Living in Watford means the sea isn’t exactly on your doorstep, but you’ve still got a decent choice of beaches within a couple of hours. Some are good for a quick paddle and a cone, others have that proper old-school seaside vibe. Each has its reason for being worth the trip โ whether you’re after a big stretch of sand, somewhere quieter, or just fancy fish and chips by the waves.
Southend-on-Sea
About 60 miles from Watford, Southend can be reached in around 1 hour and 25 minutes by car, assuming there is no traffic congestion. By train, it’s just over 2 hours with a change in London.
Southend’s main attraction is its long pier, traditional arcades, and numerous food stalls. The central beach is easy to get to, and you’ve got a mix of sand and shingle depending on the tide. You won’t be short of cafes, loos, or spots to sit and watch the world go by.
Westcliff-on-Sea
Just along from Southend, Westcliff is approximately 60 miles away โ roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by car or 2 hours by train via London.
It’s quieter than Southend, but you can still walk to the busier bit if you want. The beaches here are smaller and often less crowded, with a more local feel. There’s a decent row of cafes and a long promenade if you like a steady stroll.
Walton-on-the-Naze
Walton is a little further away โ 73 miles and about 1 hour 50 minutes by car, or close to 2 hours 30 minutes by train with a couple of changes.
The main beach is long, sandy, and backed by colourful beach huts. If you enjoy exploring, the nearby Naze Tower and coastal path offer excellent views and a bit of history as well. It’s less commercial than somewhere like Southend, so bring what you need for the day.
Shoeburyness (East Beach)
At the far end of Southend’s coastline, Shoeburyness offers more open space and tends to be quieter than the main Southend strip. Driving is roughly the same as to Southend โ about 1 hour 30 minutes โ and train times are also similar, with an extra local connection.
East Beach features wide, grassy areas next to the sand, which is handy if you want somewhere to sit that’s not just pebbles. Facilities are basic, but there’s usually an ice-cream van and public toilets.
Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton’s about 90 miles away โ just under 2 hours by car or roughly two and a half hours by train.
It’s got that proper traditional seaside town set-up: a pier with amusements, sandy beaches, and plenty of food stalls. There are deckchairs for hire, a lovely long promenade, and in summer it can get busy. If you like the lively feel, this one’s a safe bet.
Brighton
A different vibe entirely, Brighton is about 80 miles from Watford and takes around 2 hours by car. By train, the journey takes just over 2 hours, through London.
Brighton’s beach is pebbly rather than sandy, but the seafront is full of life โ bars, cafes, shops, and the famous Palace Pier. If you want a mix of city atmosphere and sea air, Brighton ticks the box.
Choosing Your Trip
If you want a full seaside experience with arcades, piers, and easy facilities, Southend, Clacton, or Brighton make sense. For something a bit calmer, try Westcliff, Walton-on-the-Naze or Shoeburyness.
Whatever you choose, you’ll find each beach has its own character, and they’re all close enough for a day out from Watford without needing to turn it into a complete holiday. You can even grab a UK Railcard to get some great discounts on rail travel to your next beach trip.