London is one of the world's great cities — the capital of England and the United Kingdom, a former heart of a global empire, and today a cosmopolitan metropolis of nine million people drawing visitors from every country. The city holds more UNESCO-listed sites, Michelin-starred restaurants, and free world-class museums than almost any other capital. From the medieval Tower of London and the palaces of Westminster to the street food of Borough Market, the theatres of the West End, and the galleries of Tate Modern, London offers an almost inexhaustible range of experiences across its 33 boroughs.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in London.
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- deck chair hire
- shingle beach
- pier
- arcades
- seafront restaurants
- beach bars
Brighton Beach
Editor’s tip. Bring beach shoes or a towel to sit on -- the shingle is uncomfortable barefoot and heats up quickly in summer sun
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- wide sandy beach
- sand dunes
- car parking
- seasonal café
- public toilets
- lifeguards (July–August)
Camber Sands
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on summer weekends -- the car park fills quickly and overflow parking is limited
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- pebble and sand beach
- oyster bars
- seafront pubs
- beach huts
- harbour
- fish and chip shops
Whitstable Beach
Editor’s tip. Book a table at the seafront oyster restaurants in advance during summer weekends and festival dates
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- sandy beach
- sheltered bay
- deck chair hire
- ice cream stalls
- seafront cafés
- public toilets
Broadstairs Viking Bay
Editor’s tip. Visit early or off-peak in summer, as the small bay fills up quickly on warm weekends
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- sandy and mudflat beach
- world's longest pleasure pier (2.16km)
- amusement park
- seafront restaurants
- public toilets
- Adventure Island theme park
Southend-on-Sea
Editor’s tip. Check tide times before swimming, as the shoreline changes considerably between high and low tide
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- sandy beach
- chalk stacks
- rock pools
- no facilities (bring provisions)
- dog-friendly (year-round)
- National Trust coastline
Botany Bay Broadstairs
Editor’s tip. Bring all food and water -- there are no cafés or shops at Botany Bay
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- large sandy beach
- Dreamland amusement park
- Turner Contemporary gallery nearby
- seafront restaurants
- public toilets
- lifeguards (seasonal)
Margate Main Sands
Editor’s tip. Visit the Turner Contemporary gallery on a rainy day as a backup to the beach
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- open-air freshwater lido
- changing rooms
- showers
- café
- sun terrace
- paddleboats
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
Editor’s tip. Bring a towel and swimwear -- the water is unheated and noticeably cool even in summer
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in London memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Rail Passes
A Network Railcard (£30/approx USD 38 per year) gives one-third off most rail fares in the Southeast network — essential for regular day-tripper use.
Advance Booking
Advance rail tickets from London to Brighton, Margate, and Broadstairs can be booked at nationalrail.co.uk — prices are significantly lower when bought several weeks ahead.
Beach Bag Essentials
UK beaches are unpredictable; bring sunscreen, a windbreak, a warm layer, and waterproofs even in summer. Pebble beaches at Brighton and Whitstable require water shoes.
Tides
Tidal timing is critical at Camber Sands and Botany Bay — check tide tables at tidetimes.org.uk before visiting. The sea retreats far at low tide on the Thames Estuary.
Dogs
Dogs are restricted on many beaches between May and September. Botany Bay, parts of Camber Sands, and stretches of Whitstable are dog-friendly year-round — check local signage.
Parking
Train is strongly recommended for Brighton and Margate — weekend parking is expensive and congested. Camber Sands has a large pay-and-display car park.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about London’s coast.
Is Brighton Beach sandy or pebbly?
Brighton Beach is a shingle beach made up of smooth pebbles rather than sand, and it shelves steeply into the sea.
From the Brighton Beach editorial.
Are there lifeguards at Brighton Beach?
Seasonal lifeguards patrol designated swimming zones near the piers, typically from May to September.
From the Brighton Beach editorial.
Is Camber Sands good for kite surfing?
Yes, Camber Sands has designated kite surfing and windsurfing zones separated from swimming areas, and it is one of the most popular kite surfing spots in southeast England.
From the Camber Sands editorial.
Are dogs allowed on Camber Sands?
Dogs are allowed but restricted to specific zones of the beach during the summer season.
From the Camber Sands editorial.
Is Whitstable Beach sandy or pebbly?
The beach is mostly pebble and shingle near the town centre, with sandier patches exposed at low tide further along the coast.
From the Whitstable Beach editorial.
What is Whitstable Beach known for?
Whitstable is best known for its native oysters and working harbour, with the seafront lined by oyster bars and seafood restaurants.
From the Whitstable Beach editorial.
Is Broadstairs Viking Bay good for children?
Yes, the sheltered, crescent-shaped bay and calm water make it well suited to families with young children.
From the Broadstairs Viking Bay editorial.
How do you get down to Viking Bay?
Access from the town centre is via a set of steps or a sloped path down the low chalk cliffs, a short but not step-free descent.
From the Broadstairs Viking Bay editorial.