SUMMER'S FINALE AT RUISLIP BEACH AND RUISLIP RAILWAY

Over this past Friday and Saturday we visited The Ruislip Lido and Railway in the far West verges
of London. The trip out was something we had planned all Summer but just never got around to it.
So yes, we virtually left it right to the last day when Britain tasted it's last spell of Summer.
The Lido was once a Reservoir and was first opened as a public pleasure Lido in 1933.
And in 1945 it opened it's well known Ruislip Railway.

Of course it was a surprise to see the Lido virtually empty on the Friday, but with even better
weather predictions for Saturday, it was clear that the Lido would be packed, as it was,
for that final Summer blowout. And even as we left on the busy Saturday, the cars
were still piling in and heading for the Lido Car Park.

Ruislip Village itself looked very quaint and interesting as we came in on the little bus. There was some
old Farmhouse style houses as well as some old cottages. And an ancient old Church in the Village
High Street looks like it's worth exploring next time. The Village reminded me of Mill Hill in North London.
Hopefully another visit next Summer will be a must do next year.


THE RUISLIP LIDO WEBSITE 

Above: The Lido Cafe and Woodland Centre

Above: The Ruislip Lido Railway Shop and ticket booth
for the Railway trips.

(BELOW ) TAKE A RIDE ON THE RUISLIP LIDO RAILWAY WITH
TIM DUNN FROM THE LONDONIST.
( @mrtimdunn )

So I bought my single journey ticket at Woody Bay Station and headed out
through the Ruislip Woods to Willow Lawn Station on the other side of
the Lido pond.
And even though the railway was quite narrow at 12 inches it was a pleasant
and smooth journey.
I was hoping that the engine pulling us was going to be the Railway's most
popular engine 'Mad Bess' but instead it was the 'Bayhurst.'
Apparently 'Mad Bess' was being worked on in one of the holding sheds.
It seems that it's gauge is quite adaptable up to 15 inches.

THE RUISLIP RAILWAY ONLINE HOME PAGE

All boarding and waiting to take off.

And so off into the Woods.

Passing another train returning to Woody Bay Station.

Approaching Willow Lawn Station.

Journeys end at Willow Lawn Station.

The front engine 'Bayhurst' moves forward to the turntable where
it rotates so that it can take the carriages back to Woody Bay Station.
And from here it was a short walk back to the main Beach area.

Above is the map of Ruislip Lido showing the Railway route from Woody Bay
Station all the way to Willow Lawn Station.

Getting to Ruislip was fairly quick and easy. We took the 13 bus from home
to Finchley Road Tube Station. From there we jumped on the Metropolitan
line train to Uxbridge, getting off at Ruislip Station.
And from Ruislip Station you get the H13 bus to the Lido which takes
about 10 minutes and stops right at the entrance to the Lido.

Above: An aerial view of Ruislip Beach.
(image via Secret London).

THE LOVELY LONDON BEACH YOU CAN 
GET TO ON THE TUBE

This is way too crowded!
(picture by @wisemanbrian)

Above: The front of the Cafe area and the Children's Water Park.

Above and below: The main Lido Beach.

FRIDAY'S VISIT TO THE RUISLIP LIDO.


Friday's visit to The Lido was a sort of dummy run to the area. And even though
the weather was quite spectacular, I was surprised how empty the place was.
Many of the Lido shops as well as the Lido Railway was closed, only running
it seems at weekends in September.
It really did feel like visiting a popular resort out of season. But one thing I knew
was that the following day (Sat 21st Sept) was going to be spectacular weather
with uninterrupted sunshine all day long and 25c/26c temperatures. So of course
I had to go back the following day on Saturday. I knew that I would see the Lido
at it's best with huge crowds determined to enjoy what will no doubt be everyone's
final Summer day out. And of course the Lido Railway would be up and running.

At the same time Friday's visit gave us a chance to enjoy the Lido's peaceful and
serene surroundings without the crowds and noise that was to follow the next day.

Below are a few pictures taken on the Friday.

Above: This lucky fella managed to hog up the beach and beach
swing all to himself.

On the top left of the picture is a row of three or four houses situated
by the Lido entrance. They're the only houses around here that have
an unobstructed view over the whole of the Ruislip Lido.
No doubt their house value might be well higher than their neighbours.

Below: A closer view of those houses by one of the main Lido entrance gates.