For a classic British day at the seaside, a trip to Brighton is hard to beat. As one of England’s most popular seaside destinations, its colourful beach huts, independent shops and seafront energy draws visitors from far and wide.
But if you ask me, the best stretch of coast isn’t the one sandwiched between the two piers. That’s where the crowds pile in. Sunbathers lying shoulder to shoulder, the queue for ice cream stretching round the corner, everyone going a bit crazy in the sunshine.
My favourite beaches near Brighton are the ones just far enough away from that madness: still easy to reach, but blissfully quiet. So if like me, you enjoy seeking out places others might not know about, this guide to the best beaches near Brighton is for you.
Also, unlike most beach guides for this area, every beach I talk about here is within a short cycle or drive of Brighton city centre – perfect if you’re already in the city and want to escape the crowds for a few hours.
Before we go, first I thought we could play a game. It’s called ‘Guess where the above picture was taken.’ Let’s look for clues: calm, clear water, shingle-sandy beach, endless blue sky, retro-green beach umbrella, hardly anybody around. Where could it be?
Remote Greek island, perhaps? Somewhere in Sicily. Maybe Croatia. Give up? OK, I’ll tell you. You’ll find this lovely snapshot of a beach a 10-minute drive from the city of Brighton and Hove on England’s south coast. It’s my latest spot in Brighton for escaping the summer crowds, revealed in this post.
So grab your Panama hat and bikini and let’s go!
1 Kemptown Beach
Best for: Sunrise views, skinny dipping, and nearby beachclub vibes
Kemptown Beach is one of the quietest central beaches in Brighton and Hove, known as the city’s best sunrise viewing spot – and for its thriving naturist zone.
It’s alsoa good bet if you still want to be within walking distance of the city, but not in the thick of it. Despite how close it is to the centre of town; it always amazes me how quiet it is down by the water’s edge.
To find Kemptown Beach, wander east from the Palace Pier along Madeira Drive past Soho House until you hit the Volks Railway station – a ride on this quirky electric train is a fun thing to do in itself. From here, walk through the little gate and over the railway track to the beach.
As you head towards the sea, you’ll start to feel a million miles away from the crazy crowds that build up on Madeira Drive, especially at the weekend and on sunny days.
This beach gets bonus points for being close the dreamy outdoor sauna spa and Sea Lanes, the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre. It features a 50m open-air pool, yoga studios, fitness hubs, Fika for cinnamon buns and frothy cappuccinos, and Bison Beer for local brews at sundown.
Just behind it, don’t miss The Reading Room, a café and restaurants with beach views in an 1830sc building and Temple, a coffee shop in a former folly.
2 Hove Beach
Best for: The perfect local beach day close to Marrocco’s for Italian ice cream
Meander west past Hove Lawns lined with grand Victorian houses where dog walkers stretch their legs and locals do workout sessions to music, and you’ll find yourself on Hove Beach.
Along with Kemptown Beach, this is the stretch of Brighton and Hove coastline I visit the most – I like the atmosphere: it’s neither too quiet or crazy and easy for me to get to from Fiveways.
Whether I’ve friends to entertain, fancy a solo afternoon or want to catch the sunset, this is my local go-to beach.
If I drive, I always find a parking space on Grand Avenue that leads down to it; or my walk takes me up and over Seven Dials and down through pretty Brunswick Square.
You’ll find excellent ice=cream in all flavours at Italian café-bar, Marrocco’s, a buzzing rooftop and casual terrace at Rockwater and excellent fish and chips at Chippie Chips on Victoria Terrace.
3 Shoreham Beach and boardwalk
Best for: An atmospheric walk through landscape that feels plucked from somewhere far more exotic than Sussex
Despite how close Shoreham Beach is to Brighton and Hove – a flat 20-minute cycle along the seafront – so many tend to overlook it entirely. The boardwalk alone is worth the ride, and features in my bestselling guide Secret Sussex for good reason.
Following the boardwalk through this otherworldly Local Nature reserve with its shingle habitat and striking modernist beach houses, makes me feel like I’m in parts of California, southwestern Australia or Canada.
Nearby, it’s fun to visit the a houseboat community home to this incredible houseboat AirBnB. I also love following the footbridge over the River Adur into town to browse the independent shops such colourful Neighbourhood for homewares before getting coffee at Drift.
If you time your visit right, Shoreham’s village is home to two markets worth planning around: a farmers’ market on the second Saturday of the month for local fruit, veg and produce, and an artisan market on the fourth Saturday for handmade arts and crafts from local makers.
4 Southwick Beach
Best for: Sand! Rare for this stretch of coast, and blissfully quiet
Close to Shoreham Beach above, despite its bizarre industrial setting – it backs onto Shoreham Power Station – this beach is huge, spacious, and sandy at low tide, which on a hot day makes all the difference.
It’s a proper local beach – no tourists, no deckchair rentals, no Palace Pier nonsense. Just surfers catching waves, families setting up for the day, and dogs having the time of their lives. The cycle path from Brighton makes it an easy and scenic ride – flat all the way along the seafront.
When you’re ready for a break, local institution Carat’s Café does proper mugs of tea, sausage sandwiches and cake, no frills required. Afterwards, Shoreham Harbour is worth a wander for a look at the houseboats and the canals.
© Ellie & Co
5 Ovingdean Beach
Best for: The quietest beach within easy reach of Brighton – arrive by bike along the Undercliff Path for the full experience
This peaceful shingle beach is a favourite with locals and my latest secret Brighton discovery. Even on the hottest of days you’ll find only a handful of people enjoying it. This is probably due to its location a few miles east of Brighton.
Tourists don’t seem to make it this far unless they’ve been tipped off or are cycling or walking along the Undercliff Path. Driving here is a little more tricky as you have to park inland, and then walk through a foot tunnel under the road to get to it.
You’ll know you’ve made it when you spot the row of whitewashed Art Deco beach huts with their wavy roofs. One of these is a classic British cafe by day, serving basic hot drinks, bacon sandwiches, and cakes which get great reviews.
6 Saltdean Beach
Best for: Rock pooling at low tide, lido lounging and a dramatic chalk cliff backdrop
If I’m biking and feeling adventurous, sometimes I’ll carry on east along the Undercliff Path past Ovingdean’s Art Deco beach huts for another 20 minutes to Saltdean – a pretty shingle cove tucked between towering chalk cliffs, backed by white bungalows and swaying tamarisk.
It’s particularly lovely at low tide, when rock pools appear along the shoreline – worth a proper explore if you haven’t done it since childhood.
The real draw is Saltdean Lido, a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco building just a short walk inland where you can lounge around, do a few lengths or come for coffee or a bite to eat at the Reading Room café.
For a panoramic view back over the bay, climb up to Telscombe Cliffs Viewpoint before heading home.
So there you have it. If you ask me, these are the best beaches near Brighton – they just happen to be the ones nobody’s queuing for.
For more ways to escape the crowds, my Brighton in Summer guide is a good place to start.
