London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and cultural diversity. However, being located inland on the River Thames, there are no natural beaches in London.
However, during the summer, the city has a few urban beach experiences that can provide some sand and fun, albeit without the sea:
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Camden Beach: Located on the rooftop of the Roundhouse, a performing arts and concert venue in Camden, Camden Beach offers 150 tonnes of sand, deck chairs, beach huts, and a beach bar. Please note that it's subject to annual confirmation, so do check whether it's happening in your visiting year.
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Bishop Park Beach: Bishop Park, located in Fulham, has a mini-beach area set up during the summer. It's a fun place to relax and includes a beach volleyball court.
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London's Royal Docks: This is a popular spot for open water swimming in the city, and they've been known to import sand to create a temporary beach in the past.
For actual sea beaches, you would have to venture a bit outside of London. Here are a few popular seaside towns which are accessible for a day trip:
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Brighton: Only an hour away by train, Brighton is one of the most popular beach towns among Londoners. Brighton Beach is a pebble beach and is home to the iconic Brighton Pier with its fairground attractions, food stalls, and arcades.
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Whitstable: Known for its oysters, Whitstable is a charming seaside town on the north coast of Kent. It's about a 1.5-hour train ride from London. The town has a pebble beach, colorful beach huts, and a working harbor.
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Southend-on-Sea: This is a traditional British seaside resort with a long sandy beach, a pleasure pier (the longest in the world), and amusement park. Southend is about an hour by train from London.
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Margate: Margate, in Kent, is a vintage seaside town that has seen a revival in recent years. It's home to a sandy beach, the Turner Contemporary art gallery, and the retro Dreamland amusement park. Margate is about a 1.5-hour train journey from London.
Remember to pack sunscreen, water, and a hat when heading out to these beaches, even if the UK's weather can be unpredictable. Enjoy your visit!
