It’s the ultimate beach day out (Image: Getty)
As the UK continues to face sweltering temperatures in what is being hailed as a record-breaking summer, people all over the country are naturally making plans to hit the beach in a bid to cool off. If you’re one of the many trying to decide which coastline to hit this summer without breaking the bank and blowing through your summer budget in one fell swoop — look no further because we’ve got the answer for you.
The cheapest beach reach by train from London has been named in new research gathered by student accommodation provider Chapter — as well as the top beach for the ultimate day trip from the capital. Chapter compared train tickets costs from London to each beach in an attempt to identify the cheapest spots for travellers to access this summer.
Tankerton Beach in Whitstable, Kent, has come out on top (Image: Getty)
The rankings were based on beach ratings, average summer temperatures, water quality scores, train travel times from London, and ticket prices.
With UK Google searches for ‘beach trip from London’ seeing a 600% surge in the last three months — the results have come at an ideal time as families prepare for summer holidays.
For those looking for a cool escape to the shoreline this summer, there’s one seaside spot that costs £24.50 on average for a return ticket from London to the glorious beach and back.
Cheapest UK beaches to visit this summer
Whitstable Tankerton Beach – the ultimate day trip
Whitstable’s Tankerton Beach, with its 4.4 out of five rating, has emerged as the ultimate beach day trip from London.
At just under two hours from the capital (approximately 1 hour 56 minutes), it boasts ‘excellent’ water quality and pleasant summer conditions, with average temperatures of 17°C and highs surpassing 20°C during peak season.
In fact, Whitstable Tankerton Beach and Whitstable Beach have been jointly ranked as the cheapest beach day trips from London.
Not only is Tankerton Beach affordable – it offers superb views (Image: Getty)
Both stretches of coastline feature the lowest average ticket price, with a return journey costing merely £24.50. Situated in Whitstable, these two locations deliver outstanding value for money while maintaining high beach quality and dependable summer conditions — perfect for an ideal beach day.
Visitors to Whitstable Tankerton Beach couldn’t agree more, with one writing on Tripadvisor: “Such a beautiful, tranquil place to visit. Good for the soul. Sailing boats, sea birds, people walking their dogs. Everyone saying good morning. Heaven”
Another satisfied visitor said of the beach: “Such a tranquil and stunning place to chill. There are benches on the slopes if you fancy enjoying the sights, sea birds, and boats. Plus everyone greets each other!”
While one beachgoer wrote in a review: “Loved this beach for a good dog walk, not only is there the beach, lots of grassy areas and the lovely nature reserve also. Easy free parking on the road, a lovely cafe with friendly staff and also a toilet block will definitely be returning. Very peaceful & friendly.”
Southend-on-Sea Beach
Southend-on-Sea Beach is ranked as the second most affordable beach day trip from London, with an average return ticket costing approximately £28.60.
Southend-on-Sea Beach has ranked second (Image: Getty)
It’s also been rated as the second finest beach in the UK for a day trip from London. The beach has garnered a smashing 4.4 out of five rating and benefits from average summer temperatures of 17°C, matching Whitstable’s Tankerton Beach.
Its water quality is classified as ‘good’, enhancing its attractiveness. What really distinguishes Southend, though, is its accessibility, with an average travel time of just 95 minutes and a return ticket of around £28.60. This makes it one of the most practical and economical seaside getaways from London, all while offering unmatched views and a lively atmosphere.
A glowing Google review of Southend-on-Sea states: “Ocean, and cool sea breeze made the whole place feel so relaxing. I loved the fun rides and games around the beach area, which added such a lively vibe, and there were plenty of nice restaurants nearby to enjoy good food with a sea view. It’s a beautiful place to unwind, enjoy the atmosphere, and spend a peaceful yet fun day by the coast.”
Whitstable Beach
Whitstable Beach on the North Kent coast comes third overall as the ultimate day trip to a beach from London, just behind the top two spots. It shares first place alongside Whitstable Tankerton Beach as the most affordable UK beach to visit from the Capital.
Whitstable Beach takes the third spot (Image: Getty)
It boasts a 4.5 of five beach rating, the highest amongst the top three, and benefits from steady summer temperatures of around 17°C. Water quality is rated ‘good’, strengthening its appeal.
Journey times are slightly longer at an average of 117 minutes each way, though return tickets of around £24.50 keep it competitively priced. While it scores marginally below Tankerton and Southend overall, it remains a well-rounded and highly attractive beach day trip from London.
A Google review of Whitstable Beach reads: “I sat on the many rocks along the beach since there isn’t much sand, and enjoyed an amazing view looking out over the water. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for relaxing and taking in the natural beauty. A great place to unwind and appreciate the seaside scenery!”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
