From Neverland to Limin Southbank: Five of London’s best urban beaches

With the capital set to reach a sizzling 30C this week, Londoners will be seeking out spots to cool down.

For those of you who can’t make the train journey to the coast, the capital has a number of urban beaches perfect for a day of sunbathing and frolicking in the sand.

If a city beach won’t cut it you can get to the real thing in less than two hours or you can cool off in one of the capital’s many lidos and outdoors swimming pools.

But for those curious, we’ve rounded up five of the best urban beaches in London.

Ruislip Lido Beach

Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY

Ruislip Lido is a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches and a narrow gauge railway around it, set on the edge of Ruislip Woods.

However despite what the name might suggest visitors are not allowed to swim in the water.

Adults can, however, relax on London’s most convincing man-made sandy shore. Or they can take a short stroll through the woodland around it.

Fulham Beach

Wandsworth Bridge, SW6 2TY

Tucked away by the Thames, behold a paradise of white sand, day beds, pastel beach huts, swings and palm trees at Fulham beach club at Neverland.

You can rent day beds, cabanas and beach huts, drop in for some beer pong, mini golf, shuffleboard and a yoga session, or – join a Malibu Barbie beach party.

Metropolis

234 Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9NN

A gentleman’s club through the week and an LGBTQ+ party paradise come the weekend, Metropolis is one of Hackney’s finest choices for a night out. Whether you’ve booked a booth with its own pole or come to chill on the rooftop, make sure you head upstairs to the beach room, where a live DJ spins hip-hop and bashment in a space that’s covered in sand and littered with swings.

The Montague Beach Bar

15 Montague St, WC1B 5BJ

Solving all your summertime woes at the Montague Beach Bar.

Complete with real sand, a beach-hut style thatched roof, delicious cocktails, palm trees, and a backdrop of a beautiful beach, you’ll feel like you’re basking in the Bahamas rather than in the heart of Central London.

Disclaimer: the beach bar is only available to book for hotel residents, but it does also have space for walk-ins.

Limin Southbank

Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP

Back once again, Limin Southbank has set up shop; armed with soft sand, a soundtrack of soca beats and Caribbean vibes. Head to the quirky summer pop-up for barbecue bites, beach parties and cocktails that arrive in pineapples and coconuts,