London Beaches
So, you may not think of London as a tropical paradise, but the UK does actually have some sun-filled sandy beaches to offer during the summer months. Even during the other seasons the coastal towns of Britain have some of the most thrilling nightlife and delicious restaurants in the UK. If you are staying in London you can take a great day trip to some of Britain’s most fabulous beaches. 73 fabulous British beaches have been checked out by Encams, which is responsible for the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign. They check water quality and have created the cleanest beaches in Britain. Temperatures during the summer can range from 18 to 21 degrees.
The Isle of Wight: 39 miles off the mainland this island has 33 award winning beaches. It keeps the highest standards of water quality and beach cleanliness. Beyond just beautiful sandy beaches and sparkling water the island also offers crumbling white chalk cliffs, gentle downs, and fascinating forests. It also has an extremely old and interesting history. If you are looking for a fun day trip while visiting London, the Isle of Wight is only a short ferryboat ride away.
Herne Bay: Herne Bay is a quaint coastal town in Kent. It is only about and hour and a half from London on the Southeastern railway. It is a great place to go for some great seafood and sailing. Since it is so close to the city, if you find yourself in London on a fine summer day take some time to go visit this small and beautiful community. Also, if you are looking for a little bit of history Herne Bay is just 8 miles away from the historic city of Canterbury.
Brighton: Brighton is a great young person beach with loads of nightclubs, bars and great restaurants. It also has great concerts every summer and has hosted some of the world’s most popular musicians and music festivals. Brighton also hosts the UK’s second largest arts festival in May. It is a beautiful city with tons of history and amazing beaches. The Brighton Pier is breathtaking at sunset and it is less than an hour from the city.
East Sussex: Boasting some of the country’s most luxurious beachside resorts, East Sussex offers over 10 different beaches. The restaurants also offer some of the best organic and seasonal food in the country. The beaches are clean and comfortable and are surrounded by amazing scenery. Also, as with most coastal towns in Britain, East Sussex has a rich history.
Transportation: There are trains running from London to pretty much anywhere in the country. If you are staying in London and wish to take a day trip to one of these fabulous beaches most national rails leave from either King’s Cross/St. Pancras or Victoria Station. Just be sure that you know when the last train leaves so you don’t end up stuck at the beach all night.