As soon as the sun makes an appearance in the sky, Londoners are either whipping their tops off and sunbathing in a park or hopping on a train to the seaside.
But what many don’t actually realise is that you don’t need to leave the city to flop down on a beach – the capital actually has its own.
Tucked away on a nature reserve in West London, you’ll find Ruislip Lido, a sandy spot that’s a little over an hour out from central.
There is one big catch, though. You can’t actually swim in the 60-acre lake, no matter how tempting the water might look.
This is because it’s a natural lake and contains hazards such as blue-green algae, which can be toxic to people and pets, as well as waterfowl excrement, and hidden dangers such as glass.
So, what can you do at Ruislip Lido?
While you can’t get in the lake, you can still sunbathe on the beach, build sandcastles, and have picnics in the sunshine.
And there are a few other attractions, including play areas for children with a splash pad so they can still play in water, an outside gym, a cafe, and woodland nature trails.
But one of the main features is the Ruislip Lido Railway, which is one of the longest miniature railways in Britain.
The mini rail line has two stations – Woody Bay and Willow Lawn – and travels from the car park, around the lake, through the woods to the beach.
It’s said to be a ‘pleasant’ journey that offers ‘beautiful’ and ‘picturesque’ views of the Ruislip Woods.
During the week, the service is operated by a diesel locomotive, but if you go on the weekend, you’ll be treated to a steam train ride on ‘Mad Bess’.
Mad Bess, an oil-fired train, was built at the Lido between 1986 and 1998, and is based on ‘Blanche’, a Ffestiniog Railway locomotive in Wales.
The 12” gauge mini railway costs £3.50 for a single adult ride, or £5 for a return. For kids, this is £1.80 for a single, or £2.50 for a return, and under threes go free.
Special seasonal rides also take place throughout the year, including Christmas when Santa sets up his grotto along the railway, and the line is decked out in Christmas lights and decorations.
There’s also often an Easter version, where the Easter bunny visits the kids.
What do people think of it?
Online, many are only just discovering the hidden railway beach, thanks to a video shared on Instagram by @london.fun.hub.
The clip shares a look at the train ride as well as the Lido itself, and those who viewed it proclaimed it ‘perfect’ for summer.
‘Looks great for sunny days,’ commented @exploring_withthekids.
Have you ever been on the Ruislip Lido Railway? Share your thoughts below!Comment Now
As @tinylondoner said: ‘This is perfect for the summer.’
Similarly, @thelonmdonkids thought it was an ‘amazing summer day out’.
And @theboyzlondon24 shared: ‘Woooaaahhh. I’m in Jackney and knew sod all about this. And as a railwayman, it’s a must-do.’
Others claimed they ‘did not know it was there’, and ‘needed to visit’.
Over on Tripadvisor, the railway has been hailed as a ‘fantastic experience’ and a ‘wonderful day out’.
Stephen T posted: ‘The journey itself is full of interest, passing through pretty woodlands around three sides of the lake – and there are some quite steep gradients for the miniature locomotives to cope with, which made for wonderfully nostalgic sounds!’
While Keeley P branded it a ‘fabulous hidden gem’.
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