The long summer break is just weeks away, and if you're already planning your activities you might want to take a quick trip away from the big smoke to some fresh seaside air.

With London having great public transport to nearly anywhere in the country there are endless of options to travel for a getaway.

There are plenty of beaches that are just over an hour away from the capital, and if you don’t fancy the stress of driving there are plenty of direct trains you can hop on.

So before you try and hunt down the best beaches that are easy to get to, we may have already found the perfect beach.

Your Local Guardian:

Best beaches an hour away from London:

Margate

It only takes an hour and a half to get to the sunny beach of Margate, the now fashionable town that is most known for its Turner Contemporary Galley and the iconic vintage theme park, Dreamland. 

Margate has a huge range of great restaurants with many directly on the seafront and the sandy beaches are the perfect spot to relax and take in the sun. 

Hastings

Hop on the train and in just under two hours you'll be in the lovely seaside town of Hastings. 

With plenty of attractions from a mini-golf course, arcades, rides, cliff railways, and the Battle Abbey. 

Plus, there are plenty of choices of brilliant fish and chip shops too, and even better many are directly on the beachfront so you can relax on the beach whilst enjoying some yummy fish and chips. 

Brighton

The iconic city of Brighton takes just over an hour to get to and is well known for its impressive pier, grand pavilion, and endless shops on the Lanes. 

You can never be bored in Brighton thanks to its endless attractions and miles of beachfront where you could easily spend the day soaking in the sun and swimming in the sea. 

Your Local Guardian:

Camber Sands

Close to the historic town of Rye, Camber Sands is a great spot if you love cool white sands and impressive dunes. 

Many claim it is the best beach in the south of England, with its endless amounts of sand, easy to get to and the kids can be entrained all day with just a bucket and a spade.

Southend-on-sea

In just an hour you can be on the shores of Southend-on-sea, the classic seaside town has everything you could want ever want.

Known for being the owner of the longest pleasure pier in the world, it has arcades, fairground rides, fresh doughnuts and of course, plenty of choices for fish and chips.