Would you like to feel the sand between your toes but don’t have time to get to the seaside? No worries, you can still have instant gratification because this summer, London has 7 amazing urban beaches where you can enjoy that seaside vibe. There’s bound to be one near you.
The Beach Brent Cross
Combine your shopping with seaside frolics at the Brent Cross beach. Relax and tan while the kids build sandcastles or go swimming in sandside pool. And when you want a change of scene there’s over 25 different rides that rival those of any funfair.
Running until September 8th, the opening hours will be extended to Mon – Sun, 12pm – 10pm
Where: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FP
Website: www.thebeachbrentcross.com
Fulham Beach
Pick up a cocktail from one of the two bars and lay down on a cabana or daybed on Fulham Beach. You can literally eat drink and be merry with small plates or a Nutella s’more’s pizza and toasted marshmallows or a plateful of street food.
The beach shows films on Tuesdays at 7pm and there are bottomless brunches at the weekend.
Where: Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 2TY
Website: www.neverlandlondon.com
London Secret Beach
Tucked away in the London Secret Garden is London Secret Beach. As you feel the sand between your toes you can dip into a cocktail sharing bowl and spend an hour or two soaking in the sun on a cosy cabana or a lounger.
Where: 100 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 4ER
Website: www.londonsecretgarden.co.uk
The Montague On The Gardens
The Montague on the Gardens located in Bloomsbury just a minute from the British Museum, has quite the reputation for al-fresco dining. Every year their fun Hawaiian Beach Bar pops up for the summer. There’s sandy shores, beach-huts with thatched roofs, palm trees and fruity cocktails.
Chefs serve food on the bbq including veggie options.
Running throughout July and August.
Where: 15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.montaguehotel.com
London’s Royal Docks
For the seventh year you can take the kids to The Royal Victoria Dock for family-filled fun featuring a huge paddling pool – the biggest they have ever had. Kids can enjoy making building sandcastles while the adults dose off for a peaceful five minutes shut eye in a deck chair.
Running from July 27th to August 30th.
Where: Royal Victoria Docks, E16 1SL
Website: www.royaldocks.london
Ruislip Lido
The is probably the most realistic beach in the London environs. You get there via the Piccadilly line tube and soon you are in 60 acres of lake and beach in Ruislip.
There’s adventure areas for the kids and lovely walks into the forest. You can also board the Narrow Gauge railway to explore the rest of Ruislip Lido.
Where: Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY
Website: www.ruisliplido.com
Backyard Cinema
Fancy watching a film al fresco on the sun kissed beaches of Los Angeles …in London. Backyard Cinema is offering a West Coast beach theme – but not taking chances on the weather, this is a covered beach. Still, there is a beach bar with plenty of fruity cocktails which you can sip under palm trees.
Films include Captain Marvel and A Star is Born but tickets are selling fast.
Running from July 18th to August 24th,
Where: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH
Website: www.backyardcinema.co.uk/lanights