Folly House Beach: ‘Little Brighton’ in London
When thinking of beaches, London isn't the first destination that comes to mind, especially because most Londoners flock to Brighton Beach given the first opportunity. However, along the banks of the River Thames there are in fact a few beaches, in this otherwise concrete capital, and one of those is Folly House Beach.
Despite its name, which may not sound particularly inviting, this small strip of Thames foreshore, on the Isle of Dogs near Mudchute. is an unexpected oasis in East London. In fact, with impressive views of the O2 Arena and a quiet, laid-back atmosphere, Folly House Beach is lovingly referred to by locals as ‘Little Brighton’, which attests to its popularity. When it comes to London’s other beaches, this one takes the cake as the peaceful alternative to the busier riverside spots, like Southbank or Tower Beach.
Why is it Called Folly House Beach?
Folly House Beach derives its name from the Folly House Tavern, an 18th-century establishment built by Thomas Davers, the son of a rear admiral. Situated in an isolated part of London at the time, the tavern served shipbuilders and sailors navigating the Thames.
Unfortunately, Davers’ ambitious project cost him dearly, and he is said to have met a tragic end, reportedly drowning himself in the very river he once sought to thrive beside. Despite this sombre history, the beach remains a calming spot in the city.
Folly House Beach: A Front Seat to London
At low tide the beach is revealed, like other tidal beaches along the Thames, and is a mix of sand, pebbles, and occasional litter brought in by the river’s currents. Its location provides a great vantage point for watching the Thames' iconic sights, including the cable cars crossing the river towards the O2 Arena.
During the summer months, you may see families and children enjoying the shallow waters or building sandcastles. However, be cautious of the rising tide, which can quickly cut off access to the beach, so checking tide times before visiting is essential.
Folly House Beach has its own challenges, including litter accumulation due to the river's flow. While volunteers sometimes organise clean-up events, it’s always a good idea to wear shoes while walking along the shore. Despite this, the charm of Folly House Beach remains in its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views, making it a popular day out for those who know where to find it.
Things to Do at Folly House Beach
Relaxing and Photography
Folly House Beach may not have a traditional beach experience, but it offers a variety of activities. With the colours of the sky reflected in the river below, Folly House Beach makes a great location for photography, especially at sunset.
Though swimming is not recommended due to the river's unsanitary conditions and strong currents, Folly House Beach still provides an excellent place to sit by the water and relax. Due to its dog-friendly nature, it's also a great place to bring your four-legged friend along for a stroll by the river.
On sunny days, it’s a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon picnic or some downtime after exploring the busy Canary Wharf area, including one of our favourite secret spots, Crossrail Place Roof Garden.
If you're lucky enough to visit during one of the community events, such as the Isle of Dogs River Festival, you can enjoy river-themed music and even beach clean-up events. The festival features fun activities like "Litter Detectives," where participants collect and analyse litter, and river dipping to explore the local aquatic wildlife.
Mud-larking Around
Due to the area’s key location for shipbuilding, which continued into the 19th century, ‘mudlarks’—people who scour London’s riverbanks for historical items—can find relics of London’s maritime past along Folly House Beach, to this day. In fact, Mudlarking is one of the most popular activities here.
The beach itself is composed mostly of pebbles, providing good opportunities for mudlarking when the tide is low. With a Thames foreshore permit from the Port of London Authority, visitors can search the beach for old ship remnants or other historical items that may have washed ashore. These items may include pottery shards, metal fragments, and other artefacts from London’s shipbuilding era.
Nearby Attractions
Located close to Mudchute, an unexpected sliver of green in London’s urban landscape, visitors can explore Mudchute Park and Farm, reminiscent of Hackney City Farm, where rare breeds of animals roam free. For those interested in experiencing more than just the beach, this unexpected nearby attraction contributes to a memorable day out.
Other Beaches in London
Beyond Folly House Beach, the Thames and its surrounding areas offer a number of hidden and intriguing beach spots that provide a unique twist on the traditional beach experience.
Greenwich Beach
Another Mudlarking hotspot is Greenwich Beach, located near the historical Greenwich Palace. This beach is a rich site for those seeking artefacts dating back to the days when the shipyard served the palace. Items such as pottery, dishes, and even remnants of old kitchenware are often uncovered along the shore, each with a fascinating story tied to London's royal past.
Did you know that to access this area, the shipbuilders had to navigate an underground tunnel that is still used in Greenwich today?!
Wapping Beach
Stretching between King Henry Stairs at Execution Dock and The Prospect of Whitby pub, Wapping Beach carries with it a darker slice of London’s history. This beach was once the site where pirates and other maritime criminals were executed, their bodies displayed as a warning to others.
Although the history is grim, the beach is now a scenic escape, with cobbled alleyways nearby that harken back to the area's days as a thriving maritime hub. The uneven terrain of stones and pebbles gives Wapping Beach a rugged character.
Tower Beach
Located near the iconic Tower of London, Tower Beach is steeped in history and visitors can explore the historical details such as the remains of an old jetty, while traversing the beach. Although this section of the Thames was once open to the public, today’s Tower Beach can be found on the south side of the river, accessed by stairs near Tower Bridge.
Bankside Beach
Situated between Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, Bankside Beach is one of the most accessible Thames beaches, and can get quite crowded due to its central location. While the beach itself is stony with a narrow strip of sand, its proximity to landmarks such as the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre makes it a popular destination.
The beach is also a prime spot for birdwatching, as many Thames birds frequent the area. With easy access from the South Bank and plenty of nearby attractions, Bankside Beach has a lot of popular qualities.
Neverland London
If you're looking for a more playful and social beach experience, Neverland London in Fulham offers an urban beach vibe without the water. While it’s not a traditional beach, Neverland creates a summer escape with sandy shores and beach chairs, offering a great spot to relax with friends. It’s ideal for a day out in the sun, surrounded by a lively atmosphere and the added bonus of nearby food and drinks.
Ratcliff Beach
Tucked away in Limehouse, Ratcliff Beach offers a peaceful riverside retreat with breathtaking sunset views. Although it’s not a swimming beach, Ratcliff is perfect for a tranquil evening walk along the Thames. Its proximity to Canary Wharf means you can combine a visit with a pit stop at some of the nearby rooftop restaurants offering British staples such as afternoon tea or refreshing craft beers.
Rotherhithe Beach
Rotherhithe Beach stands out for its accessibility and unique sandy shore, which is rare along the Thames. Unlike the pebble and stone-covered foreshore of Folly House Beach, Rotherhithe has a significant portion of wet sand, making it easier to walk on.
Once a busy Victorian dockyard, this area is now a quiet spot where visitors can still find remnants of its maritime history. Mudlarking here often uncovers fragments of old ships and cargo that once passed through the dockyard.
Ruislip Lido Beach
For those seeking a more traditional beach atmosphere, Ruislip Lido Beach is a natural escape on the outskirts of London. Although swimming is not permitted due to safety concerns, the area is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy nature, with a sandy shore and plenty of walking trails around the lido. Easily accessible via the Tube, Ruislip Lido makes for an exciting and relaxing day trip, far removed from the London hustle.
Bermondsey Beach
Bermondsey, known for its trendy cafes and vibrant atmosphere, also hides one of London’s lesser-known beaches. Bermondsey Beach, located along the Thames, offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline. It’s a popular spot to catch the sunset and enjoy a quiet moment by the water. Although small, it’s one of the most centrally located beaches in London, making it easy to visit while exploring the surrounding area.
Serpentine Lido
The Serpentine Lido, situated in the heart of Hyde Park, is one of the few places in central London where you can enjoy outdoor swimming—rain or shine, the lido is open! Affordable and easy to access, the Serpentine Lido is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day while taking in views of one of London’s most iconic parks.
Visiting Folly House Beach
Folly House Beach is easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest tube stations are Crossharbour or Mudchute on the DLR line. From there, it’s a short walk to the Isle of Dogs, where you’ll find this little-known beach.
The beach can accommodate around 50 to 70 people, making it relatively quiet compared to more well-known tourist spots. However, given its small size, it's best to arrive early to secure a comfortable spot, especially during the summer months when families and local residents flock to the beach to enjoy the sun.
Due to the rocky terrain, it’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes. While it’s not an ideal spot for young children to play, the surrounding areas offer more family-friendly options—why not take a look at more child-friendly activities to try out in the city, here: Top 20+ Things to Do in London with Kids (That Parents Want to Do Too!).
As always with Thames foreshore beaches, it’s important to be mindful of rising tides and the potential hazards they pose. It’s also important to bring your own supplies, as there are no public facilities available directly on the beach. Lastly, visitors are encouraged to take their litter with them to help maintain the cleanliness of this hidden treasure.
Explore Beyond Folly House Beach with CityDays
Folly House Beach may be a hidden treasure, but London has so much more to offer, and the best way to discover more hidden gems around London is to take your time and, ideally, have a pre-planned route that takes you past all the noteworthy nooks and hidden gems.
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