Coastal Towns near London
Apr 20, 2017, 4:06 pm
#2
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Bournemouth, Eastbourne, Brighton, Margate, southend
all could be done as day trip
Dover is more of a ferry port than a coastal town.
all could be done as day trip
Dover is more of a ferry port than a coastal town.
Apr 20, 2017, 4:16 pm
#3
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Brighton is the obvious large town (actually a city - Brighton & Hove) and is a good choice for sure, but there are also loads of smaller towns within a very easy day trip from London, such as Hastings. I wouldn't put Dover high up the list.
If you have a car, a lesser known town which is an easy drive east of London is Maldon - very pleasant for a few hours on a sunny afternoon and good for bird watching.
On the other side of the estuary, Whitstable is excellent, famous for its oysters, and can be combined with a jaunt to Canterbury.
I could go on...
If you have a car, a lesser known town which is an easy drive east of London is Maldon - very pleasant for a few hours on a sunny afternoon and good for bird watching.
On the other side of the estuary, Whitstable is excellent, famous for its oysters, and can be combined with a jaunt to Canterbury.
I could go on...
Apr 20, 2017, 9:08 pm
#6
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Apr 20, 2017, 11:18 pm
#7
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Most of the coastal towns mentioned are too "near" to have advanced purchase tickets available, so there's generally no cost penalty to buying on the day. You'll want a railcard if you're leaving after 10am or on a weekend, that'll save a bit
Apr 20, 2017, 11:42 pm
#8
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Dover has an impressive castle, but the town itself is rather careworn. On the other hand, if you want to see the busiest ferry terminal in the world.... Dover station isn't actually that near the water.
I'd add Portsmouth to your list. Huge naval history, and standing on the sea wall by the (busy) harbour entrance - you can almost touch the vessels passing through.
What do you want to do on your day out? Walk? Funfair? Just sit with an ice cream? That'll help us tailor the suggestions.
The rail system sometimes does engineering works at the weekend, so check for your date before setting out.
I'd add Portsmouth to your list. Huge naval history, and standing on the sea wall by the (busy) harbour entrance - you can almost touch the vessels passing through.
What do you want to do on your day out? Walk? Funfair? Just sit with an ice cream? That'll help us tailor the suggestions.
The rail system sometimes does engineering works at the weekend, so check for your date before setting out.
Apr 21, 2017, 4:15 pm
#9
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Rye is worth visiting as well.
Also, and not a town, but a train to Eastbourne or Seaford, and then a bus (it may be possible to get a joint ticket covering both bus and train) takes you to Seven Sisters country park, which is one of my favourite places in the world.
Also, and not a town, but a train to Eastbourne or Seaford, and then a bus (it may be possible to get a joint ticket covering both bus and train) takes you to Seven Sisters country park, which is one of my favourite places in the world.
Last edited by AlwaysonBA663; Apr 21, 2017 at 4:17 pm Reason: clarity
Apr 22, 2017, 1:10 am
#12
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Ah, but what sort of vacation? If your vacation requires:
A funfair and fish and chips. Southend or Southsea(Portsmouth)
A pier and real sand. Clacton.
A slightly bohemeian air. Brighton.
Genteel relaxation with no sign of a funfair. Eastbourne or Frinton.
Do check weekend trains - lots of engineering closures affect Essex routes this year.
A funfair and fish and chips. Southend or Southsea(Portsmouth)
A pier and real sand. Clacton.
A slightly bohemeian air. Brighton.
Genteel relaxation with no sign of a funfair. Eastbourne or Frinton.
Do check weekend trains - lots of engineering closures affect Essex routes this year.
Apr 22, 2017, 11:18 am
#14
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I personally dislike Brighton (and I've been there a lot), the combination of London hipster money and locals who clearly can't afford to live a decent life there is depressing. However if you do go, a day trip by train consisting of walking round the Laines shopping area (narrow streets, small shops), a walk on the beach and perhaps a visit to the pier, and eating in a local seafood restaurant is a reasonable way to make a decent go of it. You can definitely do this in a day.
Dover is a place best travelled through; it suffers greatly from being a small seaside town with a giant road/ferry link in it.
Portsmouth is further away, but a lot less irritating to me.
Probably in your situation I would either take the above day trip to Brighton, or go to Portsmouth.
Dover is a place best travelled through; it suffers greatly from being a small seaside town with a giant road/ferry link in it.
Portsmouth is further away, but a lot less irritating to me.
Probably in your situation I would either take the above day trip to Brighton, or go to Portsmouth.
Apr 22, 2017, 12:49 pm
#15
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My mother grew up in Cliftonville and my sister lives in Walmer near Deal. nice places to visit!