Slap on some suncream and head down to one of these safe-to-swim seaside spots close to the capital. Blue skies and the longer days of summer are upon us, which means one thing: time to stock up on the factor 50 and head to the nearest shoreline, ASAP.
As an island nation, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to sunny coves and sandy dunes. But not all of the UK’s beaches have been made equal, and some are within much easier reach of the capital than others. And even when you get to the beach from London, there is no guarantee that it will be a clean stretch of coast. There are definitely some waters that are too murky to take a dunk.
That is where the Blue Flag award comes in. Beaches around the world which meet high standards for water quality, waste management, climate action and biodiversity protection can be awarded official Blue Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The Blue Flag Foundation has revealed this year’s list, featuring a total of 188 Blue Flag Awards across the UK and Ireland. Of those, a not-too-shabby 30 are near London.
Unsurprisingly, a number of Time Out’s top beaches made the cut this year, including Minnis Bay on the north Kent coast. Offering everything from a kids’ paddling pool to windsurfing, kiteboarding and the Viking Coastal Trail, it is clear to see why this is a firm family favourite.
Blue Flag Beaches Near London by County
Suffolk
- Felixstowe North
- Felixstowe South
Essex
- Brightlingsea
- Dovercourt Bay
- Frinton-on-Sea
- Shoebury East
- Shoeburyness
- Three Shells (Southend)
- Walton-on-the-Naze
Kent
- Botany Bay
- Joss Bay
- Minnis Bay
- Ramsgate Main Sands
- Sheerness Beach
- St Mildreds Bay
- Tankerton Beach
- The Bay Margate
Sussex
- Hastings
- Hove
- Saltdean
- St. Leonards
- West Wittering
Dorset
- Branksome Chine Poole
- Durley Chine Bournemouth
- Fishermans Walk Bournemouth
- Canford Cliffs Poole
- Friars Cliff Christchurch
- Sandbanks
Hampshire
- Hayling Island
- Highcliffe
Walton-on-the-Naze beach in Essex also featured on the 2026 Blue Flag list, making these sandy shores just as appealing to visit for a swim as they are for hunting bird fossils and spotting grey seals. Plus, West Sussex spot West Wittering, with its shabby-chic beach huts and salt marshes, also made the cut.
All these beaches are within a day trip from London, offering excellent water quality and facilities. So pack your bag, grab your sunscreen, and enjoy a perfect seaside escape.
