London beaches thames

Yes, the city's own river with it's own foreshore that poses as a beach sun we hope and of course sea, well, salt water at least.

With summer but a handful of months away, Londoners may well have their holidays all wrapped up. But for many in London in the s, "summer holidays at the beach" were a mere 10 minute walk away. King George V decreed that it was to be used by the children of London, promising "free access for ever". It was such a roaring success that between and over , people dipped their toes in the water on London's very own seaside. Children built sandcastles and swam in the "sea", there were even rowing boats for hire.

They were allowed to go under Tower Bridge, and back again, for the cost of 3d about 2. Toffee apple sellers, entertainers and deck-chair men were among the characters that would be found on Brighton or Southend beaches - but they were also here.

And today, if the campaign group "Reclaim the Beach" has anything to do with it, beach-life will be a prominent part of summer life for the city again. The group regularly host public parties at the Festival Pier - complete with specially imported sand as the original sand has all but disappeared. Martha Snooks, who remembers many a Thames dip, would love to see the "beaches" revitalised. She would love to see changes, "Have all these beaches cleaned up and have sand put on them, have these walls decorated with pictures for the children.

In Martha's day, the foreshores were so popular that on one bank holiday, it was estimated that as many as 50, people enjoyed the delights of what was dubbed London's "Riviera". If you find it hard to read the words Thames and beaches in the same sentence and think it would just be gales on the riverbank, take a look at the Parisiene experience.

It came complete with fake grass and palm trees. So, it may just all hinge on today's young party lovers taking the lead. As Pippa points out, "It's Festival Hall beach one of the few sandy beaches in London, and it's perfect for this, it couldn't be better Cornish tea Inside Out goes behind the scenes at Cornwall's tea plantation.

Storm chasers Join the storm chasers in search of Yorkshire's worst weather.. A post shared by Herne Bay hernebay. It grew to become one of the most popular beaches of the Victorian era — and has remained a popular day trip from London beach destination ever since. The journey takes about 1. A post shared by Southend-On-Sea southenduk. Southend-on-Sea is pretty much the closest beach to London.

There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to choose from, as well as one pretty gorgeous beach. For something a bit different, head to West Sussex to experience Hastings, a beautiful pebbly beach with a few sandy sections.

In total, the journey takes about 1. Yet another seaside town that was a favourite haunt of Londoners during the Victorian era is charming Eastbourne in East Sussex.

Nonetheless, the historic homes and charming vibe certainly make up for it. A post shared by Shoreline Sally shorelinesally.

Finding a beach you can enjoy pretty much to yourself is a pipe dream at many beaches near London; but not at Climping. The most direct route is to catch the train from Victoria to Littlehampton.

The three-mile walk to the beach is beautiful and very popular, or you can get a taxi. Who says there are no beautiful sandy beaches near London? This is a true sandy beach, with a long, five-mile stretch of shoreline for walking or sunbaking along.

From there, there is a bus to Camber Sands. You can even kick a football. Getting There: There are frequent direct trains from Waterloo to Bournemouth, and the journey takes around two hours. A post shared by West Wittering Beach westwitteringbeach.

Another option if you want the quintessential seaside near London experience — sand, swimming and all — is beautiful West Wittering. As well as the gorgeous beach itself, it also offers beautiful views of the picturesque Chichester Harbour. A post shared by Goring Beach Huts goringbeachhuts. This pebbly beach in West Sussex has largely avoided overdevelopment, and it still has a quaint, traditional feel.

If you do crave a little more excitement, there is a small town nearby with a selection of cafes, restaurants and pubs. A post shared by Images To Showcase Bexhill! Of course, simply lazing by the shore is an option, too. The area is extremely historic, with a history stretching back well over a millennia.

If you can draw yourself away from the beach, the town of Bexhill is utterly charming. So too is Bexhill Beach. Getting There: There are direct trains between Victoria and Bexhill on Sea, although they are somewhat infrequent.

It usually takes just under two hours in total. It also boasts picturesque chalk cliffs, as well as a marina and harbour — so there is plenty to admire here.

Of course, everyone can enjoy the swathes of sand and nearby restaurants and cafes including plenty of fish and chip shops, of course. Getting There: The popularity of Ramsgate means there are plenty of trains from the capital to the seaside town.

Kingsgate Bay is a particular delight, with a long stretch of soft sand. Most uniquely, the beach is flanked by stark white cliffs, which makes it one of the most recognisable beaches in England. If you love nature then this spot is pretty special. In just a short walk, you can see the beautiful chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters, as well as observe where the river meets the channel.

The beach is pebbly, but the gorgeous views really make up for it. Who needs sand when the landscape looks like a painting come to life? Absolutely one of the best beaches close to London for the views alone. There are buses from either Eastbourne or Brighton, which are both directly linked by train to London.

The total journey should take about 1. A post shared by Felixstowe Pier felixstowepier. Felixstowe is a family-friendly beach with plenty to do — with or without the family in tow. You can take the train from Liverpool Street Station to Ipswich, and then catch local buses to Felixstowe there are many.