A Bahamas-inspired destination? A stretch of West London sand that returns year after year? Not only is the capital home to some seriously great outdoor pools and lidos, but it’s also got summer-ready beaches with cocktail bars, street food vendors and private cabanas too. What are you waiting for? Book a day off work and make it a city staycation with our guide to must-visit pop-up beaches in London.
The Montague On The Gardens
Solving all your summertime woes is The Montague On The Gardens. Taking over from their winter ski lodge, this tropical pop-up promises day party vibes, palm trees and even a jet ski. Get hands-on with a bottomless cocktail masterclass and prepare to be transported to the Bahamas with lush decor and your own private bartender.
This pick of man-made beaches in London is all about the cocktails.
Walthamstow-On-Sea
Get ready to soak up some sun at Walthamstow-on-Sea this
summer. This seaside dream is bringing the classic British seaside
experience to London with beach huts, deckchairs, and retro
decorations. You can chill at the beach bar sipping on draft beer,
slurping frozen cocktails, indulging in soft-serve ice cream, as
well as munching on fish and chips. And the best part? You can even
book a hut with your own table and chairs for you and three
pals.
The seaside is coming to you this summer.
Marzamemi Festival
This summer, Richmond is trading river views for seaside vibes as the Marzamemi Festival rolls into town on Saturday, the 5th and Sunday, the 6th of July 2025. Inspired by the charm and flavours of the Sicilian fishing village it's named after, this vibrant two-day celebration is packed with live music, authentic street food, family fun, and a whole lot of Italian soul. From arancini to gelato, with live jazz and pop-funk filling the air, it’s a proper Mediterranean escape.
Expect everything from cooking workshops with top chefs (including the Alberti Twins and Francesco Mattana) to a vintage Italian cinema screening cult classics - yes, including The Godfather. Kids can dive into inflatable play zones, mini discos, beach games, and crafts while grown-ups sip Sicilian wines and groove to the sounds of the Italian Radio Society.
Grab your tickets to Marzamemi Festival via DesignMyNight now.
LIMIN Southbank
If you're craving sunshine on a plate and a side of island vibes, LIMIN Southbank is where the party’s at. Just steps from the London Eye and tucked into the vibrant Gabriel’s Wharf, this award-winning Caribbean restaurant - helmed by Trinidadian chef Sham Mahabir - brings bold flavours, tropical colour, and laid-back 'limin' energy to the South Bank. From sizzling jerk chicken to Trinidad’s legendary street snack doubles (trust us, one won’t be enough), the menu is a vibrant mash-up of cultures and spices that hits every note.
This summer, LIMIN transforms into CaribéBloom, a floral Caribbean dream complete with a beachy outdoor terrace, retractable roof dining, and punchy cocktails to match the island spirit. Whether you’re grabbing pre-theatre bites, lounging in the sun with rum in hand, or planning a full-blown summer party, LIMIN is your one-way ticket to the tropics.
Sit back and relax at LIMIN Southbank.
Pont Plage At Le Point De La Tour
This summer, Pont de la Tour brings the glamour of the French Riviera to the heart of London with Pont Plage, a sun-soaked riverside escape nestled along the Thames. The bar terrace has been transformed into a seaside sanctuary complete with real sand, striped deck chairs, vibrant parasols, and chilled Café del Mar-style tunes to set the mood.
Highlights include the daily pink hour, where guests enjoy two complimentary Mirabeau spritz per person (weekdays from 5pm 'til 6pm, weekends from 12pm 'til 1pm). The Riviera-inspired bar menu is full of chic French bites, from indulgent lobster rolls and French mustard hotdogs to the beloved Pan Bagnat, a rustic sandwich straight from the streets of Nice. For dessert, a roaming ice cream bike offers handcrafted French popsicles from Emki Pop, delivering a sweet taste of Marseille. Add in a round of pétanque, beach volleyball, or a casual bat-and-ball match, and you’ve got one of London’s most stylish summer hangouts.
Enjoy incredible city views while playing on the 'beach' at Pont Plage.
Costa Del Croydon
This August, Costa Del Croydon returns bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever, transforming the Centrale rooftop into Croydon’s ultimate free summer escape. Running from the 1st to 31st August 2025, this much-loved urban beach is the perfect day out for families, friends, and fun-seekers of all ages. With real sand, sunshine vibes, and a jam-packed programme of free entertainment, it’s the go-to spot for summer in South London.
This year’s edition brings brand-new features, including a Quiet Chill Zone for relaxed moments away from the buzz, a toddler paddling pool for little ones, and a fresh line-up of child-friendly food vendors. The fun continues daily with live music, arts and crafts, games, dance workshops, and face painting, alongside paid-for rides like go-karts and bungee trampolines. With sessions running twice a day, entry is completely free, and pre-booked tickets are released weekly, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Look forward to great food, live music and more.
For more warm weather inspiration, take a look at our guide to summer events.
