Our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches
BORED of the concrete jungle views over London when the sun is out?
Well, here are our favourite destinations for a day trip, and they are all less than two hours away from the capital.
Folkestone, Kent
I could hardly talk about amazing seaside towns without mentioning my hometown of Folkestone.
From being named a trending place to live by TimeOut, to being dubbed the new Brighton (being both arty and less than an hour from London – 54 minutes to be exact) there has never been a better time to visit.
New restaurants and bars are popping up, including the new Med restaurant Cavella on the popular Harbour Arms, as well as the upcoming small-plate restaurant Pomus after success in Margate.
Two new playgrounds including the huge adventure park Lower Leas Coastal Park are being renovated, with the town’s unique funicular set to reopen next year.
It has its own Banksy, hidden sandy beaches and trendy hotels to stay the night – what more could you want?
If you need entertaining, there is The Board Room for shuffleboard and darts, or the Harbour Screen with live shows and films (and some nearby live music).
My top tips? Head to Burrito Buoy for a frozen margarita, grab a delicious pizza over at Brewing Brothers, and end your night at The Old Buoy pub. You’ll be well fed and watered, and make a few local mates along the way… – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Brighton, East Sussex
When people think of beach day trips from London, Brighton comes to their mind immediately for good reason.
Only an hour on the train, the seaside city has often been associated with YouTubers over the years.
Yet the destination is loved for many reasons. From the narrow alleys with quaint shops, great ice cream spots and the iconic i360 with breathtaking panoramic views – Brighton really does provide something for everyone.
The history is there too, with the iconic pier still open today and full of classic arcade games and the old pier – of which remains only still stand.
The beach itself has pretty pebbles, a long-stretching promenade and pretty townhouses.
Sit next to the pier just as Georgia does in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, whilst listening to waves crash, with a classic Mr Whippy in hand with a 99 flake as seagulls circle overhead – a quintessentially British experience that feels like a day out set in the 60s.
And if that wasn’t enough to draw you there – Brighton is super dog friendly, so is a great day away from the city for your four-legged friend – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Broadstairs, Kent
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to a beach sunbathe in the historic Kent coastal gem, Broadstairs – which is an hour and 20 minutes away from London by train.
There’s seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel.
Among the most popular is the main beach at Viking Bay, but Stone Bay is a good alternative if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
It’s as traditional a British seaside resort as they come with imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman’s cottages.
Author Charles Dickens had a summer home at Broadstairs for more than 20 years in the middle of the 19th century and it had a significant influence on his writing, particularly the novel David Copperfield.
The Dickens House Museum offers an illuminating insight into his life and works.
But this is very much still a bustling, seaside resort with lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides.
And it’s becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire.
And a must-visit is Morelli’s – it’s been serving up traditional gelato since 1932. The fabulous Art Deco interior is beaten only just by the stunning sundaes – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Rye, East Sussex
The medieval town of Rye in East Sussex isn’t strictly seaside, but you can see the sea from its cobble streets and it has a harbour where boats sail out to the English Channel.
Plus, if you go back as far as the 15th century, the sea came much closer to the foot of the hill the town is built on.
It’s the perfect place to spend a day out – taking an hour and six minutes on the train from Kings Cross St Pancras.
If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Camber Sands beach – a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.
Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Winchelsea beach.
Back in the town after lunch, there are plenty of fantastic pubs to choose from, my favourites being the 12th century Mermaid Inn and the George In Rye, as well as the Globe Inn Marsh on the outskirts of the town.
Equally, you could book a taxi and check out Tillingham vineyard in nearby Peasmarsh, with its Michelin Green Star wine tours and excellent pizzas.
Make sure to save some time to rummage through the many, many antiques shops, as well as Knoops hot chocolate shop and the wonderfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
I, like many others believe Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out and luxe sister of Clacton.
Slightly further up the coast Frinton in Essex has a huge sweeping beach that is lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts – a mark of any beach day trip.
The best part is that on the Greater Anglia route, you can get from London to Frinton in an hour and a half.
The beach at Frinton is award-winning, having scooped up a Blue Flag award and Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Award in 2024.
You can easily walk from from Frinton to Walton-on-the-Naze too, it’s an easy walk along the promenade and you get to see the clock tower on the way over. All-in-all, it takes around 40 minutes to get there.
After such a walk, you might need to quench your thirst after a day of building sand castles and paddling in the sea, there is a pub called the Lock & Barrel.
Down Connaught Avenue surrounded by independent shops, art studios and boutiques is the first and only pub in Frinton.
For anyone wanting an ice cream, you don’t find them along the beach front because they’re not allowed.
But there is a retro ice cream parlour called Pop-pins down the road – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
For more days out, have a look at the best value attractions around the UK.