Best Chic Seaside Weekends From London

Eliminate the airport chaos this summer with closer to home destinations that have fast become the go-to places to visit for delicious eateries, luxe boutique hotels and family-friendly activities – and all located within two hours away from London. Here are three that have our seal of approval…

Whitstable
 

Once a sleepy fishing village, Whitstable is now a spot for some of the best seafood in the country, making it an ideal weekend away for foodies wanting to explore the pretty pastel streets with the main purpose of eating the best seafood. In just over an hour from London, you could be sipping champagne with a plate of oysters watching the boats bobbing up and down on the sea.

Sleep here…

A family run bed and breakfast is always a sensible option in a seaside town, but The Front Rooms brings a lot more than that to the table. Attached to an art gallery, these three double bedrooms are light-filled, minimalist and totally charming. With big cast iron beds, fluffy white robes and thoughtful curation of art books, from £130 a night including breakfast, it’s a calming space to start and end your day.
 

Eat here…

There is no shortage of great places to eat and drink. Every summer this town celebrates its’ local oysters with a festival in July which is really worth the visit, if only for this. The scent of the sea air somehow makes the oysters taste even more delicious. All year round, head to Wheeler’s and its bubblegum pink frontage for seafood served in exactly the same way since 1856, when they first opened. Elsewhere, an hour walk along the picturesque coast or a short drive away is the Michelin-starred gastropub The Sportsman, which also serves local oysters alongside a mouth-watering and ever-changing menu of delights.
 

Shop here…

Ruskin is a boutique that stocks some of the best independent brands today from Etre Cecile, Folk, and YMC. All of their clothing has a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for weekend dressing. Plus, they sell all your seaside essentials from sunglasses to sandals and plenty of stylish buys you’ll easily buy on impulse.

Deal

If you like the sound of a long pebbly beach, stunning walks along coastal cliffs and scoffing fish and chips while watching the sunset, then Deal is the town for you. A fast train will get you there in just under an hour and a half from London St. Pancras, which makes it a perfect weekend destination for a late Friday escape from the office.

Sleep here…

We love The Rose, an eight-room boutique hotel whose peachy exterior lights up the high street. From its lush interiors of Liberty prints, super king-sized beds in every room and roll-top baths makes this a great choice for a romantic getaway. Rooms start from £90 per night and include breakfast in their popular restaurant.
 

Eat here…

If fish and chips on the beach is what you’re after, there’s only one place - Market Street Fish Bar, it’s truly the best. For something a little more refined, Frog and Scot serves up plates of seafood like baked halibut with wild garlic flowers and skate wing with brown butter and cockles. For a caffeine and cake fix, The Pop-Up Café has you covered.
 

Shop here…

Be warned, staying at The Rose will definitely spark inspiration for your own home interiors. For stylish finds to bring back home, head to the lifestyle shop, The Hoxton Store, for plenty of desirable and unique buys. Carefully curated by owner Alison Whalley who regularly travels far and wide to bring you a beautiful collection of soft furnishings, candles and ceramics for your home.

Margate

Complete with the Turner Contemporary, a shell grotto, Dreamland, and a thriving arts scene, there’s a never-ending list of things to do and see in Margate. It’s a great place to recharge yourself and find natural beauty in the art and ocean that surrounds this town.

Sleep here…

Two double bedrooms on the top floors of an old Victorian townhouse have been turned into one of the best wellness-focused places to stay in the UK. The Well in Margate makes your weekend away feel even more like an escape in their Greece and Mexico inspired rooms. With in-room yoga available, private chefs on command and rooms well-stocked with one of Margate’s best sustainable skincare brands, Haeckels. If you were looking for a reason to come to Margate, staying at The Well is it.
 

Eat here…

For extraordinary seafood and great French wine, book a table at Hantverk and Found, and make sure you leave room for their homemade salted caramel ice cream. If it’s just a glass of vino and small nibbles you’re after, the Big Natural that sits next door serves bar food and wine with no reservations needed.
 

Shop here…

Margate is a vintage lovers paradise. All through the Old Town of Margate, there are loads of retro stores but the real stand out that you must visit is Madame Pop Off Vintage. With an eclectic and eccentric mix of designer pieces from the 60’s to the 80’s it’s the best place to find that vintage Versace blazer or that Shrimp’s style 70’s prairie dress you’ve always wanted.

Bre Graham 

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