England little town

2 hours by car or train?

Do you mean two hours by train or car? And if car, where are you starting from?

Rye is extremely picturesque although it’s not quite right on the coast since the sea withdrew a bit.

Broadstairs and Deal in Kent are worth a look.

Also a little further away, Aldeburgh and Southwold on the Suffolk coast would fit the bill.

Without waiting I might have suggested Rye but I've been beaten to it, and I also would note that whilst very close to the coast it isn't exactly on the coast.

I might also have suggested Lyme Regis, very photogenic but maybe not small enough and certainly only reachable in under hours by flue powder or helicopter.

Maybe not as small as you’re looking for, but Margate or Ramsgate are right on the coast.

It might be useful to know what time of year you'll be making the trip. I think some small towns might be a bit dead in the winter.

In Kent/Sussex - Whitstable, Deal, Broadstairs, Hythe, Rye, Rottingdean, Worthing Bosham or Bognor Regis.

Margate and Dover are dumps.

In Suffolk - Aldeburgh and Southwold.

In Norfolk - Burnham Market, Cromer, Clay-next-the-Sea or Sheringham.

What is it that you are looking for precisely? What do you want to experience? There's a lovely little coastal town near me with some excellent restaurants, a great micro brewery, quaint little fisherman's cottages, cosy pubs, wildlife reserves, a monthly farmers market and a thriving harbour. However it's not the sort of place to spend hours walking around but it is a good place to base yourself and explore the surrounding area with Portsmouth and Chichester both well within 30 mins travelling time. From central London by car will take you just under 2 hours (with favourable traffic conditions) and 1.5 hours via train from Waterloo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emsworth

Nigel: I think the correct term is floo powder.

Nerds will be hair splitters.

JC Do you have a lodging recommendation for Emsworth? We are going to be in the area in late October and wanted to stay at an Inn in Bognor that we've been to before but, unfortuntely, they can't accommodate us both nights. I just saw this post and thought Emsworth might be an alternative.

Thanks.

djapapke, I don't have any personal experience of accommodation in Emsworth as I only live ten minutes away so have never needed to stay there however I hear that the restaurant 36 On The Quay has rooms that are quite nice www.36onthequay.co.uk/rooms.html. I've eaten at the restaurant previously however I prefer Fat Olives which is almost opposite and is my "go to restaurant", www.fatolives.co.uk/menu/sample-dinner-menu/.

I also have friends who have stayed at Hollybank House and they enjoyed their stay there. www.hollybankhouse.com.

Failing that I can put up a tent in my back garden!

I would also like to visit a small picturesque coastal town as a day trip from London on public transit (train only?). First time to England and we are committed to all our overnight stays in London. Our visit is in early January, when days are short. Returning to London in the dark is to be expected. Which of those towns mentioned might work for us?

I should add that it would be nice to have a chance to see seabirds other than the gulls, etc. that would be hanging around docks and piers.

dcainco, I can only speak for Emsworth but if it's birds you're interested in then you can't get much better than the area around Emsworth.

There are no piers in Emsworth but there is a quay and a millpond which attracts a number of seabirds and wildfowl. My advice would be to walk a portion of the Solent Way, starting in Emsworth (this portion of the route is detailed in the opposite direction https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/walking/solentway-langstone) and head for Farlington Marshes.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/langstone-harbour/

You'll pass through Langstone Harbour which is a fantastic place although not at its best in January! You could stop here for lunch, my recommendation would be The Ship Inn https://www.shiplangstone.co.uk, it's a great pub to sit outside in the summer but it's equally cosy inside. The Royal Oak https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/hampshire/royal-oak-havant/ is another pleasant old pub, reputedly haunted if you believe in that sort of stuff but I find the food at The Ship to be better.

Carrying on the Solent Way route you'll head towards Farlington Marshes, one of the most important wetland areas for migratory birds.

"....in winter dark bellied brent geese, wigeons, teals, avocets, redshanks and dunlins flock to Farlington Marshes in their thousands, creating unrivalled bird watching opportunities. The winter also sees the return of the ever popular short eared owls, which hunt over the Point Field and southern end of the main marsh...." https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/farlington-marshes-nature-reserve

Part of the walk to the marshes runs alongside the busy A27 but don't be put off by this as by the time you turn onto the marshes you wouldn't even notice it was there. There is a gravel path encompassing the perimeter of the marshes and it is a real treat for bird watchers however it is very exposed so be prepared for biting winds and sea spray.

You can continue the walk to Portsmouth or retrace some of your steps and take the train from Bedhampton rather than returning all the way to Emsworth.

By train to Chippenham and then a local bus will put you in the village of Lacock in two hours Everything is small, including the local abbey, and intentionally picturesque. All indications of modernity, such as power wires and TV antennas, have been concealed so it looks a hundred years old, attracting film and TV shoots. An hour is certainly enough unless you stay for lunch. Chippenham itself is pleasant, a regional centre in the lower Cotswolds.

Unfortunate the OP never re posted after their post was hijacked.