The capital may be the definition of an urban jungle, but it’s also conveniently close to the coast – and there are lots of beaches near London to escape to with ease.
Technically closest is Southend-on-Sea in Essex, which ticks many of the British-seaside boxes (it has a theme park for a start). For weary Londoners, Brighton’s bright lights and pebble beaches are also just 47 miles away, waiting to fulfil all of your ice-cream dreams - especially for a fun weekend trip from London.
Down on the south coast, Bournemouth may be beloved by students, hen parties and pensioners alike, but even closer to the capital is Milford-on-Sea on the edge of the New Forest, where you can add some history into your coastal adventure.
A little further afield, but worth it for their many seaside charms, places such as Southwold in Suffolk and Folkestone and Margate in Kent are also easily accessible.
If it's sandy beaches near London you're after, you're in luck as the likes of Botany Bay, West Wittering and Camber Sands are accessible for Londoners.
Since you’ve made the effort (and if it’s a classic British just-three-days-long heatwave), you’ll want to stay overnight and luckily there are lots of seaside hotels to book and make your trip last.
These are the best beaches near London to head to as the mercury rises…