5 of the best seaside towns near London

Have you been thinking of a little city break? Maybe that city break includes the feeling of the sea breeze, the sound of crashing waves, and the taste of fresh salt-vinegar chips. While London might be a concrete jungle, it’s perfectly positioned for some of the UK’s most iconic coastal escapes.

Whether you’re after a romantic sunset stroll, a family beach day, or just a bit of time away from the hustle and bustle, the coast is much closer and accessible than you might think. The next question you might have is, “How do we get there?”

While the train is a good option, there is just something about the freedom of a road trip that is unmatched. Imagine cruising the winding country lanes with the windows down, maybe stopping at a hidden farm shop for a quick treat, and having enough space for all the trinkets that you collect along the way.

From the impressive white cliffs of Kent to the sand dunes of East Sussex, here are our favourite seaside towns near London and why your choice of vehicle can make the journey even more special.

Whitstable, Kent

Whitstable is a fantastic seaside town that is approximately 60 miles outside of London (about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive). It’s famous for its native oysters and pastel-coloured weatherboard houses that look like they belong in a traditional postcard. It’s exactly the kind of place where you’d want to spend a Saturday, strolling through independent boutiques on Harbour Street or watching the sunset turn the sky into some beautiful colours over the pebble beach.

If you time it right and you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can take a walk along a natural pebble beach walkway accessible at low tide. It gives you the incredible opportunity to walk right out into the sea. Just make sure you head back before the tides catch you.

For a trip to Whitstable, we prefer the ease of a classic hatchback or a modern electric vehicle, such as a Hyundai i20. Whitstable’s streets are notoriously narrow, especially as you get closer to the harbour and the famous Wheeler’s Oyster Bar. If you’re heading into the middle of the town to find a parking spot, you’ll want something small that can slip into tight spaces without too much of a headache.

Margate, Kent

While we are talking about Kent, we have to talk about Margate. The coastal town has earned the nickname “Shoreditch-on-Sea” for its vibrant blend of old school charm and youthful energy. After about a 2-hour drive out of London, you can spend your morning viewing modern art at the Turner Contemporary gallery.

In the afternoon, you can visit Dreamland and ride some vintage rollercoasters. And in the evening, you could be exploring the Shell Grotto, which is a fascinating underground passage covered with millions of seashells. The Main Sands is a popular sandy bay with plenty of space for a good old beach day for the whole family.

For Margate, we recommend a fun, sporty crossover (CUV) like a Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. You want something with a bit of personality to match the town’s artistic energy, and a crossover gives you the best of both worlds. It has enough height to enjoy coastal views as you approach the coast, but it is compact enough to fit into tight parking near the Old Town.

To make the journey even more special, take the scenic route along the Viking Coastal Trail. This stretch of road takes you along the chalk cliffs between Margate and Broadstairs, which has stunning views of the North Sea that you just can’t take in and appreciate while on the train.

Camber Sands and Rye, East Sussex

If you’re in the mood for a proper sandy beach near East Sussex, Camber Sands is your best bet. In fact, it’s home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex, which gives it a bit of a desert oasis feeling, rather than a British beach. And only a 2-hour drive out from the big city. It’s a favourite for film crews, so keep an eye out, you might recognise the dunes from movies like Dunkirk.

The next destination is a quick ten-minute drive inland: Rye. It’s a medieval town filled with cobbled streets that looks like a movie set. The whole town feels like stepping back in time, with its old-fashioned timber houses and strong history of smugglers and sailors. You are able to visit ancient inns like The Mermaid Inn, where you can have a little pit stop and a cosy lunch.

This is undoubtedly SUV territory. If you can get your hands on a Land Rover or a Range Rover, this is the trip to do it. The A21 takes you through the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In a larger car, your higher seating position gives you a great view over the tall hedgerows, which means you can actually see the rolling Sussex hills as you drive past.

Between windbreaks, beach towels, and maybe a kite for the dunes, you are going to want to pack quite a bit for your visit to Camber. So, an SUV’s massive boot capacity means you don’t have to play Tetris with your luggage, or be overwhelmed carrying everything to and from the nearest train station.

West Wittering, West Sussex

Moving swiftly onto the other side of Sussex, West Wittering (73 to 85 miles outside of London) is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the South East. It is celebrated for its pristine sand and shallow lagoons. Unlike the bustling piers of Brighton, this is a more natural spot. It’s a Blue Flag beach, meaning the water is incredibly clean, so it’s perfect for a quick swim or even a surf lesson with the local schools if you’re up for it. As with most coastal towns, the views are breathtaking, stretching across the entrance of Chichester Harbour toward the Isle of Wight.

Since this is a prime family destination, an estate car, like a Skoda Superb Estate or the ever-reliable Toyota Corolla, is the way to go. The drive down the A3 through the Hindhead Tunnel is a classic British road trip experience, and on the other side, the road opens up into the South Downs.

An estate car provides a smooth ride that’s great for the whole family’s comfort, while still offering enough space for bodyboards and even the family dog. West Wittering has a large grassy car park right behind the dunes, perfect for larger cars. Remember to pre-book your parking spot online before you set off, to make sure that you have a spot upon arrival.

Brighton, East Sussex

And of course, no list of seaside towns near London is complete without mentioning Brighton. It’s pretty much the unofficial seaside capital of the UK, offering everything from the Royal Pavilion to the neon lights of the Palace Pier. You can lose yourself for hours in The Lanes of the town, which are the narrow alleyways filled with antique jewellery shops and quirky cafes. It’s a city that never really sleeps, so whether you’re looking for a midday gelato or a late-night cocktail overlooking the waves, Brighton always delivers.

If you are looking to arrive in style, go for a convertible or a car with a panoramic sunroof, like the classic Mini Cooper. There is nothing quite like driving along Madeira Drive with the top down and the sea air in your hair. If you are up for a bit more adventure, a quick detour will take you on A23 toward Devil’s Dyke on your way in. It’s the deepest dry valley in the UK, and the views from the top of the Downs are breathtaking. While parking in central Brighton can be a bit of a squeeze, a stylish car makes the cruise along the promenade feel like a scene from a classic film.

Making the most of your journey to seaside towns close to London

One of the best things about driving to the coast instead of taking the train is that the holiday starts the moment you pull out of your driveway. You aren’t tied to a timetable, you don’t have to carry heavy bags through a crowded station, and you can change your plans without too much of a hassle. Want to stop at that cute pub you just drove past in the North Downs? You can. Want to stay an extra hour to watch the sunset over the sea? Go for it!

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when going to the seaside near London by car. A small price to pay for all the freedom that you get from driving. To make sure you have all the boxes ticked, here are some things to consider before you leave on that road trip to the beach.

Parking and navigation

Most of these seaside towns have switched to app-based parking (such as RingGo or PayByPhone). It’s a good idea to download these before you leave London, so you aren’t carrying around any coins or trying to find a pay station close to the beach. Nowadays, you can use these apps to book in advance and even find parking spots along your route or near your accommodation. So spend a bit of time looking into parking before you leave, it will save you a lot of time and stress upon arrival.

Choosing the correct car for your needs

We all go on holidays for different reasons. You might be heading to West Wittering with the family, going on a couple of retreats in Kent, or even going on a solo trip to Brighton. In each scenario, a different vehicle will be needed. Here are some ideas for vehicles to look for in preparation for your beach trip:

• Travelling solo or as a couple? Go for something easy to drive and park, like a Fiat 500 or a Mini.
• Big family outing? Look for an SUV or MPV, so everyone has their own space, and there’s enough room for all the luggage. A Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai is a great option here.
• Are you nature Lovers? Choose a car with a panoramic roof to soak in those big coastal skies. The Hyundai Tucson comes to mind here.

Ready to hit the road with Hiyacar?

So, whether you’re craving the oysters of Whitstable or the dunes of Camber, the perfect coastal escape is just a drive away. So what are you waiting for? At Hiyacar, we believe that the car you drive is just as important as the destination you choose. That’s why we offer a wide range of cars to rent in London, from rugged SUVs perfect for the Sussex hills to nimble hatchbacks for those narrow Kentish lanes. Why deal with the stress of traditional car rentals when you can book a car in your area in minutes? Download the Hiyacar app today to find the perfect ride for your seaside trip. You can sign up and get verified within minutes, then you are ready to rent a car right in your neighbourhood to start your journey!