Best beaches in Southeast England

As temperatures soar across the UK, there’s no better way to cool off than by visiting some of the beautiful beaches along the southeastern coast. Here’s a roundup of some of the best beaches in Southeast England, complete with travel details to help you plan your getaway.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands is renowned for its expansive golden sands and rolling dunes, making it perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach games. The shallow waters are ideal for families with children. For those looking to add a bit of excitement to their visit, Rye Watersports offers a range of activities including sailing, wingsurfing, and the rental of paddleboards and kayaks. It’s a fantastic way to explore the local waterways and enjoy some thrilling water sports.

From London, take a train from London St Pancras International to Rye Station. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Rye Station, it’s a short 15-minute bus ride or taxi to Camber Sands. Rye Watersports is also conveniently located near Camber Sands, making it easy to incorporate water sports into your beach day.

Botany Bay, Kent

Botany Bay near Broadstairs is known for its stunning chalk cliffs, rock pools, and fine sand. It’s a great spot for exploring and enjoying breathtaking views of the English Channel.

Catch a direct train from London Victoria to Broadstairs Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Broadstairs Station, it’s a scenic 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to Botany Bay.

West Wittering, West Sussex

West Wittering boasts Blue Flag status with its clean, clear waters and extensive sandy shores. It’s an excellent choice for swimming, windsurfing, and kite surfing. For those interested in more water sports, Get Kiteboarding offers a fantastic range of activities including kiteboarding, surfing, and paddleboarding. Their professional instructors can help you get started or refine your skills in a beautiful coastal setting.

Take a train from London Victoria to Chichester Station, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Chichester, catch the number 700 bus to West Wittering. The bus journey takes around 20 minutes. Get Kiteboarding is located just around the corner of West Wittering Beach, making it easy to combine a beach day with an exciting watersports experience.

Weston Shore, Southampton

Weston Shore is a scenic area along the Southampton waterfront, offering a mix of pebbly and grassy areas. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk with views over the water and has plenty of space for a casual day out. Make sure to stop by Southampton Watersports Activity Centre (SWAC) just around the corner! They provide a range of exciting water sports, including sailing and powerboating. It’s a great spot for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their beach day.

Weston Shore is around a 10-minute drive from central Southampton or can be reached via a pleasant walk or bike ride. To visit SWAC, you’ll find it conveniently located just around the corner from Weston Shore, making it easy to enjoy both the beach and water sports activities in one trip.

Durdle Door Beach, Dorset

Famous for its iconic limestone arch, Durdle Door offers stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. It’s a bit of a trek but well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

From London Waterloo, take a train to Wool Station, which takes around 2 hours. From Wool Station, you’ll need to catch a local bus or taxi for the remaining 10-minute journey to Durdle Door. Be prepared for a bit of a walk from the drop-off point to the beach.

Whitstable Beach, Kent

Whitstable is celebrated for its pebble beach and vibrant town known for seafood. It’s a charming spot where you can enjoy fresh fish and chips and explore local shops.

Direct trains from London Victoria to Whitstable Station take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The beach is just a short walk from the station, making it a convenient and accessible destination.

Calshot Beach, Southampton

Calshot Beach features a mix of pebbles and sand and offers stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It’s also a great spot for water sports, with Nomadic Kitesurf providing kitesurfing lessons and equipment rental for all skill levels. The beach also offers opportunities for coastal walks and exploring the local nature reserve.

Calshot Beach is approximately a 30-minute drive from Southampton. It’s easily accessible via the M27 motorway and then the A3024.

Whether you're looking to relax on sandy shores or explore scenic coastal landscapes, the southeastern coast of England has something for everyone. Pack your beach gear, grab your travel essentials, and head out to enjoy a refreshing escape this summer!

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If you’re looking for more fun ideas for a sunny day out, check out Where to go wild swimming near London and 15 best activities to do this summer.

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