English getaways within 2/3 hours of London with young children

[SheilaTheThief]

Having a look at air bnb for a summer getaway in England, we are east of London and don’t really want to drive more than 3 hours. Have 2 kids, 3 and 8 in age.
Would like some Sandy beaches and things to do but doesn’t have to be jam packed itineraries, any ideas ?

Camber sands? Huge and beautiful. We stayed at a decent Airbnb there and think there are a few

Ok will add camber sands, wonder if Margate has good or bad parts? Any recommendations there ?

Norfolk is lovely

Norfolk - so many places for children that age: Bewilderwood, Pensthorpe, Wroxham Barns, Gruffalo trail at Thetford High Lodge, more sandy beaches then you can shake a stick at, Norwich Castle, Holkham Hall & Beach, Fish & Chips at Cromer or Wells, shopping in Holt. Soooo much to do!

Dymchurch is really nice with large beaches and a mini steam railway nearby.

You'd get to Hampshire, the New Forest is Lovely and tons of stuff for children - farms, mini zoos, beaches, wide open spaces, great pibs

Pubs..

Norfolk (especially Kelling Heath, Cromer or Hunstanton), the New Forest, Mudeford or Hengistbury Head.

Camber sands is really horrible, there is a pontins (have been in my time) and loads of rubbish and glass bottles on the beach. Also has a rip tide. I found Margate quite windy. I do really like Kent though. Whitstable doesn’t have a Sandy beach but is near to many. Helene bay might be cheaper to stay. I like broadstairs, joss bay, deal. Also like Dorsey coast.

North Norfolk as already suggested

Herne bay

Studland. I know you are looking at B&B but Knoll House is lovely for the age kids you have.

@SheilaTheThief

Ok will add camber sands, wonder if Margate has good or bad parts? Any recommendations there ?

Margate is trying very hard to become trendy... Cliftonville isn't particularly nice... (No offence meant!) Hardly any shops as most have sloped off to Westwood Cross. Westgate is much nicer! North Norfolk is lovely as is Framlingham and surrounding area in Suffolk. Can reccomend a lovely pub near Fram!

Dorset coats. Particularly like around the Lulworth area. It's beautiful. And can pop to Waymouth for some seaside tourist attractions.

North Norfolk for all the reasons the posters above say! Bewilderwood is amazing in particular with kids.

Or Ramsgate has a nice Sandy beach.

Portsmouth, absolutely loads to do ( covid notwithstanding!) lovely beaches at Southsea.

Chichester and The Witterings Beach. Best beach on the South coast. Lots to do in the area.

Definitely Norfolk from East of London, or even Suffolk if you could live with a pebble beach.