A Bahamas-inspired destination? A stretch of West London sand that returns year after year? Not only is the capital home to some seriously great outdoor pools and lidos, but it’s also got summer-ready beaches with cocktail bars, street food vendors and private cabanas too. What are you waiting for? Book a day off work and make it a city staycation with our guide to must-visit pop-up beaches in London.
Neverland
One of the best pop-up urban beaches in London, this SW hideaway has all sorts going on. To set the scene there’s a covered pergola, flamingo bar, day beds and cosy huts. On the entertainment front? Think drag bingo and bottomless brunches, as well as Bondi parties and Ibiza-themed bashes. To top it all off, Neverland's Fulham Beach Club promises live performers and bookings for large groups.
Take a trip to Fulham this summer.
The Montague On The Gardens
Solving all your summertime woes is The Montague On The Gardens. Taking over from their winter ski lodge, this tropical pop-up promises day party vibes, palm trees and even a jet ski. Get hands-on with a bottomless cocktail masterclass and prepare to be transported to the Bahamas with lush decor and your own private bartender.
This pick of man-made beaches in London is all about the cocktails.
Walthamstow-On-Sea
Get ready to soak up some sun at Walthamstow-on-Sea this
summer. This seaside dream is bringing the classic British seaside
experience to London with beach huts, deckchairs, and retro
decorations. You can chill at the beach bar sipping on draft beer,
slurping frozen cocktails, indulging in soft-serve ice cream, as
well as munching on pizza, fish and chips, and old-school penny
sweets. And the best part? You can even book a hut with your own
table and chairs for you and three pals.
The seaside is coming to you this
summer.
Drag Me To The Beach
London City Beach is located in the King's College London Waterloo Campus near Southbank, with its public pop-up bringing you the glorious queen-fuelled entertainment of Drag Me To The Beach. There's a DJ spinning summer tunes, as well as a lineup of performers ranging from Paige Three to Rileasa Slaves and Sophia Stardust. Tickets start at £25 and include a welcome cocktail plus drinks token, or you can upgrade to packages that also have a street food dish of your choice and bottomless booze. Booking a VIP cabana? That's possible too.
Drag Me To The Beach takes over this sandy space for the summer.
Costa Del Croydon
Forget Costa Brava, Costa Del Sol and all the other Costas; you don't have to head all the way to Spain to get a slice of the sun this summer, since Costa Del Croydon is coming to the Centrale and Whitgift Centre’s multi-storey car park from 1st to 28th August. This brand-new rooftop beach pop-up is the seaside(ish) attraction you need, promising a giant sandpit, beach hut seats, bungee trampolines, and a water splash zone. Halal Indian food, ice creams, doughnuts and candyfloss make up the food offerings too, while everything from bingo to mini go-karts and hook-a-duck will keep you entertained.
A rooftop beach? Find London's only one in Croydon.
Urban Beach At Earls Court
Taking over Empress Space is Earls Court Development Company's Urban Beach, offering three shiny new spaces open daily from 10am 'til 6pm. What's more, they're free to use and the ultimate family destination during the summer holidays. Take a trip outside of London without ever having to leave, thanks to soft, sandy grounds and picnic areas perfect for relaxing in a deck chair and chomping on your homemade sandwiches. There's also an outdoor library and a selection of outdoor activities to get involved with, from table tennis, padel, a giant connect four and chess, all followed by ice cream, of course.
This sandy spot in Earls Court is far from the pits.
For more warm weather inspiration, take a look at our guide to summer events and sign up to our London newsletter here.
