Plan a Beach Getaway from London
While London may be one of the busiest capitals in the world, you do not have to travel too far to escape city life. From the popular seaside town of Brighton to the Arabian-looking dunes at Camber Sands, here are a few ideas for those looking to plan a beach getaway from London.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Less than a one and a half hour train ride from Central London, Camber Sands in East Sussex boasts an impressive sand dune system that is reminiscent of those that you would find in the Middle East. With chestnut fences and marram grasses, this is definitely a picturesque spot of the English coastline. The Kit Kat Café located on the sand is perfect for relaxing and soaking up some rare English sun, while horseback riding and kitesurfing are just a couple of the activities available here.
Brighton
While Brighton Beach may be more shingle than sand, this is still one of the most popular seaside towns in the country. Loud, bright and kitsch, the atmosphere in Brighton is always a vibrant one, and the attractions here are unbeatable when compared to other seaside destinations. From the refurbished pier that features an arcade, fun fair and plenty more, to the art galleries and quirky bars that can be found throughout town, this is a destination that promises to be fun for the whole family.

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West Wittering, Chichester
The beach at West Wittering is wide, sandy and unspoiled, making it no surprise that this has long since been the go-to beach getaway destination for many in the country. The grassy area on the beach is perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch without having to deal with sand in your food, while the wind and kite surfing club is ideal for those who want to enjoy some action on the water. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering Beach is also famous for its incredible views over Chichester Harbour and the South Downs, so be sure to bring your camera!
Botany Bay, Kent
With its towering white cliffs and natural chalk stacks, Botany Bay is a quintessential British beach, and is also one of the most photographed beaches in the country. When the tide is out, this beach is perfect for exploring, as you will find everything from fossils and rock pools to natural wildlife here. However, at high tide, both ends of the beach end up being cut off, so you do need to time your visits carefully. When this happens, there is plenty else to do around town, from a spot of shopping to a game of golf to visiting one of the six other sandy beaches that can be found in Kent.
While many may assume that the beach destinations near London are nothing special, this is definitely not the case. From the quaint and picturesque stretch of sand at West Wittering, to the fun and excitement to be had at Brighton, it is easy to plan a beach getaway from London.