Did you know that there’s a beach in London you can get to on the Tube? Here’s why you need to dig out your swimsuit and visit Ruislip Lido.
A sandy beach, an adorable cafe (with delish ice cream) and a miniature railway are what await you at Ruislip Lido. But that’s not the best part– you can literally get there on the Tube in less than an hour from central London.
Puzzling over how and why there’s a beach in London? Keep reading to discover how costa-del Ruislip came to be London’s real-life beach.
Grab your flip-flops and get ready to feel Ruislip’s golden sand between your toes.
What is Ruislip Lido?
Ruislip Lido is a 60-acre lake set on the edge of a 726-acre nature reserve. This beauty spot in London has golden sandy beaches just waiting for you to submerge your toes in.
You’ll need to head through Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve to reach the lake. Take the path through ancient woodland surrounded by colourful butterflies and swap the sound of sirens and cars beeping for birds chirping.
Once you’ve reached the southern edge you’ll find Ruislip Lido’s sandy beach with a miniature railway that’s great fun for the kids– and the big kids too of course.
The History of Ruislip Lido
You might be wondering how there’s a beach in London. How did this happen? Let’s go back to 1811 when Ruislip was a feeder basin for the Grand Junction Canal.
The reservoir was opened in 1811 as a feeder for the Grand Junction Canal. However, the water became polluted and the reservoir ceased in 1851.
The reservoir was developed and opened as a lido in 1933. An art-deco style main building was designed by George W. Smith, with an area reserved for swimming. The building included a cafe, changing rooms and a terrace with steps leading into the swimming pool.
You could set sail on rowing boats that were available for hire, with boathouses on the western side of the reservoir and later an enclosed boating area for children was constructed.
The reservoir became a popular destination for water skiing and a number of televised championships were often held there.
Fun fact– one of the Ruislip Water Ski Club’s founding members, John Pertwee was the third Doctor Who.
Ruislip Sailing Club was also based at the lido, the club used graduate and solo dinghy types along the reservoir. But, in the 1970s the reservoir water level was artificially lowered to prevent flooding of nearby houses– so the sailing club couldn’t sail there anymore.
Trouble at The Lido
In the 1970s, the council ran Ruislip Lido into financial difficulties by raising the admission fee far higher than was affordable by the public.
This forced the art deco building to close and sadly became subject to vandalism – and in 1993 it was damaged beyond repair in an arson attack and was demolished in 1994.
Thankfully it was replaced in 1996 by a restaurant named The Water’s Edge and built in a similar style.
What’s the Lido Like Today?
Returning to its current glory of the 2000s, Ruislip Lido Park remains a popular spot for sunbathing and beach games. Although this is a lido park, swimming is officially not allowed due to pollution in the water and lack of lifeguards– though a brave few do still swim here.
As well as a sandy beach, there are climbing frames and play areas. And the cafe is fully stocked with ice cream to cool you off on a hot summer’s day– seeing as you can’t go for a dip.
Ruislip Lido Railway
You might be wondering why there’s a railway at Ruislip Lido. Well, it’s purpose wasn’t just for fun as it is nowadays. In 1945 the railway was opened with short trains being hauled by Prince Edward– an Atlantic-type steam locomotive to be exact.
The line was less than a third of the railway that you can board at Ruislip Lido water park today. It was just a short dog circuit running around the woods on the southeast shore of the lido.
Ruislip Lido Railway might just be the best part about visiting the park today, it’s staffed by friendly volunteers and has doubled in size for double the fun.
Visiting Ruislip Lido: Practical Tips
Address: Reservoir Road. Ruislip. HA4 7TY
- The lido is free to visit and is never locked, so access to it is technically available 24/7, however, the railways and cafe are open from 9am until dusk.
- The quickest route from London via public transport is from Victoria Station to Warren Street, then Euston Square to Ruislip followed by a 10-minute bus ride.
- There’s parking at Ruislip Lido beach. From October to March the car parks close at 7pm.
- You’re advised not to go swimming in the lido. As inviting as it is, the water is unfortunately polluted, very cold and there are no lifeguards to keep you safe.
