighton is the go-to for traditional seaside entertainment. Though it’s a pebbled beach, families love it for the iconic pier, arcades, and sea life centre.

Things to Do:

• Ride the fairground attractions on Brighton Palace Pier

• Explore SEA LIFE Brighton with the kids

• Rent deckchairs and enjoy the sea breeze

• Enjoy fish and chips by the water

Facilities:

• Public toilets and baby changing

• Plenty of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops

• Lifeguards in summer

• Accessible facilities for prams and wheelchairs

How to Get There:

• Train: London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton (1 hour)

• Drive: Around 1 hour 30 minutes 

Insider Tip:

Avoid peak hours on weekends—try a weekday visit or arrive early for the best spot near the pier.

4. Camber Sands, East Sussex – For Dune Adventures and Sandy Strolls

Why It’s Great for Families

Camber Sands is one of the only sandy beaches on the south coast with vast dunes, soft sand, and open skies. It's perfect for kids who love to run around or fly kites. It’s also dog-friendly year-round in some areas, ideal for families with furry friends.

Things to Do:

• Sand dune climbing and exploring

• Paddleboarding or kite-surfing for teens

• Sandcastle contests and frisbee games

Facilities:

• Car parks nearby (arrive early)

• Toilets and beach cafés

• RNLI lifeguards in summer

• Beach wheelchair hire available

How to Get There:

• Train: London St Pancras to Rye (1 hour 10 mins), then bus/taxi

• Drive: Around 2 hours from London via A21

Insider Tip:

Bring a windbreak and sunscreen—there’s little natural shade. Pack extra clothes for little ones as sand gets everywhere!

5. Whitstable Beach, Kent – For Quirky Coastal Charm and Oysters

Why It’s Great for Families

Whitstable offers a mix of quirky beach huts, calm waters, and a working harbour, making it a charming spot for a relaxed day out. It’s not sandy—more shingle and shells—but families love the atmosphere and food.

Things to Do:

• Try fresh oysters and fish & chips from the harbour market

• Browse local art galleries and craft shops

• Rent bikes and explore the flat, coastal Crab & Winkle Way

Facilities:

• Toilets and baby changing

• Cafés, restaurants, and food stalls

• Great for strollers and bikes

How to Get There:

• Train: London Victoria to Whitstable (1 hour 30 mins)

• Drive: Around 1 hour 45 minutes 

Insider Tip:

Try to visit during the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival (usually July) for family-friendly parades, music, and food.

Family Packing List for a UK Beach Day

Don’t forget these essentials to ensure your family has the best day out by the sea:

• Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)

• Swimsuits and towels

• Extra clothes for kids

• Sun hats and sunglasses

• Flip-flops or water shoes

• Reusable water bottles

• Beach toys (buckets, spades, frisbee)

• Snacks or picnic

• Baby wipes and bin bags

• Portable phone charger

• First aid kit and any medications

Safety Tips for Families at the Beach

Keeping little ones safe is priority number one. Here’s how to enjoy the water and sun worry-free:

• Always swim near lifeguard stations

• Watch for tide warnings or flags

• Keep a close eye on kids in the water

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours

• Stay hydrated and seek shade periodically

• Use brightly coloured hats or rash vests to easily spot your child

Best Time to Visit These Beaches

While summer (June to August) is the most popular time, spring and early autumn can be less crowded and just as enjoyable—especially if you plan around school holidays. May half-term and early September are ideal for warmer weather without overwhelming crowds.

Combining Beach Time with Local Attractions

Maximize your day with nearby sights:

• Brighton: Pair beach time with SEA LIFE or pier rides.

• Camber Sands: Visit Rye’s cobbled streets or Heritage Centre.

• West Wittering: Explore East Head’s dunes post-beach.

• Margate: Combine sand play with Turner Contemporary workshops.

• Southend: Spend the afternoon at Adventure Island or the pier.

A sample itinerary: morning sandcastles at Camber Sands, lunch in Rye, and an afternoon at the Heritage Centre.

Whether you’re planning your child’s first beach day or looking for a coastal spot with both charm and convenience, these family-friendly beaches near London deliver everything you need. With stunning scenery, plenty of space to play, and easy transport links, you don’t have to travel far for unforgettable seaside memories.

So pack your sunscreen, grab your buckets and spades, and let EaseMyTrip help you plan a stress-free UK family beach day in 2025. For families who want sun, sand, and smiles—these beaches are calling.

Ready to plan your next beach adventure? Book your flight with EaseMyTrip UK and explore the best of the British coastline, one sandy step at a time!

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