7 of the best seaside towns in Britain are near London

A couple of hours spent on the coast can really revive a person. There’s just something about the salty sea air and the sound of waves rolling in and out that magically breathes life into even the most burned-out of urbanites. Plus, it’s hard not to be charmed by the pretty rows of pastel houses, retro arcades, proper fish ‘n chip shops and bustling harbours that are exclusive to Britain’s seaside towns.  

In London, we’re blessed with easy access to some of the finest coastal towns in the country. In fact, nearly half of the entries on our newly updated list of the UK’s best seaside towns are within easy reach of the capital. So, for the next time you’re in the mood to be beside the seaside, here’s a breakdown of all the places on the southeast coast that made the cut.  

RECOMMENDED: The best beaches near London for a sandy escape. 

The best seaside towns near London in 2026

The highest ranked seaside destination near London is the sister towns of Hastings and St Leonards. Yes, we know that’s technically two places, but being so close together (just a 20 minute walk between them), it would be wrong to visit one without visiting the other. Some of our favourite things to do across the two towns include exploring Hastings Contemporary, eating at Heist Market, drinking at Crown and shopping for vintage treasures in Hastings Old Town. 

Taking third place is Southsea, which you can get to from London in an hour and a half on the train. Go there for old-school seaside charm, historic landmarks (like Henry VIII’s free-to-visit Southsea Castle) and, in the summer, the largest and longest running kite event in the UK. Just below Southsea in fourth place is creative Folkestone, which you can also reach from London within 90 minutes. Our top things to do there include seeing a free Shakespeare show at the Amphitheatre, ambling through the Creative Quarter and laying out on Sunny Sands (when the British whether permits). 

Cowes on the Isle of Wight took eighth place. Though it takes a little longer to get to than the other southeast spots on our list, the two and a half hour journey (by train, then ferry) is still short enough to justify a day trip. It’s got a shining collection of indie shops, plenty of excellent restaurants (The Garden and Prickly Pear among our faves) and a grand promenade. Perhaps best of all, it enjoys some of the hottest weather in all of Britain. 

In less than an hour, you can get from London to number 11 on our seaside town ranking, Brighton. You’ll be rewarded with seaside-specific venues like beach sports spot Yellowave, outdoor pool Sea Lanes and Beach Box Spa as well as a plethora of bars, pubs and restaurants that give London’s eateries a run for their money. 

‘Quainter-than-quaint’ Whitstable ranked 14th. A train from London Victoria or London St Pancras will get you to the Kentish town within 90 minutes and, once you’re there, we suggest heading for the new Stern Slices at Harbour Market, going for a weat sesh at Sea Scrub Sauna and sinking pints at the Old Neptune. 

Finally, we put Lymington in Hampshire in 15th place. Yet again, you can get here from the capital city in less than an hour and a half by rail. Spend your time in Lymington sauntering along the sea wall, going on a chartered fishing excursion and sipping on a few cold ones at The Ship or The Chequers. 

The best seaside towns near London, ranked

Here are the top coastal spots in the capital, with their placement in the overall ranking

1. Hastings and St Leonards (2)
2. Southsea (3)
3. Folkestone (4)
4. Cowes (8)
5. Brighton (11)
6. Whitstable (14)
7. Lymington (15)

The 16 best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026.

Find a map of all 16 towns here.

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