Yes, you read that right. Going to the beach in London. So you just don’t have the time for a holiday. Or even a day trip to the seaside. So where can you go for a fix of sand and water?
Going to the beach in London: Ruislip Lido
Yes, that’s right, Ruislip Lido. Ok, so it is a reservoir rather than the sea. But it is on the tube, so I can’t really complain. The reservoir was dug in 1811 to supply drinking water to the Paddington area of London. In the 1930s, it was renamed the ‘Lido’ and boating, swimming and fishing were available to attract Londoners to the beach. These days it doesn’t look as though swimming is allowed. Although unless you are a hardcore, wetsuited triathlete I doubt it would appeal anyway.
The attraction now is the sandy beach, which Daisy enjoyed building sandcastles on. There is also a playground on the beach, which was a big hit. We visited in the midst of stormy weather, so it was plesantly quiet. And the cafe was a great escape when the heavens inevitably opened (England…beach…of course it will rain). We sampled the courgette and avocado cake, which had the advantage of appearing healthy whilst tasting fab. Who knew courgette and avocado cake was a thing?
Unfortunately the high winds had closed the 12 inch gauge railway (Britain’s longest, the information boards tell me). This would have been a fun little thing for a toddler to do, so we will have to go back. We contented ourselves with the mile or so walk around the lido. Watching out for windswept falling branches…
I am also keen to return at a time of drought. Apparently then you can see the remains of some dwellings that formed the hamlet of Park Hearn, now submerged by the water.
Going to the beach in London: Getting There
We travelled on the London Underground using the Central Line to West Ruislip. From there it is a 35 minute walk. Or you can walk to Ruislip in 10 minutes and hop on the number H13 bus.
After I got over the ‘isn’t that a contradiction in terms’ I remembered how much I enjoyed English beaches, well at least the seaside, on my trips to Britain when the boys were small.
Thanks, Daisy enjoys trips to the seaside too, but we don’t always have the time to travel too far
Well I never! A beach accessible to the tube line for an afternoon of sandcastle building. Brilliant! #citytripping
I was excited too!
Looks like a nice place to escape for the afternoon and let your kids run free! #CityTripping
Thanks 🙂
Like you said it is an easy place to visit. I am sure it get busier during summer. #citytripping
Yes, I’ll have to go back in the summer and see!
I had no idea this was even a thing, and the history is pretty neat. Strange knowing there is something under the water, isn’t it? #citytripping
Yes, I had no idea until I read the signs
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this! Thanks for opening my eyes
Thanks 🙂
I wasn’t aware of this beach…nor the railway. We have an urban beach near us next to the Thames but it’s not as big as this one! What a great way to spend the day. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Which one is it that is near you?
I thought you were going to mention the beaches on the Thames! I’ve never heard of the Ruislip Lido or avocado and courgette cake.. you learn something new every day! #farawayfiles
Well, I never! Looks like a great place for a day trip. We love beaches at all times of the year. Like the sound of the cake too. #FarawayFiles