In case you didn’t know: this is the best season of the year and we want to make your summer great by suggesting wonderful places and giving you tips to make the most of it. We understand that for some of you holidays might feel like a fantasy, since you’re probably going to be locked in the city until August, so we thought it would be a good idea to bring the holiday to you (sunshine not guaranteed though, sorry!).
If you can’t make it to the coast during the weekend or you simply want to avoid packed train journeys, London has some great urban beaches scattered around the city so you can enjoy the sand between your toes and unwind on a deckchair in the summer atmosphere. So grab your sunglasses, bring an orange accessory with you (top colour of the summer) and choose your favourite beach!
The best urban beaches chosen by SmartBuyGlasses:
Neverland London
Neverland is the newest pop-up for this summer located in Fulham, next to Wandsworth Bridge. With palm trees, swings, pastel painted beach huts and daybeds, this is the paradise for beach lovers, but the real perk of this place is its BYOB and street-food dining experience. You can find street food vendors from the renowned Le Rac Shack and Luca Buca pizza as well as ice cream and other treats to take care of your sweet tooth. Mixers available to whip up your own cocktail or have it created by mixologists with a “Beach Butler” service. Book your ticket (from £5) in advance to jump the queue and avoid disappointment! P.S. Blue is the dominant colour at Neverland, so why not try these blue Ray-Ban’s?
Brixton Rooftop – Cuban Energy
Brixton brings the Havana spirit to London with this rooftop beach inspired by Cuba. With a delicious list of drinks all summer long, Piña Coladas and Mojitos are obviously the signature cocktails decorated with exotic flowers picked from the hanging foliage around. The rooftop will host music nights and salsa classes whilst throwing exciting beach parties all weekends with famous DJs, artists mixing house, disco, hip-hop, soul and more. Try the delicious mac ‘n’ cheese from Mac to the Future and then burn it all off with a HIIT session organised by Ministry Does Fitness. Yes! Brixton beach also has a full programme of yoga and workout classes. What else? Capture the Cuban spirit with these Havaianas sunnies!
Camden Beach – Live Music
Great for families and friends, Roundhouse’s terrace is transformed into Camden Beach for its fifth year. The entry fee is free for everyone but make sure to go there early in order to secure a good spot, or better yet book a VIP beach hut. This is the perfect summer place to listen to live music played by young emerging musicians every Saturday night whilst having delicious food served until 9pm. Did we mention the cinema area? Pull up a deckchair and enjoy new and classic movies with the sand between your toes.
The Beach, Brent Cross – Water, Fun and Sport
The double award-winning beach at Brent Cross is back with 350 tonnes of sand, water and fairground rides and outdoor cinema screenings. Located next to the Brent Cross Shopping Centre, you can also combine your summer day with a nip to the shops because, after all, who can resist shopping even when the sun is out? Brent Cross is the perfect mix of fun and relax, with an entertainment park and a seaside spot in the city – it’s suitable for friends, families and kids. There are plenty of seaside themed food and drink options available such as fish and chips, popsicles and tropical smoothies. Fancy some beach volley? Read our article about sport sunglasses and find yours now!
Southbank Centre Beach – Summer and Art
Always popular and located in the heart of the city, Southbank beach is a part of the Summertime Southbank Centre programme, featuring events and performances to head to before or after you sunny break. Relax between events (including dance and circus performances, theatre and summer banquets) or just chill on a deckchair and catch some rays, while enjoying the river breeze and the nice view of London’s landmarks. The marketplace brings together food stalls such as The BBQ Club, Oh My Dog and fat free (but delicious) frozen yogurt from the Snog Bus. Last but not least, you can kick-start your day with sunshine and a stretch with a yoga class on the rooftop 😉
The beach is the best place to show off your amazing new sunnies, so have a look at our huge selection here and be the queen or king of the beach! Also, don’t forget your bucket and spade 😉
