Last weekend, the annual Ruislip Woods and Ruislip Lido Railway open day festival took place. We had amazing weather, and Ruislip Lido beach attracted many people, which resulted in traffic and parking problems in the area. This was our first visit to Ruislip Lido since we moved into the area in October last year. Ruislip Lido has a sandy beach, woodland centre, cafes, pub, and Ruislip Lido Railway.
Each year in early May is the Ruislip Woods festival. This brings many attractions and a festival to the banks of the lake at Ruislip Lido. Attractions include many stands for organisations and clubs in the area (including walks and charities), ferret racing, bird of prey shows, ducks and other animals, Morris dancers, an outdoor cinema showing historical videos of the local community, and the Ruislip Lido Railway open day.
First, we checked out the lake Ruislip Lido. We could see the beach from the other side and noticed how busy it was.
We had a wander around the green area where the festival was taking place and had a look in the pub The Water's Edge, which is a carvery. We ended up getting a bite to eat here before leaving, and it was packed because children can eat for free.
We made our way to the small train station Willow Lawn. We were in time to take a ride on the only steam engine that the railway owns, known as 'Mad Bess' after a local woodland area. The other trains that they own are diesel trains. We had a drink in the Turntable Tea Rooms while we waited for the train, but we were the first in the queue and it was not too busy.
We got a few photographs of 'Mad Bess' steam engine as she turned around on the turntable to get into the position to take us back the other way.
Finally, we were off. We were sat in the first carriage and enjoyed woodland views as we wound our way around the lake.
Eventually, we arrived at Woody Bay station, the main station where the beach is located and where we could see the trains and train workshop for the Ruislip Lido Railway open day.
We could sit in the trains, and the controls were explained.
And we could blow the whistle and see the working steam engine.
We also had a walk around the workshop.
After we had seen enough trains, we walked back around the lake. The beach was so busy. It was too busy.
At some point, we will visit Ruislip Lido again and hopefully be able to take advantage of the beach if it's not too busy. It was the warmest day by far last Sunday, and so many people were out at the lake to take advantage of it. Have you made a visit to Ruislip Lido?
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