Set off from the city to enjoy sun, sea and sand at our favourite coastal escapes close to the capital

Sometimes we all need a little break from the big smoke. Luckily, London is perfectly positioned for a coastal day trip.

Margate

Margate by Mariusz Kluzniak

Dubbed ‘Hackney-on-sea’ by some, head east on the train from St Pancras to escape to this, the trendiest of seaside getaways. Truly an culture lover’s heaven, J W Turner painted it, Tracey Emin grew up here and T S Eliot wrote part of The Waste Land from the town centre. The Turner Contemporary, one of the UK’s leading art galleries, on the seafront is a must-visit. For food visitors should head for Fort’s Café and The Great British Pizza Co. on the seafront, or head down to The Greedy Cow on Market Place to gorge on one of their famous burgers. The old-school quirks of ‘Dreamland’ (home to the world’s biggest bouncy castle) are not to be missed.

Camber Sands

Camber Sands by Afcone

Just over an hour from London, the dunes of Camber Sands are the perfect place to feel the sand between your toes. For the adventurous visitor, why not try learning to kite surf at ‘The Kite Surf Centre’ whilst nearby Camber Castle can deliver a much-needed dose of history.

Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea by Gareth Williams

The blue-flag beaches of Southend-on-Sea are just the start of the entertainment on offer at this Essex hotspot. The UK’s No. 1 free admission fun park, Adventure Land, is perfect for thrill seekers – the Rage rollercoaster is not to be missed, replete with a barrel roll and a 75-foot drop. The mile long pier is a must visit, and even has a narrow gauge railway to carry visitors from the shore to the pier head.

Brighton

Brighton by Pablo Fernandez

No list of seaside escapes from London would be complete without a mention of Brighton, the seaside town that has been refreshing London visitors for over 200 years. Whether you’re looking for a bucket and spade experience or the trendy bohemian shopping provided by ‘The Lanes’, Brighton has something for everyone.

Whitstable

Whitstable Harbour by Smudge 9000

Seafood lovers rejoice, Whitstable with its picturesque harbour is just over an hour away. Famous for its oysters, this little seaside town even has an annual festival devoted to the delicious delicacy. The town even boasts its own Michelin-starred pub, The Sportsman.

Images from Flickr.