Seaside weekend from London - no car

[Hopeislost]

Hi, we don't have a holiday booked this year but hoping to get away for a weekend. Need somewhere within 2 hours by train of London, where everything is within walking distance. Would be with DH and DD(3), so needs to be family friendly. We are more into activities, (walks, days out, crazy golf) rather than sitting on a beach. Any recommendations?

Portsmouth

Brighton and Eastbourne are both easy on the train from London.

Whitstable/ Margate, Brighton.

Hastings, three crazy golf courses, one s pirate themed, a pier, castle, funicular railway, smugglers caves, lots to do! We went for the jubilee weekend to escape London and had a great time.

Isle of Wight, though book quick. The ferry (passenger FASTCAT meets the train) makes it feel like an adventure and Ryde has a lovely huge beach, with small fairground, trampolines, park behind with playground, ice cream/hamburger cafe. Take the train or bus to Shanklin/Sandown for mini golf etc.

Whitstable is great. Fabulous for families. Where do you live? I'd look at direct trains from the closest mainline station for the least hassle.

Bournemouth

Broadstairs

Margate. Loads to do - nice sandy beach, arcades and Dreamland! One fairly quick train from London.

It's 3 hours on the train to newcastle but head to the north east! Stunning beaches in tynemouth/Whitley bay/cullercoats!

You can get the metro direct to the coast from the city centre!

I definitely wouldn't rule it out! (You going even fly as there's a metro from the airport to the coast! Would really feel like a holiday then!)

Another vote for Isle of Wight.

Most attractions readily accessible by bus/train from Ryde eg the heritage railway.
Have done it on bicycles before now.

Felixstowe

Folkestone - fast train, harbour arm, kids adventure play ground, walk on the leas, old high street, little railway in Hythe.

Agree with this

lovely place and very easy trains from London

Southsea’s ideal. It has an exceptional number of toddler friendly things to do all in easy walking distance of each other.

Portsmouth (southsea) or Isle of Wight both easy from London. Lots of attractions to visit at both. Can also do IOW as a day out from Portsmouth by catamaran or hovercraft.

Worthing

Broadstairs is good with a little one. Sussex has lots of resorts as well as Brighton - Eastbourne, Camber Sands, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor.

Southend! Adventure Island is a fab little theme park, great value for money. Lovely aquarium too, crazy golf and amusement arcades.

The central beach gets rammed, but just a mile or so west there's a much nicer, quieter beach at Chalkwell.

Go on another mile or so for Leigh on Sea which has a small but very quaint old town (fab for seafood fans) and just slightly inland the Broadway has lots of nice independent shops.

On a bit further still the ruins of Hadleigh Castle is a nice spot.