As the scorching hot weather continues in Hertfordshire, what better way to enjoy it than by going to the beach? 

Hertfordshire has some beautiful countryside landscapes that's great for a picnic or a walk, but if you want a quick dip in the water or to tan while eating classic fish and chips, you have to take a short drive outside the county. 

We've compiled a list of some of the best beaches within a two-hour drive from Hertfordshire. 

1. Southend-on-Sea

Royston Crow: Southend-on-Sea has the longest pier in the country.Southend-on-Sea has the longest pier in the country. (Image: Gopika Madhu/Newsquest staff)

Southend-on-Sea is located in Essex and is an hour away from Hertfordshire. 

It has a beautiful beach with a seafront, amusement park, fish 'n' chips shops, and the country's longest pier. 

Southend-on-Sea beach has all the trappings of a classic British seaside resort, as well as a gritty city centre complete with shops and packed nightclubs.

2. Brighton beach

Royston Crow: People enjoying the sunshine on Brighton beach in June 2021.People enjoying the sunshine on Brighton beach in June 2021. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Brighton beach is two hours away from the county and is a favourite among many tourists.

As the sun shines over us, Brighton makes for a great beach day with local shops, restaurants and quirky stores just a short walk away.

The pebbly beach with certified Blue Flag waters and a four-mile promenade is buzzing with life in all seasons.

3. Minster Leas

Royston Crow: Minster Leas beach is on the north coast of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.Minster Leas beach is on the north coast of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. (Image: Google Street View)

Minster Leas beach is on the north coast of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

The beach is just over an hour and half away from Hertfordshire.

It is a lovely tranquil place to go to relax and enjoy the views.

A grassy area with park benches slopes down to a long, shingle beach where a number of groynes stretch out into the sea. 

When the tide is out, a good expanse of sand is revealed with some patches of mud.

4. Bermondsey Beach

Royston Crow: Bermondsey Beach is a stretch of the Thames riverbed in Bermondsey, which is exposed during low tide.Bermondsey Beach is a stretch of the Thames riverbed in Bermondsey, which is exposed during low tide. (Image: Google Street View)

The beach is an hour away and located in London.

It is a serene and peaceful place and a stretch of the Thames riverbed that many can enjoy during low tide.

While it is not a traditional beach, it has become a popular stretch of the riverbank where locals and visitors can relax and take in the great views of London’s skyline.

5. Chalkwell Beach 

Royston Crow: The beach is sandy, and at low tide a wide area of mud, sand and shingle is revealed.The beach is sandy, and at low tide a wide area of mud, sand and shingle is revealed. (Image: Google Street View)

Chalkwell Beach is located in Southend.

The beach is sandy, and at low tide a wide area of mud, sand and shingle is revealed.

Among the seaweed there is a good chance of finding crabs and other marine wildlife.

A large granite obelisk known as The Crowstone can be seen just off the beach, partially submerged when the tide is in. This stone was placed there in the early 19th century.