It’s just over an hour from London and is an ideal day out for the May Bank Holiday
A stunning beach has been recognised the best one in London’s orbit. As it happens, it’s attached to a town that was named the best seaside spot in the whole of England.
Tankerton Beach is at the mouth of the Thames Estuary on the North Kent coastline and provides a magnificent escape from urban living. The seafront is edged with grassy slopes that descend towards a shingle shoreline distinguished by beautiful wooden huts and distinctive strolls. During low tide, a half-mile long strip emerges, known as The Street, which enables you to walk directly out to sea.
Evoking a classically English postcard scene, the wooden groyne-lined shore and residences of nearby Whitstable are a sharp departure from the hustle of London. TimeOut named Tankerton Beach, or more specifically a shingle stretch of it known as The Street, the best beach near London.
The breathtaking surroundings make for a laid back day trip, while still providing plenty of activities. Whether it’s a family picnic set against spectacular seascapes followed by paddling in the rockpools or an extended afternoon sailing, there are choices for all.
If you’re keen to maximise the seafront experience, you can even rent a beach hut. Alternatively you can venture onto the water on a boat tour.
After you’ve finished at the beach, the town of Whitstable, which earned the title of ‘England’s best seaside town’, beckons. Conde Nast Traveller bestowed the honour, with the magazine observing that Whitstable ‘isn’t glossy – it’s beautifully lived-in, and that’s all part of the attraction’.
With its charming harbour, high street filled with independent retailers and coffee shops, it’s clear why it has emerged as a popular weekend escape for Londoners.
Harbour Street and High Street are where to go for a generous serving of the region’s famous oysters, ideally accompanied by a Bloody Mary. If you’re keen on seafood, Whitstable also hosts numerous festivals and occasions throughout the year, including the Oyster Festival in July and the Whitstable Biennale in June.
These occasions draw visitors from across the nation and offer an excellent chance to enjoy the town’s cultural attractions. Round off the day with an ice cream while strolling along the winding streets.
How to get there
From London a car journey will take around 1 hour 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by train from London Victoria in one hour 20 minutes.
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