Be beside the seaside
CHECK OUT THESE BEACHES CLOSE TO THE CAPITAL
WITH the Beast from the East well and truly behind us, people are now searching for the best place to make the most of some welcome spells of sunshine.
The seaside is a great day out whatever your age, with many of us having vivid childhood memories of trips to the coast, from deck chairs to fish and chips.
We give you the rundown of the region’s closest beaches.
Three Shells Beach, Essex
One of the nearest beaches is situated in the middle of Southend-on-Sea by the pier.
It is popular family-friendly sandy beach, is in the town and is close to shops, cafés, restaurants and amusements. Beach type: Sand Facilities: Toilets, shower, café Dogs: Restrictions apply Parking: Pay parking Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Ramsgate Main Sands, Kent
The popular sandy beach surrounded by high chalk cliffs and adjacent to the picturesque Royal Harbour and marina, with plenty of options for ice cream and fish and chips.
The beach is perfect for families, with rides for children and clean, safe bathing water. Beach type: Sand Facilities: First aid station, lifeguards, beach café, donkey rides, deckchair/lounger hire, toilets, lift, shops, children’s amusements Dogs: May 1- September 30 ban Parking: Pay and display parking for 200 cars available (including disabled spaces) Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Famous for the Clacton Pier, built in 1877, the beach now attracts families to its huge range of traditional seaside entertainments.
Considered child friendly with local lifeguard patrol and first aid cover. Beach type: Sand and shingle Facilities: Beach hut/deckchair hire, toilets, disabled access, first aid, cafés, pier, camping, arcade Dogs: Dogs restricted
Parking: Free and pay Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Rye, East Sussex
A very flat sand and shingle beach with a large tidal range that makes and it possible to remain within your depth for a long way out. A popular destination for paddlers, wind surfers, kite surfers and sand-buggies. Beach type: Shingle Facilities: Cafés, toilets, motorised craft launching zone Dogs: On leads in marked zones, May 1-September 30 Parking: There is a pay car park Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 54 minutes
West Wittering, West Sussex
Offering wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond, the unspoilt sandy beach is a wonderful area for buckets and spades or as a starting point winter walk around East Head Beach type: Sand Facilities: Toilets, showers, disabled facilities, baby changing, café, deck chairs, sun loungers and windbreaks to hire Dogs: Dog-free zones are in place from May 1-September 30 Parking: 5,000 pay spaces available including disabled Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Littlehampton, West Sussex
Two award-winning beaches, the beautiful River Arun and a large seafront green makes this a popular destination for a jaunt. Beach type: Shingle and sand Facilities: Toilets, showers, disabled facilities, cafés Dogs: Restricted on beach in summer, on leads on promenade Parking: Several pay car parks close to the beach Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Famous for the long ridges of sand dunes leading down to miles of soft golden sands. Power kites are a popular pastime and a colourful sight to see.
Beach type: Sand Facilities: Toilets with disabled access, children’s play area, first aid, deck chair hire Dogs: Allowed except from in certain areas between May 1-September 30
Parking: Parking is pay on entry, Easter to the end of September.
Time to drive from London: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
Flat firm sandy beaches lie between timber groynes. The beach is backed by sloping cliffs. There is a coastal path to Holland Haven Country Park. Beach type: Sand Facilities: Slip-way and toilets Dogs: May 1- September 30 ban Parking: Ample free car parking Time to drive from London: 2 hoursBrighton, East Sussex Stroll along the Brighton promenade and soak up the atmosphere at one of the cafés and bars, relax on the pebble beach or shop in the historic Lanes just off the front. Beach type: Shingle Facilities: Eateries, shops, toilets, pier, arcades, fun fairs, Dogs: Dogs restricted Parking: Plentiful but pricey Time to drive from London: 2 hours, 1 minute
Hastings, East Sussex
Long sand and shingle beaches, picturesque fisherman’s huts and plenty of facilities and entertainment. The Old Town is lovely to explore. Beach type: Sand/shingle Facilities: Eateries, shops, toilets, promenade, pier, deck chair Dogs: Beach cleaned daily during summer, some dog-free zones Parking: Car parks near beach Time to drive from London: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Eastbourne, East Sussex
The beach is popular with visitors and residents alike. It is a shingle beach with sandy stretches at mid to low tide.
Features include the pier, promenade and famed Floral Carpet Gardens. Beach type: Sand and shingle Facilities: Café, restaurants, shops, showers and toilets (including disabled) Dogs: Banned May 1-September 30 between pier and Wish Tower Parking: Car parking available free of charge Time to drive from London: 2 hours, 19 minutes
Christchurch Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset
An isolated spit adjoining the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head, this sandy beach is set against a backdrop of picturesque beach huts and views of Christchurch Harbour and the open sea. Beach type: Sand Facilities: Toilets (including disabled) beach café and shop Dogs: Allowed but must be kept under control. No dog bins Parking: Pay and display parking at Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Quay with disabled spaces Time to drive from London: 2 hours, 34 minutes