Sandy beaches close to London accessible by train/bus?

[JustineTimee]

Would anyone be able to recommend any sandy beaches that are easy to get to by public transport from London, close enough to go and come back on the same day? TIA!

Ruislip lido is North London isn't it? That would be your nearest beach. Never been but looks good

There's also Ruislip Lido for those days when you're short on time - it has an artificial beach and play areas (although I don't think you're allowed to swim there at the moment, IIRC).

🤣

Great minds!

Camber is so busy and a massive walk from
Rye with little ones buses and taxis are less likely to go that way if roads are closed due to being busy. This weekend was horrendous so many cars Try Folkestone you could get a cab from the central station down to sunny sands. Or the Thanet close Margate or broadstairs are right by train station

Ruislip is N London, but a complete bugger to get to from the top of the Piccadilly line - you basically have to sit on the tube all the way to the end of the line which takes about an hour and a half at least - unless you have alternative transport. Also swimming isn't recommended there.

I wouldn't try to take public transport to Camber. You can get a bus but the road to the breach gets grid locked.

Margate is simple you come out the station and the beach is right there. If you walk along the promenade to the left slightly away from the main area it is quieter and still lovely.

Broadstairs is also nice.

Someone up thread said Kent was a long distance from NE london - You go direct from St Pancreas so really easy to do.

Kent beaches have been heaving for the past few days. Not sure how the trains have been but judging by Margate at the weekend I’d say packed. With little ones and coming from NE London, I think I’d consider Essex bound beaches rather than Kent/Sussex.

Kent beaches have been heaving for the past few days.

To be fair, I think ALL beaches in the S/SE and beyond have been heaving over the past few days!

@Howshouldibehave

Kent beaches have been heaving for the past few days.

To be fair, I think ALL beaches in the S/SE and beyond have been heaving over the past few days!

Understandably! ☀️

Hmm, packed trains doesn't sound ideal... Maybe we'll have to wait for slightly less sunny weather after all...

Thank you to everyone mentioning the risk of grid locked roads to Camber - that would have been a nightmare to find out only once we'd have got there! I'll make sure to keep an eye on it.