The Beach at Brent Cross

Brent Cross attempts to liven up its giant shopping centre by plonking a micro Thorpe Park beside the North Circular. There are 25 fairground rides, people flogging candyfloss and a big old ‘urban beach’, filled with the golden stuff (sand, not children’s urine). Got progeny? Just set them free on the bumper boats so you can watch the tennis on the Brent Cross big screen, which will be switched on for every major Wimbledon match. It’ll also be showing the other ball game, if you’re into that sort of thing.