London's best urban beaches

You don't need to head outside city limits to get your dose of sun and sand
Life's a beach: The Roundhouse will feature its own urban beach this summer
Jochan Embley31 July 2015

Thinking of heading to the coast to spend a day at the beach this summer?

Well, there really is no need. In fact, there are urban beaches dotted all over London, so you don't even need to step outside the M25 if you're pining for sand and deck chairs.

So forget the hideous motorway queues and simply hop on the tube or a bus to visit one of these urban beaches.

BeachEast

Around 1,000 tonnes of sound will be shipped onto the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford for this, contributing to two different beaches. Two bars and numerous food outlets will be on hand to keep you refreshed, while kids can splash about in the paddling pool or have a go on one of the fairground rides.

July 11 – August 31

Find it: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E15 2DU; beacheast.co.uk, 0115 9679991

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The Beach at JW3

JW3, the Jewish Community Centre, is packing its urban beach full of events this summer. For families, there will be a circus, Hebrew sing-alongs and a dance session called “Boogie on the Beach”. And for those without kids, there’s plenty, including a chance to get artistic (and slight tipsy) with “Drink, Doodle and Draw”.

July 5 – August 31

Find it: 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET; jw3.org.uk, 020 7433 8988

The Beach - Brent Cross

When you think of relaxing upon a summer’s afternoon, the North Circular is hardly what springs to mind. But this beach in front of Brent Cross shopping centre is looking to change that. It will be adorned with 100 palm trees and features a giant paddling pool, as well as a 60ft rollercoaster.

July 10 – September 2

Find it: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FP; thebeachbrentcross.com

Camden Beach

Camden Beach returns to the Roundhouse this summer, complete with deckchairs, ping pong and pop-ups, which serve an eclectic mix (vodka cocktails to wash down fish and chips, anyone?). Packages are also available for the rooftop garden or your own personal beach hut – which includes beer, wine, popcorn and waiter service (but will set you back at least £250).

July 17 – August 23

Find it: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH; roundhouse.org.uk, 0300 678 9222

Urban Beach at London's Royal Docks

It’s not quite the great blue sea, but the Thames is still mightily pleasant to gaze at when the sun is shining (no swimming though, unfortunately). More than 200 tonnes of sand mean that there’s ample space, and it’s right next to the Emirates Airline Cable Car if you want to make an airborne entry.

July 14 – August 30

Find it: Watersports Centre, Tidal Basin Road, E16 1AF; londonsroyaldocks.com, 0207 511 5086

The Big Beach

The Parade in Watford will be covered in sand for this urban beach, which will be jam-packed with activities for just over a week at the end of July and into August. There will be face-painting, yoga, swing music, tug of war competitions and quite a bit more to keep you entertained.

July 25 – August 2

Find it: The Parade, WD17 1NA; watfordbigevents.co.uk, 01923 278 333

Southbank Beach

Situated in between the ever-busy Queen's Walk and the Thames, this beach opposite the South Bank centre returns for another year. It doesn't have the range of activities that most of the other urban beaches offer, but in terms of location – right near the London Eye – it can't really be beaten.

Until the end of summer

Find it: Queen's Walk, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk, 020 7960 4200

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