The sun is (sometimes) shining, and sand is returning to London's streets in the form of pop-up urban beaches. Here's where to find them. We're currently awaiting full details for 2019, so keep checking back for full details.
Neverland at Fulham Beach 2019
Neverland at Fulham Beach Club is a sandy beach right next to the Thames. As well as the beach itself, there's a bar and a pop-up restaurant, plus events including disco nights, cinema nights and parties. Huts and beds are available to prebook, and tables under a 25m-long covered pergola are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Children are allowed at weekends only.
London City Beach, South Bank
Pitching up right next to Udderbelly Festival on South Bank, The London City Beach is unfortunately only available for private hire most of the time, but there are a few events where the general public are allowed in.
Hampstead Beach at JW3 2019
JW3 Jewish community centre has its own beach, going under the moniker Hampstead Beach. It's free entry, and open Friday-Sunday, 30 June-1 September, with a paddling pool for the kids, and food and drink available to buy on site.
The Beach at Brent Cross 2019
One of London's biggest — and therefore busiest — urban beaches pops up in a car park at Brent Cross shopping centre, bringing it with it a funfair, games, rides, and food and drink stalls. It can escalate into quite an expensive day out — you've been warned. It seems you have to download the Brent Cross app to get free entry, which is a bit of a pain. Open 22 June-8 September.
London's Royal Docks beach 2019
From July-August, a stretch of sandy beach pops up in Royal Docks, right near the cable car, with deckchairs. 27 July-30 August.
Market Place Beach, Enfield Market
Enfield Market has announced that a free summertime beach will take up residence between 18-27 July. More details to be announced.
London's year-round beach: Ruislip Lido
No need to wait for these pop-up beaches to roll out their sun loungers. 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.