5 best beaches within a 3-hour drive from London according to Condé Nast Traveller

If you’re wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this summer, Condé Nast Traveller has released a list of its top beaches across the UK. While many are quite a way from London, the list features a few spots that are within a 3-hour drive.

Despite London technically having its own seaside-like spot via Ruislip’s Lido Beach, the location sadly didn’t rank on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the 49 best beaches around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

However, the luxury magazine’s round-up does feature a few nearby spots that city dwellers can venture to in the car this summer. The areas include seashores across Sussex, Dorset and Kent.

From Whitstable beach to Cuckmere Haven, we’ve compiled some of the top beach spots a short drive from London that made Condé Nast Traveller’s list. All are under a three-hour drive, with the nearest being just two hours on the road.

We take a look at the beaches Londoners can drive to this summer in a less than three-hour journey.

Condé Nast Traveller’s top 5 best beaches within a 3-hour drive from London

Seven Sisters, Sussex 

Located in east Sussex on the English Channel coast, Seven Sisters’ series of cliffs are a sight to behold. Condé Nast Traveller describes the area to be "one of the most arresting coastlines in Britain."

Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex 

Another of Sussex’s top coastal spots is Cuckmere Haven, known for its pebble beaches. The luxury publication refers to Cuckmere Haven as "one of the wildest beaches on the south coast."

Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset 

The sandy peninsula of Mudeford Sandbank is also not a long drive from the capital. The publication notes that the landscape stands out from the many other beaches on the Dorset coast as it spans out into the sea.

Whitstable beach, Kent 

With pebbles as far as the eye can see, Whitstable beach is only a short car ride from the city. Condé Nast Traveller highlights that despite its lack of sand, it is still one of the UK’s top-rated beaches.

Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent 

Last but certainly not least is Dungeness. The area’s unique open landscape offers the perfect spot for a beach stroll. The magazine spotlights this as they describe it to be a "wild and wonderful place to explore."

How long does it take to get there from London?

• Seven Sisters, Sussex - 2hr 30 mins 
• Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex 2hr 30 mins
• Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset - 2hr 45mins
• Whitstable beach, Kent - 2hrs
• Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent - 2hr 35 mins