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Secret Beach Boasts UK's Longest Miniature Railway
7 May
Summary
- Ruislip Lido, 54 miles from the sea, features the UK's longest miniature railway.
- Despite being an artificial beach, it's a protected nature reserve.
- Accessible via the London Underground, it offers a unique escape.
Ruislip Lido, located in the London borough of Hillingdon, offers a unique seaside experience over 54 miles from the actual coast. This reservoir and artificial beach is nestled within Ruislip Woods, a significant Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve known for its ancient woodland.
The lido is a popular destination for sunbathing and beach games, featuring a sandy beach, a pirate ship play area, and a free splash pad. Remarkably, it is the only beach accessible via the London Underground.
Despite its appeal, swimming is officially prohibited due to safety concerns including lack of lifeguards, potential blue-green algae, cold-water shock, and unpredictable water depth. However, visitors can enjoy fishing with a licence, explore woodland walks, and observe local wildlife.
A notable attraction is the Ruislip Lido Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that first opened in 1945, holding the title of the UK's longest miniature railway. The site also includes a boathouse, adding to its diverse recreational offerings.
