Hertfordshire has got most of nature covered.
We’ve got the wildlife parks, the nature reserves and a huge amount of parks to saunter through.
However, on weekends like this it becomes apparent that being a landlocked county has one big downfall.
That doesn’t mean a day at the beach has to be off the cards though and there’s plenty of great options within two hours from our county.
Some are very traditional affairs, where you can enjoy a 99 in the sun after a walk on the pier, while others are hubs of independent shops and restaurants.
Whichever you pick you can be assured the journey won't be in vain.
Here are our favourite nine beaches within two hours of Herts:
Brighton
Brighton has long been a favourite for those in Herts and from London who want a day by the sea.
Thousands flock south whenever there’s a glimpse of sun, so don’t expect a quiet day, but there’s enough to do around the vibrant city that your trip will be worthwhile.
While many coastal towns fall back on their traditions, Brighton is loved by young people for its cultural scene and diverse range of places to eat and drink - while also having everything you’d expect from a day at the beach.
Sign up to the HertsLive newsletter
If you want to stay in the know with all the latest news, reviews and features from HertsLive then you can sign up to our daily newsletter email.
Each day we'll be sending you a selection of our top stories from across our county, as well as breaking news so you can be the first to know.
Signing up to the HertsLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox each day. It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply click here OR here, enter your email address and follow the instructions.
Eastbourne
Claiming to be the UK’s sunniest place, Eastbourne also has award-winning beaches and the famous pier.
There are also plenty of highly rated restaurants, pubs and nationally-recognised B&Bs, so you can make more than just a day of it.
West Wittering Beach
A smaller option than the rest of these, but West Wittering is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
There may not be the tourist attractions of bigger towns, but there’s pristine sandy beaches and this year booking is required in advance - so even if you can’t predict the weather, you’ll know there’ll be plenty of space.
Southend-on-Sea
Essex’s most popular seaside town is the closest option for most people in Herts, but it’s definitely not just chosen for convenience.
There’s eight miles of sand, so socially distancing shouldn’t be a problem despite its popularity.
It’s also the best place if you’re wanting a dip. Southend's designated beaches between Chalkwell and Shoeburyness have either 'good' or 'excellent' swimming water.
Five out of Southend's seven beaches have been deemed excellent by the Environment Agency.
Portsmouth
Maybe a little further than two hours away depending on which part of Herts you’re in, but Portsmouth is well worth the trip.
The port city boasts plenty of history in its galleries and museums, as well as plenty of shopping options right underneath the iconic Spinnaker Tower.
The massive 170-metre tall tower has also reopened for visitors, so you can get a complete view of Portsmouth from its most unique attraction.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth boasts some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and seven-miles of beaches, which is perfect if you want nothing more than a relaxing day on the front.
If you’d rather have something more exciting for the whole family, children’s theme park Adventure Wonderland has reopened, as has Oceanarium and the Splashdown Waterpark - which features 13 different rides, which makes it ideal even if sun disappears.
Margate
Margate has gone through a huge revival in the past couple of years. There’s everything you’d want from an old resort-town, but also boasts an internationally-renowned art gallery with the Turner Contemporary, and Dreamland - which will be open in a limited form this year.
There’s also thriving independent businesses and Thanet’s tourist website describes it as the “capital of British cool” and who am I to argue with that?
Folkestone
Harper’s Bazaar argued Folkstone is Kent’s most underestimated seaside town, so maybe it’s time for you to pay it a visit.
There’s even a beach called Sunny Sands and you can’t say fairer than that.
There’s also more outdoor art than anywhere else in the UK, so you could easily pass a day trying to hunt down every piece you can.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
