Best Seaside Towns Near London: Charming Coastal Escapes Without the Car
Coastal Day Trips for First-Time UK Visitors
When you think of a London holiday, the seaside might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But hop on a train for just over an hour, and you’ll find yourself breathing in salty sea air, walking along a Victorian promenade, or sipping coffee beside colourful beach huts.
For many visitors from the US, Canada, or Australia, this mix of coastal charm and historical quirks is a refreshing contrast to the city’s hustle. Better yet, these escapes are all easily accessible by train—no car required, no stress, just effortless seaside joy.
Whether you’re travelling with family, escaping on a romantic day trip, or simply curious about British coastal life, there’s a perfect spot waiting. From the lively lanes of Brighton to the peaceful cliffs of Seaford, we’ve handpicked the best seaside towns near London—each offering something special.
Let’s explore the coast, one postcard-worthy stop at a time.
Hastings: History, Sea Breezes & Vintage Seaside Charm
Looking for a tranquil seaside escape with a pinch of history and a dash of quirk? Say hello to Hastings—a delightful day trip just 90 minutes from London’s Charing Cross. This East Sussex gem offers more than just classic fish ‘n chips (although yes, they’re divine and best eaten with sea views).
Clifftop History with a View
Perched above the town are the dramatic ruins of Hastings Castle—England’s very first Norman fortress, built by William the Conqueror shortly after 1066. While the castle is partly reclaimed by time and sea winds, the panoramic views across the Channel are simply majestic. Our tip? Bring a flask, climb the West Hill or take the funicular, and enjoy a picnic with a glorious view.
Cobbled Lanes & Creative Spirit
Wander into Hastings Old Town, a charming mix of half-timbered houses, antique stores, and indie galleries. Browse quirky shops along George Street, stop for a slice of homemade cake, and maybe even pick up a vintage seaside postcard.
Art, Fun Facts & Fish Tales
Explore the Jerwood Gallery by the beach (now Hastings Contemporary), where contemporary British art meets sea breeze. And here’s a fun twist: despite its fame, the actual Battle of Hastings didn’t happen here—it happened inland in the aptly named town of Battle. Hastings just claimed the glory, and we love it for that.
Where to Eat in Hastings
- Webbe’s at Rock-a-Nore – Fresh seafood and elegant mains just steps from the fishing beach.
- The Crown Hastings – A modern gastropub in the Old Town with seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
- White’s Seafood & Steak Bar – Generous portions and laid-back charm. Try the seafood platter.
- Di Pola’s Gelateria – Handmade Italian gelato perfect for a post-walk treat.
- Hanushka Coffee House – A relaxed café full of books and character. Ideal for coffee and cake.
How to Get There
Take a direct train from London Charing Cross or London Bridge. The journey is just under 1.5 hours, and the station is a short walk from the seafront and Old Town.
Why Go?
With its blend of history, artsy spirit, and coastal calm, Hastings offers a perfect mix for culture-loving travellers. It’s one of the best seaside towns near London for those craving stories, scenery, and a slice of the unexpected.
Brighton: Seaside Glamour with a Royal Twist
Royal scandal? A splash of nostalgia… look no further than Brighton. One of the best seaside towns near London and just an hour away by train. Whether you’re after a cultural day out, a bracing walk by the sea, or just an excellent cone of chips, Brighton delivers with flair.
Royal Pavilion: A Palace Like No Other
Right in the heart of town stands the exotic Royal Pavilion, a lavish seaside retreat built by Prince Regent George IV. From its Indian-style domes to its opulent Chinese interiors, this palace is all flamboyance and no restraint. It’s a must-see for anyone who enjoys a bit of royal gossip with their architecture!
The Lanes: Vintage Vibes & Hidden Treasures
Wander into The Lanes, Brighton’s maze of cobbled alleyways packed with vintage boutiques, antique shops, fudge counters, and the odd surprise jazz trio. It’s charming, quirky, and endlessly photogenic—bring your camera and your curiosity.
Brighton Pier: Classic Seaside Fun
No trip to Brighton is complete without a visit to the Brighton Pier. Think candy floss, traditional arcades, and spectacular sea views from a deckchair. Yes, the beach is pebbled—but somehow, that only adds to the charm.
Where to Eat in Brighton
- Riddle & Finns – Overlooking the beach, this elegant seafood restaurant is known for oysters, champagne, and relaxed glamour.
- The Ivy in the Lanes – A stylish spot for brunch, cocktails, or dinner with classic British flair and art deco interiors.
- Food for Friends – One of Brighton’s top veggie restaurants, perfect for a fresh, seasonal lunch in a relaxed setting.
- The Flour Pot Bakery – Ideal for a quick coffee and pastry before your stroll along the seafront.
- VIP Pizza – Authentic Neapolitan pizza tucked just off the beach—family-friendly and a local favourite.
How to Get There
Hop on a direct train from London Victoria or London Bridge—you’ll be on the beach in just about an hour. Once you arrive, most sights are walkable, and the vibe is laid-back and welcoming.
Why Go?
Brighton combines regal history, independent spirit, and good old-fashioned seaside fun. It’s perfect for travellers seeking something lively, colourful, and distinctly British—with no car required.
Whitstable: Oysters, Charm & Coastal Calm
Need a break from London’s buzz? Step off the train at Whitstable, a picture-perfect seaside town on the north Kent coast where fresh sea air and fine seafood come served with boutique charm. Just 90 minutes from London St Pancras, Whitstable is all about slowing down and soaking up the coastal vibes—with a glass of white and a plate of oysters, naturally.
The Star of the Show? Oysters.
Whitstable’s oysters are legendary—farmed since Roman times and still the town’s culinary calling card. For a proper seaside treat, head to the Whitstable Oyster Company, housed in an old warehouse right by the beach. Prefer casual? Grab a takeaway tray from a local shack, park yourself on the pebbles, and watch the boats bob in the harbour.
Fun Fact: Locals love their oysters so much they throw a whole festival for them every summer. The Whitstable Oyster Festival features parades, live music, foodie events, and, of course, plenty of slurping. It’s as delightfully quirky as it sounds.
Coastal Walks & Boutique Browsing
Beyond the oysters, Whitstable charms with driftwood-fenced cottages, indie art galleries, and curated vintage shops. Take a wander down Harbour Street for one-of-a-kind finds, then stroll along the Crab & Winkle Way, a scenic trail linking Whitstable with nearby Canterbury if you’re feeling adventurous.
Where to Eat in Whitstable
- Whitstable Oyster Company – Elegant dining with unbeatable views and the freshest oysters in town.
- Samphire – A cosy bistro-style favourite offering modern British dishes with a local twist. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Wheelers Oyster Bar – A tiny, iconic pink-fronted gem serving seafood platters and retro charm (book ahead or get takeaway!).
- Blueprint Coffee & Books – A hidden café just off the high street with great coffee, cake, and a well-curated bookshop vibe.
- The Forge – For casual beachside bites and takeaway oysters or crab rolls served right by the shore.
How to Get There
Catch a direct train from London St Pancras or Victoria—Whitstable Station is just a 10-minute walk from the beach and town centre.
Why Go?
If your ideal day trip includes good food, salty breezes, and a bit of boutique browsing, Whitstable is calling. It’s easily one of the best seaside towns near London for anyone who prefers a wine glass to a selfie stick.
Margate: Seaside Fun Meets Vintage Cool
Looking for a day trip that serves golden sand with a side of quirky charm? Margate is top of our choice. Just under two hours from London by train, this once-traditional seaside resort has reinvented itself as a boho blend of old-school beach fun and artsy cool. Think deckchairs and espresso, vintage roller coasters and avant-garde galleries—all in one delightfully walkable town.
Beach, Breeze & Classic British Seaside
Start at Margate Main Sands, a generous stretch of golden beach where fish ‘n chips taste better with salty air and seagulls overhead. It’s the kind of place where you’ll spot kids building sandcastles, couples paddling barefoot, and artists painting skies once captured by J.M.W. Turner himself.
Dreamland & The Shell Grotto
Next, head to Dreamland, Margate’s retro amusement park complete with one of the UK’s oldest wooden roller coasters. It’s part funfair, part nostalgia trip—perfect for an afternoon of light-hearted thrills and pastel photo ops.
Then go underground (literally) to the Shell Grotto—a mysterious network of tunnels covered in over 4 million seashells, arranged in intricate, otherworldly patterns. No one knows who built it or why, but it’s pure Margate magic.
Old Town & Turner Contemporary
Wander through Margate Old Town, where indie bookshops, vinyl stores, and vintage boutiques sit beside artisan cafés and record-spinning coffee bars. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Turner Contemporary, a striking seaside gallery celebrating the light and landscapes that inspired its namesake.
Where to Eat
- Dory’s: A sustainable seafood bar with sea views, small plates, and local wines. It’s light, fresh, and very Margate.
- The Buoy and Oyster: Great for elevated seaside classics—think mussels, grilled fish, and excellent cocktails.
- Cliffs: A coffee shop meets record store, perfect for brunch or a lazy flat white with vinyl grooves.
- Grab a takeaway cone from Peter’s Fish Factory and enjoy it on the beach, the classic way.
How to Get There
Take a direct train from London St Pancras (high-speed service) or Victoria—journey time ranges from 90 minutes to two hours.
Why Go?
Margate is where vintage charm meets creative energy. It’s quirky, cultural, and one of the best seaside towns near London for those who want sun, sea, and something a little different.
The Seven Sisters: Clifftop Drama Meets Coastal Calm
Need to escape the city noise and swap skyscrapers for seagulls? Just 90 minutes from London Victoria by train, Seaford is your perfect jumping-off point to explore the iconic Seven Sisters Cliffs—a dramatic stretch of chalk-white coastline that looks like it was made for postcards (or BBC period dramas).
Seaford Head: The Million-Pound View
Begin your journey at Seaford Head, where a gentle walk leads you to the panoramic view—rolling green hills tumbling into pristine white cliffs with the sea shimmering below. It’s a scene so cinematic it’s been featured in Harry Potter and Robin Hood. Nature really nailed the brief here.
Walk, Wander, and Breathe Deep
The Seven Sisters Coastal Trail is a favourite among walkers of all levels. Expect breezy clifftop paths, wildflower meadows, and Instagram-worthy spots around every bend. For a more serene moment, detour down to Hope Gap, a peaceful cove ideal for seal-spotting or simply sitting in awe of the views.
Where to Refuel
After your walk, treat yourself to a bite in Seaford or along the trail:
- The Cuckmere Inn: A rustic riverside pub near the trailhead—perfect for a hearty lunch or a pint with a view. Their Sunday roast is a local favourite.
- Frankie’s Beach Café: Right on Seaford’s pebbled shore, this laid-back spot serves toasties, fresh cakes, and very decent coffee—ideal post-hike pick-me-up.
- Pomegranate Café in Seaford town centre offers veggie-friendly meals, homemade soup, and great scones if you’re after something cosy.
How to Get There
Take the train from London Victoria to Seaford, changing once at Lewes. From Seaford station, it’s a 15–20-minute walk to Seaford Head, where the cliff walk begins.
Why Go?
For fresh air, soul-stirring views, and the kind of peace you can’t find in the city, Seven Sisters is hard to beat. It’s one of the best seaside escapes near London—perfect for walkers, wanderers, and anyone craving nature with a side of drama.
Recommended Seven Sisters White Cliffs Tours
Other Useful Links for Best Seaside Towns near London
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- Planning day trips from London to seaside towns: Book Your Train Tickets on Trainline.com
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