Pevensey Bay is just two hours from London and is a fantastic alternative to the more popular beaches in East Sussex

Nestled on the Sussex coast, a mere two hours from London, lies a delightful beach that's perfect for summer trips to the seaside.

Pevensey Bay, located between Eastbourne and Hastings, is an ideal spot if you're after a quieter destination with sweeping views of the English coastline. The area was once referred to as 'England's Gate' by Rudyard Kipling due to its significant role in the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The beach at Pevensey Bay is particularly beautiful at low tide, offering stunning vistas of the Sussex coast towards Eastbourne and Bexhill. Just north of the village, you'll find the intriguing Pevensey Marshes, although they are not open to the public to protect the easily disturbed birdlife.

For thrill-seekers, the bay is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to the breezy conditions. Families can enjoy boat tours, charters and fishing trips, all available for booking at the beach.

And for those who love culture, there's even a unique six-screen cinema just up the road, reports MyLondon. The beach comes fully equipped with cafes, bars, restaurants and accessible toilets, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.

Pevensey is perhaps most famous as the landing site of William the Conqueror's invasion of England in 1066, which marked the beginning of modern British history following his victory at Hastings. After arriving on the Sussex coast, William I's troops made camp in the ruins of Pevensey Castle on their first night in England, before marching off to the decisive battle.

Historians also suggest that this overnight stay at Pevensey Castle is depicted in the globally renowned Bayeux tapestry, where soldiers are shown fortifying a Roman castle. After claiming the throne, William recognised Sussex as crucial for England's defence and commanded the building of a significant castle in Pevensey.

Pevensey Castle is open to visitors all year round, with seven-day opening during the summer months. Current ticket prices are £7.70 on weekdays and £8.60 at weekends.

How to get there

From South London, Pevensey Bay is just a 1.5-hour drive away. Take the A236, then join the A23. Follow this road until you reach the A27 towards Eastbourne, and then follow signs to Pevensey.

If you're travelling by public transport, the journey will take around 2.5 hours from the English capital and involves several changes. The main part of the journey is a Southern Rail train ride to Polegate. From Polegate, it's only a 12-minute drive to Pevensey Bay, making a taxi your best option. Alternatively, you can take two 20-minute bus rides to reach the beach.

For those who fancy a trip to the seaside, Stone Bay may also be worth checking out. The Kent beach boasts a reputation as one of the nation's best and comes complete with striking white cliffs and glistening gold sand along the shore.

Found along the Broadstairs coastline, this Kent gem is usually less busy than its neighbours Viking Bay and Joss Bay, but is no less impressive. With beautiful, golden dunes, this beach could rival any number you’d find abroad.