The Best Seaside Town Day Trips from London: 5 Easy Escapes
I really do like to be beside the seaside.
I spent the first 22 years of my life living beside the sea as a child and at Uni, and even now, being by the sea makes me feel a sense of peace and calm. Living a busy London life, it’s hard to find time to slow down sometimes. Which is why a day trip to the seaside is the perfect antidote to the rat race.
These trips aren’t just for Londoners – if you’re visiting from further afield, I absolutely recommend a trip to the coast to get a real taste of classic British seaside culture.
In this guide, I’m sharing five of my favourite seaside town escapes from London. Whether you’re looking for retro British coastal town vibes or something a little more modern, these trips are easy to do in just a day. Because sometimes, that’s all you need to feel new again.
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Margate, Kent
Best for: Retro seaside magic, art and vintage shopping
Travel time from London: From 1hr 30mins (London St Pancras, London Victoria)
I’ve been to Margate three times now, across a mixture of day trips and a weekend break, and I can’t get enough of the unique combination of retro vibes and modern creativity. That’s why it tops my list of the best seaside breaks from London!
Dreamland is an absolute must, and not just for families with kids – as a thirty year old woman, it’s still a place that brings me so much joy. Spend your adult pocket money cramming 2 pence pieces into brightly coloured, noisy machines in the arcades on the seafront for a truly authentic British seaside experience.
Margate isn’t just about the seaside classics, though – there’s a whole other side to this town. During the 2010s, following the opening of the Turner Contemporary on the seafront, Margate saw an influx of creatives and artists making the town their home. The old town area is more reminiscent of Shoreditch than Skegness, with boutiques, galleries and cosy pubs.
What to see and do in Margate
- Visit the iconic Dreamland seaside amusement park. I love the classic rides, well-presented retro decor, and it has the best arcade in town – don’t miss the vintage pinball!
- Wander the creative hub of Margate’s old town, teeming with vintage clothing and art shops, and some super cosy pubs and restaurants.
- Enjoy fish and chips on the sandy beach – check out Peter’s Fish Factory and Beach Buoys (vegan option) for the best seaside supper in town.
- Explore the history of model making at WonderWorks museum.
Extend your trip: There’s more than enough to do for a whole weekend break to Margate, and you’ll be back early enough on Sunday night to prepare for the week ahead!
Whitstable, Kent
Best for: Slow-paced traditional seaside life and local seafood
Travel time from London: From 1hr 20mins (London St Pancras, London Victoria)
Another dose of Kent, with a very different vibe; Whitstable offers more of a fishing town atmosphere, with quaint streets, abustling market and a rocky beach.
Known for serving up the freshest oysters on the Kent coastline, Whitstable has a more relaxed pace than the nearby town of Margate. Instead of arcades and restaurants lining the seafront strip, you’ll find fisherman’s cottages with cute gardens looking out onto the beach.
That’s not to say there isn’t much to do here, as the high street in particular has a whole host of independent boutiques to explore. To the east of the town centre, a walk along the seafront of Tankerton Beach introduces you to colourful beach huts and fishing boats.
What to see and do in Whitstable
- Explore the unique boutiques along the high street – we picked up one of our favourite art pieces here!
- Sample the local oysters, obviously. Top tip: most of the oyster stalls do a half price happy hour in the afternoon, so rather than a sit-down restaurant, pick up a dozen from the stall and enjoy them in the fresh sea air!
- Have a drink at the Old Neptune, a local pub that sits right on the beach!
- Take a guided tour with three local beer tastings, hitting up hidden gems and learning more about Whistable’s fishing history.
Extend your trip: Combine a visit to Whitstable with some time in Canterbury – this historic cathedral city is just 20 minutes away!
Brighton, East Sussex
Best for: Lively, cosmopolitan seaside city vibes
Travel time from London: From 1hr (London Bridge, London Victoria)
Brighton is another spot I’ve been on multiple visits to, and for good reason. There’s absolutely loads to do here, and I guarantee you won’t fit it all into one day – but you can absolutely try!
Described by some as ‘London on sea’, Brighton is a bustling city, that happens to sit alongside one of Britain’s busiest beaches. Known for its diversity and popularity with the LGBTQ+ community, Brighton balances all the amenities of a full-on city with pockets of creativity everywhere you look.
What to see and do in Brighton
- Stroll along Brighton Pier for coastline views, rides, arcades and traditional seaside treats.
- Go shopping in the Lanes, a creative and charming shopping area in a warren of alleyways and colourful streets – including the iconic Snoopers Paradise antique store.
- Tour the Regency-era Royal Pavilion, the former seaside residence of King George IV.
- Join a Brighton food tour to visit some of the city’s most-loved independent foodie shouts.
- Visit Brighton Museum and Art Gallery for world class history and design exhibits.
Extend your trip: Experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and extend your day trip to a weekend Brighton break.
Portsmouth, Hampshire
Best for: Maritime history and city amenities
Travel time from London: From 1.5hrs (London Waterloo, London Victoria)
I spent four years living in Portsmouth while I was at Uni – so I like to think I know it pretty well!
From the UK’s first dry dock to the current long-term home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth’s history is intertwined deeply with maritime life. The cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth lead to the Historic Dockyard, where naval history comes to life through various museums, exhibits and displays.
Contrasting with the old-time feel of the surrounding area, Gunwharf Quays is a modern shopping development, fronted by the skyline-dominating Spinnaker Tower. Head up for views of the city and coastline – you can even enjoy afternoon tea in the clouds here!
If you’re looking for classic seaside amusements, Southsea Pier is where it’s at – they’ve got arcades, rides and even mini golf. Southsea itself is a lively neighbourhood with plenty of more independent shops and restaurants compared to the main city centre. It’s also the best spot for some beers if you’re staying into the evening!
What to see and do in Portsmouth
- Explore the city’s links to naval history at the Historic Dockyard, including famous historical warships, interactive museums and the HMS Alliance, a 1945 submarine.
- Take in the views of Portsmouth’s harbour and coastline at 170 metres at the Spinnaker Tower.
- Dive into the history of the D-Day landings at the D-Day Story museum.
Extend your trip: There’s more than enough to do for a whole weekend break to Margate, and you’ll be back early enough on Sunday night to prepare for the week ahead!
Southwold, Suffolk
Best for: Traditional seaside charm, beach walks and beer fans
Travel time from London: Around 2hrs 40mins drive
A Suffolk coastal town where the traditional British seaside tradition is still alive and well! Colourful beach huts line the long, sandy beach at Southwold, with a classic pier offering of arcade games, sweet treats and shops. Head further along the shore to the south, and you’ll find a quieter, more natural stretch of beach with rugged grassy dunes.
Southwold Lighthouse has been guiding ships to harbour since 1890, and the town is also home to the well-known Adnams brewery. The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of independent shops and restaurants to explore along the way.
Getting public transport here from London is too extensive for a day trip, but it’s a somewhat reasonable drive if you’ve got your own vehicle.
What to see and do in Southwold
- Walk the pier for traditional seaside fun and games.
- Explore Southwold Lighthouse on a tour, learning more about the structure’s 130 year history.
- Visit The Under The Pier Show, an interactive museum dedicated to the coin operated machines of amusement arcades.
- Go behind the scenes at Adnam’s Brewery, with a tour and tasting experience.
Extend your trip: If you have more time, combine Southwold with Walberswick and the surrounding Suffolk coast for a longer seaside break.
