Now that summer is here, you might be looking for day trips to enjoy the warm weather and longer days.

Although London has endless activities for all ages, it's always nice to head out of the big smoke and to the seaside.

From soaking up the sun all day long lying on the golden sands to eating ice cream before it melts and spending all your money in the arcades, nothing beats a day by the beach.

If you're not sure what beach to visit, then you are in luck as The Times recently named the best beaches in the UK and two of them aren't that far from London. 

The two best beaches near London you need to visit

The Times created the list to highlight the best of the UK, taking note of key aspects of each beach, from cafes, car parking, loos, dog-friendliness and the seas water quality.

The two beaches near London that featured in the list are Sandgate and Westbroke Bay both in Kent.

First up is Sandgate that's just over a two-hour drive from central London or an hour and a half via public transport.

The shingle beach is described as "lovely" by The Times, adding that it runs "parallel to the high street" but is in all a classical beach style.

Just west of the very popular Folkestone, Sandgate has a castle and you can see the coast of France on a good visible day, another bonus is that the loos and water quality is "excellent".

The second beach well worth visiting from London is Westbrook Bay, also just two hours over from London by car and public transport.

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The coastal spot in the ever-popular Margate is described by The Times as "one of the good ones" with "low tide, cove-like at high water and backed by a shanty of beach huts".

Plus, you can enjoy some fun with the 18-hold adventure golf course on the east end which is just £6.50 per person (at the time of writing) and with endless options of restaurants.

The Times add that Westbrook Bay has excellent water quality, loos, is dog-friendly, has lifeguards and accessibility.