
Beaches in the South East
The South East is England’s most populated area and famously plays host to its capital city, London. A relatively small area, many different beaches serve the people that call it home and attract visitors near and far, domestically and internationally to its accessible coastline.
Each county in the South East brings its own charm to the table. Lush countryside, historic towns and hilly verges extend the whole way out to the coast. Some of the country’s most famous seaside names are closer to the capital than you might assume. In this article, we cover the classics and introduces some new names that are itching to welcome you for a day visit when you stay at one of our stellar South East parks. Read on and find out how beaches in the South East combine sea, sand, food, entertainment and history to bring you another chapter of cherished memories by the coast.
Looking for the cream of the crop? Check out our list of the best beaches in the South East.
Beach walks: seas and estuaries

One of our favourite walks along the beaches of the South East centres on Essex. Set aside an hour each way, get something comfy on your feet and take a stroll along the coast from Point Clear where our park at The Orchards is based, all the way up to the magnificently famous Clacton. Use the town’s pier in the distance to measure your progress, and if you don’t fancy walking back, simply hop on a bus to Seawick and pick up some refreshments before you retire to your caravan.
A similar walk along Great Yarmouth’s promenade is brilliant for all the family, and a perfect option if you’re staying at one of our Norfolk parks. The Hoo peninsula, home to our Allhallows park in Kent, is another place that boasts lush countryside and a brilliant fresh sea breeze for a stroll. Pick out Southend pier, the world’s longest across the Thames Estuary when you walk alongside the Thames here. On the Sussex coast head for Birling Gap Beach and be mesmerised by the magnificent chalk cliffs on a day out from Combe Haven or sample the West Wittering Beach when you stay at Church Farm. Both places are within the Chichester Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Beach history: close to the continent

Amongst the endless options afforded to visitors of beaches in the South East, we think one historical site stands out amongst the crowd. The White Cliffs of Dover are simply iconic, and a must visit if you’re staying with us at Allhallows or our Sussex parks. You’ll set foot on a natural monument of freedom and liberation that became infamous during the Second World War as part of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime rendition to troops. Today, you’ll have a fantastic view of France on a clear day and spot vessels on what is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
In Norfolk, the coast is actually closer to the Netherlands than it is to many big British cities, and the UK’s easternmost point is marked by the Euroscope at Ness Point in neighbouring Suffolk, a great day out from our park at Hopton.
Close to Allhallows, the wreckage of the SS Richard Montgomery mysteriously rises above the Thames Estuary waters. The vessel broke up in 1944 whilst hosting 1,400 tonnes of explosives and has a 500m exclusion zone around it, but don’t worry, you’ll be more than a safe distance from it! The best views of its soon to be trimmed masts are probably from Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey, only a short drive from us.
Beach attractions: pen at the ready

Where do we start?! For traditional seaside fun for all the family, there’s never a beach in the South East too far from our park with all the attractions to match. At Combe Haven, you’re within walking distance of the amusements in Hastings, and Battle (named after the infamous 1066 Battle of Hastings) is well worth a visit whilst you’re in the area. Clacton is a brilliant option for any stay at The Orchards.
You’re spoilt for choice when you drive east from Allhallows into the heart of Kent, with towns like Whitstable and Herne Bay perfectly complimenting rising stars like Margate and Ramsgate. Great Yarmouth has you covered for any stay in Norfolk, and for a slightly different vibe, head south into Suffolk and discover Aldeburgh. Located where the River Alde meets the sea, there’s a distinct maritime feel to the place that makes this quaint town an attraction in itself.