Bell Wharf Beach in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex is Time Out's best beach within an hour of London for summer 2025. The quaint stretch of sand is a quick 10 minute walk from Leigh's train station and offers a much quieter alternative to the likes of Brighton Beach and Camber Sands, which tend to get packed with Londoners come summertime.
Ingatestone is described as a "charming village that blends the quintessence of English countryside living with convenient access to urban amenities," making it an attractive destination.