Life’s a beach at one of London’s sandy summer spots.
If you’re big on golden sands, but find the British sea breeze a bit too bracing, why not pop along to one of London’s fun urban beaches? Finely ground silica fragments never felt so good!
1) Secret Beach, Kensington
With St. Stephens Church in the background, this is a calming, classy chill-out spot just off South Kensington’s Cromwell Road, furnished with a mix of sun loungers, cosy cabanas and beach sofas. They’ll also furnish you with beach towels, flip flops, and sun tan, just to complete the illusion of being abroad. Best of all, you can grab a sharing cocktail and a mouthwatering snack platter with this nifty little offer!
2) Montague on the Gardens’ Beach Bar, Bloomsbury
There’s a touch of the tropical at this beach bar near the British Museum, popping up at the Montague on the Gardens hotel all summer long. They’ve got a mean ‘Brunch on the Beach’, but the top draw here has to be the bottomless beach cocktails – endless piña coladas, anyone? Get your tickets here.
3) South Bank Beach, South Bank
Yes, there is a beach in the heart of the South Bank, and you’re rather spoiled for choice with it. Kick things off with this delectable bottomless brunch, featuring dishes such as butterfly king prawns and fried halloumi – tickets for that are available here. As day slips towards night, join one of their brilliant beach parties, with an Ibiza White Party (tickets here) and Cuban Nights (tickets here) on the horizon. Nice work, South Bank!
4) Fulham Beach, Fulham
You can chill out on day beds, hire your own beach hut or indulge in games of beer pong and shuffleboard at this riverside ‘beach’ next to Wandsworth Bridge. Street food and frozen daiquiris turn it from “yes please” to “must visit”. Find out more about Fulham Beach.
5) Ruislip Lido
A bonafide beach on a lake on the outskirts of west London – right at the end of the Central line – Ruislip Lido also includes a climbable pirate ship for kids, a café, a miniature train that’ll take you around the site and miles of woodland paths to explore. Find out more about the London beach at Ruislip Lido.
Prefer the real thing? Check out our guide to beaches near London.
Also published on Medium.