When you think about summer, hanging out in the streets of London isn’t the first place that pops into your head – you may be more likely to picture white sand beaches, drinking out of coconuts and swimming with dolphins, right? But nevertheless, us Londoners tend to make the most out of the season and this year is no exception.
In fact, dotted around the Capital you can find a number of beach getaways where you can park yourself for the day, relax and enjoy a cocktail or two and most importantly, escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke.
So to help you in your quest to find a sandy sanctuary, here is a list of some of London’s beaches popping up around town this summer…
copaCABANA at the Southbank Centre
Located on Queen Elizabeth Walk, Southbank Centre, copaCABANA is one of London’s most popular urban beaches. This year, it is returning with some Rio inspired fiesta vibes. As part of the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love, they’ve laid out an 80m long stretch of beach where you can enjoy food and drink by Brazilian restaurant, Cabana. Enjoy £6 Caipirinha with chicken Coxinhas, grilled halloumi and pork and papaya sausages…Mmm!
Dates: now – end of September 2016
Brixton Beach Boulevard
Think Miami Vice meets Bad Boys – Brixton Beach Boulevard are bringing some Miami heat to the heart of Brixton. Their pastel-coloured, neon-lit boardwalk will be host to surprise DJ sets, throwback film screenings, great food and even better summer cocktails.
Date: now – 28th August 2016
The Beach Brent Cross
Celebrating a 40 year anniversary, Brent Cross is going big – the shopping centre are putting on a 2500m squared beach bonanza, with Brazilian dancers, rollercoasters, beach buggy bumper cars, churros, fire eaters, fish and chips and a number of pools.
But don’t worry, the centre are putting on screenings of the Euros and the Rio Olympics so you won’t miss any of the action while you’re out enjoying a spot of sunshine.
Date: now – 2nd September 2016
BeachEast
Located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, BeachEast is taking over the Olympic legacy, bringing you paddling pools, fairground rides and cocktail bars.
The park has been covered with one thousand tonnes of sand and you can find the palm tree oasis nestled on the grounds.
Dates: 23rd July – 4th September 2016
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