5 UK seaside holidays near London
A UK seaside staycation might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re dreaming of a beach holiday. But for the last few years, I’ve spent a wintery weekend by the sea and it’s always been the perfect switch-off from my day-to-day. Travelling during the off-peak season is often cheaper, quieter, and sometimes you have a beautiful beach all to yourself. So, if you can, I’d recommend trying a winter seaside trip between January - March.
Here is a round-up of beach holidays near London, all accessible via public transport.
Durdle Door, Dorset
This is my favourite from the list and one that I will always go back to. Overall, there isn’t too much to do in the area apart from coastal walks and the choice of restaurants is somewhat limited - but one place that is worth a visit is Castle Inn pub. I would go back just for their rosemary-baked Camembert.
But this means it’s the perfect escape to switch off from your day-to-day. The coastline is just stunning - you can have a look at my photo diary from last year here.
Hotels to stay at near Durdle Door:
Limestone Hotel (pictured below)
Castle Inn (dinner here was delicious).
Time from London: 2.5 hours to from Waterloo to Wool.
Deal, Kent
Deal is a pocket-sized town so you could easily manage a day trip from London. Check out all my recommendations in my previous post here. But, it’s worth staying at The Rose Hotel too so you can easily explore other nearby towns e.g. Whitstable or Margate via train on the same trip. I’d also suggest not visiting on Sunday/Monday as most shops are closed!
Hotels to stay at in Deal:
The Rose Hotel (pictured below and full review here)
Time from London: 1.5 hours to from King’s Cross to Deal.
Brighton
I haven’t explored all of Brighton but I know there is SO much to do so I’ll definitely be heading back soon. It’s also super easy to jump on the train from London. You can spend time wandering in and out of the bustling lanes, head to the pier or stroll on the beach. And don’t forget to tuck into some beachside comfort food.
Hotels to stay at in Brighton:
Artist Residence - I stayed in a “Tiny Sea View” room, which was affordable and perfect for one night
Time from London: 1 hour from London Bridge or Victoria to Brighton
Rye and Camber Sands
This is another one of my favourite spots in the UK. Rye isn’t quite “seaside” but it’s a charming coastal town. You could also do it in a day trip as it’s quite a small place. But I stayed for a night at The Gallivant so I could wake up with the beach on my doorstop - which was ideal for watching the sunrise on a wintery morning.
Hotels to stay at in Rye:
The Gallivant (pictured below)
The Fig (I’d also recommend having brunch here)
Time from London: 1.5 hours from London Bridge to Rye.
Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Last on my list is the beautiful coastline in East Sussex. Seven Sisters is a series of chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast and surprisingly easy to access via public transport. We stayed in Eastbourne for a night so we could enjoy the walk and have a beautiful spot to come back to and rest. Stop by at Skylark for brunch.
Hotels to stay at in Eastbourne:
Port Hotel (full review and photos here)
Time from London: 1.5 hours from London Bridge or Victoria to Eastbourne.
A summary of some of my favourite seaside day trips from London or short weekend stays near London:
Durdle Door
Deal
Brighton
Rye and Camber Sands
Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Thanks for reading,
T.
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