An urban beach at the far end of the DLR? We’re there!
Summer sun is the perfect weather for a beachy escape. Luckily, you don’t have to go too far to find one, because a beautiful beach is springing up in the dramatic surrounds of London’s Docklands. The Urban Beach is returning to the Royal Docks for a sixth year, offering sun, sand, and serenity when it arrives on July 18th. And this time, they’re aiming to coax you into the water with a programme of rather fun watersports.
But first things first, it’s all about that sand. The Urban Beach is a golden expanse with views over the renovated Docklands. Admittedly, this isn’t the most happening part of town, but you’d be mad to turn your nose up at an inner-city beach. Particularly given that entry here is the low low price of free. Street food vendors and film screens will be setting up shop at the Urban Beach to entertain the crowds, and there is also the promise of soon-to-be-announced pop-up classes.
Those who wish to dip their toes in the waters of the Royal Victoria Basin are spoiled for choice. The Urban Beach is open for swimming, but the Royal Docks are kicking things up a notch with watersports aplenty. The likes of paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and paddleboard yoga are all on offer here, and that’s just for the amateurs to try.
For the professionals, The Royal Docks are hosting some of the finest watersports competitions in the land. London SUP Open is the UK stop of the International Stand Up Paddleboarding competition, running on July 7th & 8th. Later in the summer, the Dock to Dock Swim invites open-water swimmers to dive in on July 28th. Or if the spirit of competition just isn’t grabbing you, why not speed around the docks in a high-speed submarine dressed up to look like a killer whale? Seriously.
Location: Royal Victoria Beach, E16 1AG. Nearest station is Royal Victoria. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: The Urban Beach runs from July 18th to September 2nd. It opens from 10am-6pm, with occasional extended openings.
Entry: free.
More information: visit their website.