nearest seaside resort/beach from north london?

[hifi]

want to go for a day at the weekend, any suggestions?

Leigh on Sea is quite nice but the beach is only small so it does get crowded.

thanks will have a look

We go to Brighton.

My mum always suggests Littlehampton, but I'm sure I read that it isn't much good.

brighton but thought it might be a slog. supposed to be a good cafe in littlkehampton.