Lakeside Cafe at Ruislip Lido
The Cafe
The Lakeside Cafe — run by San Remo Park Cafes — is the closest place to eat to the beach at Ruislip Lido. It sits right next to the sand, the Splash Pad and the pirate ship play area, making it the natural stop for families spending the day at the Lido.
The cafe is open year-round, so whether you’re here for a summer beach day or a winter walk through the woods, you can get a hot drink and something to eat.
Opening Hours
The cafe’s hours follow the Lido’s seasonal pattern:
- Summer (April–October): 9am–6pm
- Winter (November–March): 9am–4pm
These times can vary depending on weather and demand, so they may close a little earlier on very quiet days or stay open a little later on busy summer weekends. The cafe operator reserves the right to adjust hours as needed.
Where to Find It
The Lakeside Cafe is on the far side of the lake from the main car park, right next to the beach. If you’re arriving on the miniature railway, it’s directly beside Woody Bay station — step off the train and you’re there.
If you’re walking from the car park, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk along the lakeside path. Alternatively, you can take the train from Willow Lawn station and arrive in about 12 minutes.
Address: San Remo Lakeside Cafe, Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, HA4 7TY
Seating
The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating. On a warm day, the outdoor tables are the ones to aim for — you’re right next to the beach with views across the lake. On colder or rainy days, the indoor area provides shelter.
There’s no formal table booking — seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. On busy summer weekends, the cafe can get crowded during lunchtime, so arriving slightly before or after the midday rush is a good idea.
Facilities
- Toilets: Public toilets are located next to the cafe.
- Accessibility: The cafe is wheelchair accessible. An accessible toilet is available nearby — ask staff for the key (it’s not a Radar key).
- Baby changing: Facilities are available in the nearby toilets.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
- Payment: Check with the cafe on arrival for current payment methods.
Food Hygiene
The Lakeside Cafe holds a 5-star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency — the highest rating available.
Other Places to Eat at the Lido
The Lakeside Cafe is one of three places to eat within the Lido grounds:
- The Water’s Edge — A Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery pub with a full restaurant, carvery, bar and lakeside outdoor seating. Located near the main car park. Great for a sit-down meal. More info →
- Turntable Tea Room — A volunteer-run tea room at Willow Lawn station on the railway. Serves hot and cold drinks, light snacks and cakes. Open when the railway is running. More info →
For a full list of on-site and nearby dining options, see our restaurants, cafes and pubs page.
You’re also welcome to bring a picnic — there are grassy areas near the beach and at Willow Lawn. BBQs and open fires are not permitted.
Getting Here
By tube: Take the Metropolitan or Piccadilly line to Ruislip or Ruislip Manor. The Lido is a 20–25 minute walk from either station. Full directions →
By car: Use postcode HA4 7TY. There are two car parks at the Lido — free for HillingdonFirst cardholders. The cafe is a 10–15 minute walk from the car park, or you can take the miniature railway. Parking info →
By train (the miniature one): The Ruislip Lido Railway runs from Willow Lawn station (by the car park) to Woody Bay station (right next to the cafe). The ride takes about 12 minutes.
