Beaches near London (train)

llindsey

I've not been in London long (South West London) and have friends coming down this weekend.

Can anyone recommend any beaches within 2 hours of London? Went to Brighton last weekend and will go again as a last resort, but I prefer sand beaches myself.

Prefer something to the south of London that I can get to by train from Clapham Junction.

Not some place totally secluded, like popping into a few bars near the end of the day.

Thanks

dave_lunt2

What about Bournemouth, lovely sandy beach, lovely park and plenty happening there.

It is around 1 hour 50 minutes and is direct from Clapham Junction.

Eg Depart CJ 08.12 Arrive Bournemouth 10.00 or
Depart CJ 09.12 Arrive Bournemouth 11.00 or

Depart Bournemouth 17.22 Arrive CJ 19.12
Depart Bournemouth 18.22 Arrive CJ 20.12

or what about Margate or Eastbourne - don't know what they are like though

paddyrg

2h from Paddington could just about get you to the West Country - Weston Super Mare for instance - traditional seaside town, beach, piers, donkeys, etc.

miss_scrooge

Broadstairs is nice and sandy

jennikitten

dave_lunt2 wrote: »

or what about Margate or Eastbourne - don't know what they are like though

Eastbourne isn't sandy, think Margate is though.

llindsey

thanks for the options.

Bournmouth looks good, might try there this weekend.

I like the look of Broadstairs, but I think its just a little too far to travel for the day. Might make a weekend of it at some point though if this heat wave keeps up.

Thanks for your help everyone

rubytuesday

I absolutely love going to Leigh on Sea!

caringa

llindsey wrote: »

I've not been in London long (South West London) and have friends coming down this weekend.

Can anyone recommend any beaches within 2 hours of London? Went to Brighton last weekend and will go again as a last resort, but I prefer sand beaches myself.

Prefer something to the south of London that I can get to by train from Clapham Junction.

Not some place totally secluded, like popping into a few bars near the end of the day.

Thanks

I know I am biased as I live near Bournemouth but you really will enjoy it. The beach can be reached by walking from the coach or railway station and there are loads of lovely bars and cafes to eat at. Also, they have beautiful gardens just up from the beach and then the shopping area on the other side so everything is close to hand. Hope you enjoy it if you decide to go - just the weather for it as the moment!

xfive71

We've just been to West Wittering beach last weekend and it was fabulous. We did go by car though but you can get a train to Chichester from Clapham Junction and then a short bus ride away.

http://www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk/directions.html

Absolutely gorgeous beach

carolbee

jennikitten wrote: »

Eastbourne isn't sandy, think Margate is though.

Margate has a lovely beach, the old town is gradually improving, lots of vintage shops, good variety of food and drink places. Broadstairs lovely too, was on the beach and in the water only this morning, had a bit of a cool wind here last day or two, check the forecast

duchy

Littlehampton sandy beach .....and dunes too. Shops are quite nice but not a big town like Bournemouth and direct from Clapham Junction.