London is short on beaches where you can happily unwind, sunbathe and maybe even go for a paddle. But for a few short months each year, sandy shores come to the capital in the form of pop-up urban artificial beaches. We’ve rounded up where to find them in summer 2026 — so pack a beach bag, grab your bucket and spade, and head for the sand!
Into refreshing dips sans sand? You’ll be needing our guide to lidos and outdoor swimming spots in London (and beyond).
The beach bar: Big Penny Beach Club, Walthamstow: Summer 2026
Beer hall Big Penny Social offers a rebranded summer experience for 2026, in the form of Big Penny Beach Club.
This pop-up beach goes for Balearic vibes — think sand, cabanas and beach bars. Also new for 2026 is Gelateria operated by Hackney Gelato, scooping out 12 different flavours. Fish and chips, beer and cocktails are on the menu too. Look out for special events including themed parties, quizzes and beach volleyball tournaments.
Big Penny Beach Club, Walthamstow. Open 22 May-30 August 2026. Entry £5 per person.
JW3 Beach, Finchley: Summer 2026
Jewish community centre JW3’s sandy strip pops up at the Dorfman Piazza again, featuring 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, 28 June-31 August 2026.
Summer Splash 2026 lido at Royal Docks
We’re promised lifeguards, sandpits, deckchairs and kids’ lessons 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 paddle boarding at WakeUp Docklands, and the Sweheat Sauna.
Summer Splash lido at Royal Docks, FREE entry, 24 July-16 August 2026.
Costa Del Croydon free rooftop beach 2026
Once again, golden sand lines the roof of Centrale’s car park in Croydon, offering a summery rooftop spot with sandpits, a splash zone, trampolines and games, with daily activities and food and drink pop-ups. So far, so family-friendly, but new for 2026 are adults-only Beach Club nights running every Thursday evening, with DJ sets to soak in with a cocktail in hand.
The beach’s name, by the way is a nod to the gently ironic ‘Costa del Croydon’ t shirts, sold by the Croydon Advertiser in the 1970s, referencing the Croydon Chamber of Commerce’s motion to turn the town into a tourist resort. It’ll get there one day.
Costa Del Croydon, FREE entry, 7-31 August 2026.
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.
Central London beach: The Thames Foreshore
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 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:
🏖️ 8 seaside towns in Sussex to visit from London
🏖️ 9 seaside towns in Kent to visit from London
🏖️ 7 Essex seaside towns (and islands) to visit from London
🏖️ Begging for Mersea: why you should visit this beautiful Essex island
