Best Beaches Near London by Train: Your Ultimate Guide for 2026
Simply hop on a direct train from St. Pancras and set off on an unforgettable coastal adventure. Join us as we explore the top 5 best seasides near London.
Beaches close to London, just a train journey away
Looking for the best beaches near London by train? With a wide choice of sandy beaches near London, escaping the city for the coast is easier than you might think. From relaxed seaside towns to some of the best beach destinations, many are easily accessible by train from St. Pancras International, making day trips simple and stress-free. Skip the traffic and take one of the fastest train routes to the beach from London – enjoy sun, sea and sand in no time.
Here’s our guide to five of the best beaches near London by train for your next coastal escape, including:
- Brighton – 1 hour 17 minutes from London
- Whitstable – 1 hour 15 minutes from London
- Broadstairs – 1 hour 21 minutes from London
- Margate – 1 hour 30 minutes from London
- Folkestone – 54 minutes from London
Brighton: the iconic seaside city by train
With so many things to see and do in Brighton, it can be tricky to know where to start! Brighton is a colourful, cosmopolitan, cultural and vibrant city with plenty of great places to shop, eat and see. The Brighton Lanes is a seaside shopper’s paradise filled with independent shops and unique boutiques, it’s definitely a must-see for those visiting the city. Other highlights include The Royal Pavilion, Sea Life Centre and of course the famous Brighton Palace Pier, all set alongside the pebbly Brighton beach.
How to get to Brighton from St. Pancras?
Getting to Brighton from St. Pancras is as easy as hopping on a Thameslink train and taking the 1 hour 17 minutes journey. It’s one of the fastest train routes to the beach from London, making it ideal for a spontaneous day trip. With regular direct services, Brighton is one of the best beaches near London by train, perfect if you’re looking for a classic seaside escape without the hassle of driving.
Best for: Lively seaside city
Whitstable: one of Kent’s most picturesque towns
Whitstable is another coastal gem easily accessible via Southeastern’s high speed services from St. Pancras. Famous for its oysters but there is much more to discover and enjoy in this pretty Kent seaside town. Whitstable is also famous for its thriving arts community, with something to inspire and delight all tastes. Pretty Harbour Street has a real energy and buzz about it, enjoy a stroll and browse the independent shops and boutiques, take time to grab a coffee in one of the many cafes and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere.
This English seaside town has a beautiful coastline with a very traditional feel with candy coloured beach huts, weatherboard cottages and fishing boats. The beaches are pebbly, but the sea is calm and perfect for paddle boarding or sailing.
How to get to Whitstable from St. Pancras?
High speed trains from St Pancras International to Whitstable via Southeastern take around 1 hour 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest train journeys to the coast from London. Once you arrive, the beach is less than a 10-minute walk from the station, making Whitstable one of the most convenient beaches near London by train, perfect for an easy, seaside day trip.
Best for: Food and chilled vibes
Broadstairs: coastal charm in Kent
Take the high speed train to Broadstairs to enjoy the charm of a seaside spot that was a favourite of Charles Dickens. Broadstairs is a charming, quintessential Kent seaside town with a relaxed, family-friendly feel. You can enjoy not just one, but seven stunning beaches and bays, one for each day of the week – two have Blue Flags and two have Seaside Awards.
Crescent-shaped Viking Bay is the town’s main bay, with a pretty harbour. Joss Bay is known as a surfer’s paradise, whilst the chalk stacks at Botany Bay and the arch at Kingsgate Bay are always in demand with keen photographers. They’re worth the walk if you’re feeling energetic.
How to get to Broadstairs from St. Pancras?
High-speed trains to Broadstairs via Southeastern from St. Pancras International take 1 hour 21 minutes, making it a straightforward and comfortable journey. Broadstairs has some of the best sandy beaches near London by train, with the seafront just a short walk from the station once you arrive.
Best for: Family days out
Margate: home of the iconic Dreamland
This charming but contemporary seaside resort is in the middle of an exciting renaissance thanks to its mix of relaxation and art. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for overworked Londoners, with gorgeous sandy beaches, the iconic Dreamland, a cool café culture, and a thriving arts scene. The vast sandy beach is less than five minutes’ walk from the train station and the first thing you see as you turn left towards the town.
Margate is packed with interesting vintage shops and vibrant art galleries including, Turner Contemporary. One of the UK’s leading art galleries, it is situated on the seafront on the same site where JMW Turner stayed when visiting the town. The gallery presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and world class art.
How to get to Margate from St. Pancras?
There are frequent high speed trains to Margate from London via Southeastern which take around 1 hour 30 minutes. As one of the best beaches near London by train, Margate combines a classic seaside feel with a long sandy beach just a short distance from the station.
Best for: Overall sandy beach
Folkestone: seaside charm and artistic flair
Folkestone is a vibrant and creative coastal town close to London with a blend of seaside charm and artistic flair.
The town’s Creative Quarter is a must-visit – a lively network of colourful streets filled with independent shops, quirky galleries, and cosy cafés. It’s the perfect spot to explore at a leisurely pace, with surprises around every corner. Take a stroll along the award-winning promenade and discover the unique public artworks that form part of the Folkestone Artworks, the UK’s largest urban outdoor contemporary art exhibition.
Folkestone’s beaches offer a mix of pebbles and sand, ideal for a refreshing dip or a relaxed afternoon at a seaside near London. The Harbour Arm, once a working pier, is now a buzzing hub of eateries, pop-up bars, and live music – all with spectacular views across the Channel.
How to get to Folkestone from St. Pancras?
High-speed trains from St. Pancras International to Folkestone Central via Southeastern take as little as 54 minutes, making it one of the fastest beach escapes from London by train. With its pebbly shores and a charming seafront just steps from the station, Folkestone is an easy choice for a quick coastal getaway.
Best for: Closest beach to St. Pancras
Found your perfect destination? Don’t forget to buy your train tickets, book your car parking, and check our station map for platform information before you travel.
FAQs
What is the fastest beach to reach from St. Pancras International?
The fastest beach you can reach from St. Pancras International is Folkestone. High-speed Southeastern trains get you there in as little as 54 minutes, putting sandy shores and a charming seafront well within reach for a quick day trip from London.
Which of these beaches are sandy?
Broadstairs, Margate, and Folkestone are the main sandy beaches mentioned, while Brighton and Whitstable have pebbles.
Which beach is best for a family day trip?
Broadstairs is ideal for a family day trip, with its wide sandy beaches, gentle waves, and plenty of nearby amenities, making it easy to enjoy a full day by the sea with kids.
Which train lines should I use to get to these beaches?
You can reach these beaches using Southeastern high-speed services from St. Pancras International to Folkestone, Margate, Broadstairs, and Whitstable, while Brighton is accessible via Thameslink trains.