When the sun is generous enough to provide pleasant and warm weather in London, plenty of locals immediately plan outdoor activities to soak up some rays. But there’s no reason not to take things up a notch by heading to a coastal town for even more fun under the sun. Several seaside towns are situated near London, offering a quick escape where you can take your family to a coastal retreat. Here are a few you should visit.
1. Margate
Margate ranks high on this list—and for a good reason. It features a chic vibe and offers plenty of attractions to offer. The most enduring characteristic of Margate is that it exudes that familiar city feeling while still providing a pleasurable coastal relaxation. Seafood restaurants can be found along the beach as well as tons of little shops that offer all kinds of food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Be sure to check out Margate Caves, a chalk mine that dates back to the eighteenth century. It’s one of Margate’s newest attractions, and plenty of people visit it to see the unique carvings and paintings.
2. Swanage
Swanage isn’t as near to London as the other towns on this list, but it’s undoubtedly worth visiting. This little seaside town is rich in history and culture. It served as a quarrying port during the Victorian Era, but it’s now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the UK’s south coast.
Tourism is the town’s largest industry. That should give you a clue as to what to expect from the town – from annual food and music festivals to the steam train at Swanage Railway, it’s clear that the local folks love welcoming tourists. Swanage News is the best source to check the upcoming events so you can plan your trip accordingly.
3. Hunstanton
If you’re looking for dramatic sunsets and long walks on the beach, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better choice than Hunstanton. While North Norfolk receives much more attention from tourists, the coastal town of Hunstanton in the east proves to be just as captivating. Many people agree that it offers the most breathtaking sunset views, making it a popular choice among couples.
Hunstanton offers so much more, though. The lush lavender fields, multicolored cliffs, and the country pubs are all worth checking out.
4. Ramsgate
Ramsgate is a busy maritime town near London, a perfect place to unwind after a tiresome week. It’s best known for live music and a flourishing craft-beer scene. This is the place to visit if you want a rather lazy weekend that involves drinking beer and eating burgers. The many pubs in Ramsgate feature a rowdy atmosphere, and it’s for this same quality that makes it so easy to meet new friends.
The Ramsgate Music Hall is also a must-visit, especially for music lovers who want to listen to aspiring musicians. The Granville Theatre should also be included in your itinerary as it offers an unusual cinematic experience at very affordable prices.
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