'I spent an hour on the Thames beach in middle of London where you can actually make sandcastles'

Queens walk is home to River Thames very own pebble and sand beach boasting stunning views of London in the sun. Only 10 minutes from Southwark underground station, the South Bank beach stretches a sandy 100-metres at low tide.

‘Ernie’s Beach’ can be easily over looked walking along at high tide but when revealed makes an ideal day out before the school bells start to ring. Named after local resident and community activist John Hearn, known as Ernie, I found the beach to be a hidden gem amongst the bustle of the city.

I picked up two scoops gorgeous gelato from La Gelatiera on my walk down which set me back a reasonable £4.90. The steps down to the beach can be found opposite Gabriel’s Wharf and past a set of wooden piers standing in the river.

READ MORE: The 'secret' Zone 1 beach where Londoners are throwing dinner parties at low tide

I’ll confess, a trip to the beach - in London - isn’t my first thought of how I want to spend my weekend, however, sitting in the sand at Ernie’s Beach I was thoroughly won over. With an ice cream in hand and sea gulls overhead I must admit I felt transported to the seaside and was itching to kick my shoes off and put my feet in the sand.

It was great to hear the background chatter of friends catching up and the play of children over the lapping of water. I could really imagine myself coming here again to pitch up a seat with a snack and relax reading a book. Along the beach were families enjoying picnic spreads, children haphazardly building sandcastles, dogs walked along the shoreline, ice cream been eaten and all of this in the middle of busy London!

You might have to avoid the odd few pieces of drift wood or plastic bottle amongst the pebbles but for the modest beach sitting in the very middle of London it far exceeded my expectations. You can top off the seaside experience with a £18.50 hand-battered fish and chip from Paradiso.

Across from the river you can see the Victoria Embankment Gardens, buildings displaying a variety of London’s architecture and even St Paul's Cathedral. You’ll be joined by numerous onlookers on Queens Walk leaning over the rails to watch river boats ferrying back and forth.

The view from South Bank just above the beach looks down the river and captures London’s vibrant blue skyscrapers glinting in light standing behind the iconic red Blackfriars Bridge. Another huge bonus of Ernie’s beach is the abundance of places to grab a bite all just metres away at Gabriel’s Wharf.

I found Gourmet Pizza’s from £12.95, £6 hearty cheese melts at Hot Mess Toastie, Mexican street food at Hola Guacamole and Caribbean food with £12 cocktails at Limin. Gabriel’s Wharf hosts multiple other stores including sustainable clothing shops and pottery art galleries so you can really take your time and enjoy the day there.

There’s no shortage of sweet treats along Queens Walk with £5.90 for a crepe and scoop of gelato or up to 4 scoops for £6.90 at La Gelateria. Further along I found £4.75 doughnuts and £6 smoothies and shakes at Brand Academy’s coffee house.

All in all I had a grand day out and though I won’t be dipping my toes into the Thames water any time soon I was pleasantly surprised by the quaint beach. It’s easy access and spread of food, drink and treats next door is too tempting to not give it another visit.

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