A classic seaside town has been highlighted as having one of the best beaches in the UK, and it’s an uncrowded oasis that, even during the summer holidays, doesn’t get packed
One of the best beaches to visit by train lies less than two hours from London, offering picture-postcard scenes and that quintessential seaside escape.
Nestled along the north coast of Kent, with a direct one and a half hour train journey from Victoria Station, London, lies the seaside town of Herne Bay. While it may not be as popular as the neighbouring Whitstable, Herne Bay has been thrown into the spotlight as LNER named its beach as one of the best to visit by train this summer.
In a study by LNER, Herne Bay Beach was revealed as one of the best in England and in the top three across the south east, thanks to its signature Victorian landmarks, unique shingle-and-sand beach, and array of classic coast offerings. Its traditional scenes were described by the train operator as if visitors were “stepping straight into a seaside postcard from years gone by.”
Littlehampton East beach and Bognor Regis beach were also among the top three in the south east, after LNER analysed beaches across England and Scotland with various factors rated in order to provide each destination with an overall score. For each destination, they looked at sunshine hours, sunset times, sea temperature, distance to train stations, number of nearby fish-and-chip shops, positive ice cream reviews, and Blue Flag and Seaside Award status.
What sets Herne Bay apart from other seaside destinations, aside from it being in easy reach by train, is its sprawling beach that changes vastly depending on the tide. Typically, it’s a shingle-and-pebble beach, but as the water recedes towards the horizon, it can reveal a sandy shore, offering two versions of the coast, with its shallow waters ideal for a little paddle on those warmer days.
Part of the promenade is lined with colourful beach huts, while Herne Bay Pier is a standout attraction in the town, and it was even named the second-best pier in the UK by the National Piers Society for 2026. It offers all the traditional seaside fun, from a ride on the fairground horses or the helter-skelter, to ample retail huts and food carts.
Visitors to Herne Bay can admire its traditional Victorian landmarks, such as the clock tower, bandstand and Reculver Towers, before tucking into fish and chips along the promenade. LNER noted there were plenty of chippies to choose from, alongside a selection of ice cream stands for that sweet treat afterward, because nothing says a beach day out like sampling both of these classic British delights.
Following a visit to the main beach in Herne Bay, one fan shared on TripAdvisor: “Love the beach and Herne Bay seafront. It has a great vibe and views. Highly recommended. From King’s Hall along to Hampton Pier, a lovely seafront walk.”
Noting its lesser-crowded beach appeal, a second commented: “Stoney beaches are not my favourite, but this one is different. Basically empty. On a hot summer’s day when all the schools are out, practically nobody is on the beach, and definitely nobody is in the sea. Except me…”
David Flesher, commercial director at LNER, said: “For many people, a summer trip to the coast is one of the best ways to make the most of the warmer months, whether that means a family day out, a paddle in the sea, a walk along the promenade or simply enjoying fish and chips by the shore.
“This research highlights the variety of beaches that can be reached by train across England and Scotland, including many that are accessible via LNER destinations and straightforward onward connections. Travelling by train helps make the journey part of the experience, offering a smarter way to travel by avoiding traffic, stops for fuel, parking stress, and letting the getaway begin the moment people step on board.”
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