Londoners, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Not only is it the weekend but the rain is behind us (for now, at least) and the forecast is looking…almost pleasant? Ever heard the saying that salt water heals everything? Well apparently paddling pools work pretty well too. Test it out yourself and head down to one of London’s pop-up urban beaches this weekend…
1. Camden Beach
Stoli have teamed up with The Roundhouse and they’re doing some pretty refreshing things down at Camden Beach. The artisan Stoli Lemonade Van will be cooling down NW1 with their homemade lemonade as well as a special Stoli Mint Lemonade Sorbet brought to you by London’s best Italian ice-creamers, Gelupo (who we’ve totally raved about before). Nab yourself a spot on the sand before it gets too busy – or really do things the German way and download the Fever app to mark your territory in advance. With rooftop gardens, pop-up foodie delights, beach chairs, ping pong and more bars than you can shake a spade at, this one’s a guaranteed good day out.
Chalk Farm Road
NW1 8EH
(Open until Sunday 23 August)
2. Beach East
With over 2200 sq metres of sand to get stuck between your toes, Beach East at Queen Victoria Olympic Park is officially the biggest (urban) beach in the UK. Boasting funfair rides, a huge kids paddling pool, two beach bars and an array of fun sporting events and free activities, Beach East proves that you don’t need to go to Blackpool for a bit of old fashioned seaside fun. Brush up on your volley ball skills or just take a long sandy walk as the sun sets. Who needs a holiday, eh?
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
E20 2ST
(Open until Monday 31 August)
3. The Beach at JW3
341-351 Finchley Road
NW3 6ET
(Open until Monday 31 August)
NB. This one is closed on a Saturday. (Sunday = Funday)
4. The Beach at Brent Cross
Take a dip by the North Circular (ha) where 250 tonnes of sand and 100 palm trees have been dropped at Brent Cross Shopping Centre ready for your summertime enjoyment. Traditional seaside entertainment, Punch and Judy, carousels and teacup rides sit alongside a 60ft roller coaster, helter skelter and fairground games. And as if that wasn’t enough, Pimms will be served to keep you feeling refreshed and fish and chips to keep you feeling, well, British. We love it.
Prince Charles Drive
NW4 3EP
(Open until Wednesday 2 September)