The sun is (sometimes) shining, and sand is returning to London in the form of pop-up urban beaches. Here's where to find them in summer 2025. Into refreshing dips sans sand? You'll be needing our guide to lidos and outdoor swimming spots in London (and beyond).
Walthamstow-on-Sea 2025 at Big Penny Social
Beer hall Big Penny Social is ditching the bar stools for deckchairs as pop-up beach Walthamstow-on-Sea reopens. Sandpits and deckchairs take over the venue's outside space, with beach huts available to hire. There's a pop-up fish and chip shop, as well as pizza and penny sweets.
Walthamstow-on-Sea at Big Penny Social. Entry £4 per person — extra charge for beach huts. Open 6 June-7 September 2025.
JW3 Beach, Finchley
Jewish community centre JW3's sandy strip pops up the Dorfman Piazza again, with a retractable roof so the beach stays dry whatever the weather (plus you should be able to find some shade, on even the sunniest days). Snacks are available from the JW3 cafe, which is serving a special summer menu.
As always, check the programme for free, family-friendly beach activities throughout the summer (and possible closures for private events)
JW3 Beach, FREE entry, 6 July-31 August 2025.
Summer Splash lido at Royal Docks
We're promised lifeguards, sandpits, deckchairs, kids' lessons and a 'lates' DJ series at Summer Splash, a free lido opening at Royal Docks for the summer holidays. Children can splash about in shallow areas and get stuck into sandy play areas, while adults can indulge in open water swimming or kick back in a deckchair. Also nearby: wakeboarding and paddleboarding at WakeUp Docklands, and the Sweheat sauna.
Summer Splash lido at Royal Docks, FREE entry, 25 July-17 August 2025.
Rooftop beach at Costa Del Croydon 2025
Costa Del Croydon returns to the roof of Centrale in Croydon for its second year. The rooftop beach features sand, a toddler paddling zone, food and drink stalls, free dance workshops and arts and craft activities, and paid-for games including go karts and bungee trampolines.
Costa Del Croydon, FREE entry, 1-31 August 2025.
London's year-round beach: Ruislip Lido
Ruislip Lido in Hillingdon has a natural beach year-round, as long as you don't mind sharing sand space with swans. There's even a miniature railway to make getting there that bit more fun. Be aware though, that swimming in the lake is prohibited.
The Thames Foreshore
And no list of London beaches would be complete without the natural ones, along the Thames foreshore. Well, we say 'natural', but some of the choicer spots have clearly had sand imported over the years. Stairs down to the foreshore can be found all along the South Bank. One notable area is close to Gabriel's Wharf where a particularly sandy patch often attracts sand sculptors.
Another excellent patch is the beach in front of Tate Modern. This one is more pebbly, but is a fascinating place to explore with children. Always be careful when on the foreshore for sharp flotsam and jetsam, and beware of rising tides. Needless to say, you shouldn't swim in the Thames in central London.
Looking for the real seaside? Check out our guides for the best real sand you can get to on a day trip from London:
