Seaside close to London

[TooTiredtoGoogle]

Thinking about taking DD for a daytrip to the seaside on Royal Wedding day. We'll be driving.
Any recommednations? Would prefer a traditional seaside resort with fish and chips, etc.
TIA

Southend! My home town. 30 mins from M25 (E)

Brighton? Parking would be a problem but more up market than Southend.

Been to Brighton too many times, but Southend is an idea.
Doesn't it have the longest pier in the country?
Also, can't remember if it has a sandy or pebbly beach?

Yes, the longest pier in the world

The beaches are sandy near Chalkwell but pebbly near the amusement/chip shop main area. There is a large seafront thrill rides park, masses of amusement arcades and a Sealife Centre.
The 'Royals' car park and parking along the seafront are the most convenient places to park.

west wittering

Whitstable is a lovely beach, very nice seaside town feel to it. It has some posh shops as well which are great for a nosey. Only 45 minutes drive from SE London. It's a pebbly beach but my kids loved digging it etc. And parking is so cheap compared to London. We found a big car park, short walk from harbour and it was £1.60 for the whole day.

There is a very posh fish and chips restaurant by the harbour. Crab and the wrinkle or something pontastic-sounding like that - £13.50 for one portion of fish and chips but it is mahoosive! But there are also cheaper fish and chips cafe type place around. We are going to go again very soon.

southend is great,check tide times as both time we went we never got on beach as tide was in.funfair is great also.