Map of the best city beach pop-ups opening this summer with splash parks & fairground rides
FANCY a trip to the beach without having to schlep to the seaside? You’re in luck.
Many cities around the UK are launching their own pop-up beaches this summer – and they’re perfect for those who living inland and have no way of getting to the sea.
They promise family-friendly rides, adult-only beach clubs and of course, buckets and buckets of sand.
Here are 10 of the best that you and the family can enjoy this summer.
1. Northampton’s Market Square
The Market Square in Northampton is about to be transformed into a huge beach this summer.
Along with the sand, there will be everything from deckchairs and buckets and spades to palm trees.
Fairground rides, pop up cinema and live events are also part of the summer season pop up.
Market Square beach runs from July 31 to August 31. Free to visit.
2. Middleton Hall, Milton Keynes
Calling itself the biggest in an indoor shopping centre, the new seaside-esque pop-up The Beach is back at Milton Keynes this year.
There are all the seaside classics such as free Punch & Judy shows, as well as an indoor rollercoaster and rides, although these cost extra from £3 to £6.
Bungees, games, train rides and pop-up stalls are also part of the event.
The Beach run from July 17 to August 31. Free to visit.
3. Costa del Croydon, London
Can’t quite make it to Spain this year? How about going to… Croydon.
Costa del Croydon is back this summer for its third year, opening on the Centrale Shopping Centre.
Alongside the beach and splash park, there is everything from mini go-karts and trampolines to street food and classic seaside games.
Lots of workshops will run too with previous years featuring dance classes and interactive activities.
New this year is an adults only beach club, running every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm.
Costa Del Croydon runs from August 7-31. Free to visit.
4. Summer Fair, Manchester
Returning to Manchester’s Trafford Centre this year is the Summer Fair with a huge beach and splash pool.
It includes fairground rides and activities such as workshops and dance events.
Other free events here this summer include the new Cosmic Carnival – with circus style shows – and a Zero Gravity Disco.
Summer Fair runs from July 18 to August 31. Tickets from £2.50.
5. Nottingham Beach
Found at Old Market Square, Nottingham Beach has brought back its main beach with deckchairs and bucket and spades.
There is even a beach bar and food stalls, along with DJ nights, dance classes and movie nights.
The beach also has a paddling pool to cool down in, and rides like spinning tops and rollercoasters.
Nottingham Beach runs from July 15 to August 31. Free to visit.
6. Big Penny Beach Club, London
The London beach – previously called Walthamstow-on-Sea – is back for the season and it’s had a big revamp inspired by the Balearics this summer.
Also new this year is a gelateria selling ice creams, along with bars and food stalls.
There are beach quizzes, volleyball, and you can even book a big cabana.
Big Penny Beach Club runes from May 22 to August 30. Free to visit.
7. Sheffield by the Seaside
Calling it a “full-scale, pop-up coastal resort,” Sheffield by the Seaside has returned to the city this year.
Found in the Peace Gardens, there a huge beach with deckchairs, as well as water fountains for the kids to play in.
There’s also food and drink stalls and fairground rides, although they are an additional fee.
Sheffield by the Seaside runs from July 23 to August 31. Free to visit.
8. Birmingham Beach
Birmingham Beach has it all – sand, deckchairs, beach huts and candy floss.
Found at Digbeth High Street, fairground rides are also part of it as well as an outdoor inflatable pool.
While rides cost extra, the beach pop-up will transport you straight to a retro seaside town.
Birmingham Beach runs from July 17 to August 31. Free to visit.
9. Bath on the Beach
Dip your toes into the sand, settle into a deckchair and watch some live sports at Bath on the Beach.
There are lounge cabanas if you want to book a spot, as well as beach games and even adventure golf.
Found at the Royal Pavilion in Bath, it also serves cocktails, beer and wine, as well as pizzas and kids meals.
Bath on the Beach runs from June 12 to August 2. Free to visit.
10. Pop Up Beach, St Albans
For something a bit smaller, St Albans is bringing back its pop-up beach as well.
Kids can build sandcastles or just play in the sand, found at Civic Close.
Parents can keep an eye from one of the many deckchairs around the outside.
Pop-Up Beach runs from August 8-23. Free to visit.
