Ruislip Lido Beach

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Ruislip Lido Beach

What makes Ruislip Lido beach so special? Some say that it is because it is the only London beach you can get to by tube, while others say it’s because it is nestled in a lovely 726-acre nature reserve made up of ancient woodland – Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve.

There is parking provided by three car parks; Willow Lawn car park is for HillingdonFirst Card Holders. Another car park for the Water’s Edge that’s perfect for guests of the restaurant. The final of the three car parks is for people coming to the lido from outside the London Borough of Hillingdon area.

While we wish we could say there is ample car parking, Ruislip Lido has become incredibly popular over recent years, and spaces fill up quickly when the weather is nice. If you are a Hillingdon resident, please remember to bring your HillingdonFirst Card.

There are toilets by the San Reno cafe by the beach, and some toilets by Willow Lawn Car Park by the station and cafe.

Ruislip Lido is a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches and is a great place to take the family. It is probably the best sandy beach within the M25 or at the very least the best in Hillingdon.

Come and play in the sand, build sand castles, splash about, and have fun! The fun of the seaside, closer to home. And yes, you can get here by tube as we are near to the Ruislip station & Ruislip Manor station on the Metropolitan line and Picadilly line. Check our directions page for more information.

Opening Times

The Lido and car park times vary depending on the time of year, so make sure you look for the signs that will tell you what time the car park and Lido will be closing on the day of your visit. But the standard opening times are:

Jan – Feb – 9 am – 4 pm

Mar – 9 am – 5 pm

Apr – 9 am – 6 pm

May, Jun, Jul, Aug – 9 am – 9 pm

Sep – 9 am – 7 pm

Oct – 9 am to 5 pm

Nov – Dec – 9 am – 4 pm

But please be aware these can change, so always check the signs when you park.

As spaces are limited in the car park, we encourage the use of public transport. Please see our directions page for the best ways to get here.

History of the Lido

Did you know that Ruislip Lido was originally opened as a feeder reservoir for the Grand Junction Canal in 1811, then the reservoir was reopened as a lido in 1933. Our famous narrow-gauge railway, the Ruislip Lido Railway was later opened in 1945.

Wildlife

Ruislip Lido is home to ducks, moorhens, geese, swans, fish, squirrels, and more. There are dedicated feeding areas for the ducks and birds, but we ask that you only feed them nutritious bird feed such seeds, rather than bread.

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Beach & Lido

Build sandcastles, hunt for buried​ treasures, or splash in Ruislip Lido Splash Pad! There is always something fun to do at Ruislip Lido

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Play Areas

We have play areas that you'll love! The pirate ship on the beach, with climbing frames, and the water park. There's even an outside gym 

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Woodland Walks

Surrounded by Ruislip woods, you can follow one of our nature trails, walk around the Lido, and get a drink from the cafes
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Miniature Railway

Why not experience Britains longest 12" gauge miniature​ railway? Ruislip Lido Railway travels around the lido through the woods

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PSA: Water Warning

Please be aware that entering the water is still not permitted. Please see our safety updates page for more information.

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Play Areas

We have a great selection of play areas that you'll love! The pirate ship on the beach, with climbing frames, swings, and more! There is also a splash water park, and even an outside gym for adults!

Dogs, Doggos, Fur Babies, Besties.

We love dogs, and there is even a dog beach just for them! But we do have some rules that must be followed. You can read all about visiting with dogs on our dog page.

Something for the whole family

More to Explore at Ruislip Lido

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Planets Walk

Starting with the Sun, opposite the new boathouse, you will see each planet in order, from the Sun on this interesting walk.

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Boathouse

Introducing the newest addition to the Lido, which includes a community room that is available to hire.

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Fishing

Fishing is permitted from 16 June to 14 March. A licence is required to fish the lake, and fishing rules apply.

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Feeding birds & ducks

There is a designated wooden bird feeding platform area for this activity on Willow Lawn. Please only feed birds from this location.
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Outdoor gym & running

For our fitness fanatics, there are plenty of areas for visitors to run and cycle (no official track) and an outdoor gym for anyone to use.
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Woodland Centre

Discover the past and present of the Lido and Ruislip Woods. Including conservation and traditional woodland crafts.

Get In Touch

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Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY