Lumley Beach in Freetown, Sierra Leone
About Lumley Beach
Lumley Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located in the western part of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. With its golden sand, clear blue waters, and swaying palm trees, it is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.
The beach is divided into several sections, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. At the southern end of the beach is Aberdeen, which is known for its lively bars and restaurants. In the middle of the beach, you’ll find the area known as Lumley Town, which is home to many of the city’s best hotels and resorts. And at the northern end of the beach is the quiet and secluded area of Congo Cross, which is perfect for a peaceful day in the sun.
Lumley Beach is not only a great place to swim and sunbathe, but it also offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Surfing, fishing, and kayaking are popular among those who are looking for an active day at the beach, while others prefer to take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach is also known for its lively atmosphere, particularly on weekends when locals come to relax and socialize. Vendors selling everything from food and drinks to crafts and souvenirs can be found along the beach, adding to the vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
Things to do
Lumley is a wonderful urban beach, more about its atmosphere than its pristine beauty. All along its 4 km length, there are plenty of places where you can go swimming or simply relax lying in the sun. However, it is recommended not to swim after 5 PM, and never get too far from the shore if you’re not a confident swimmer.
All along the beach there are also beach volleyball and beach basketball courts, and locals especially enjoy beach football and are always happy when visitors join them in a game. Halfway along the beach there is an arts and crafts market, a smaller version of Freetown’s popular Big Market, where you can pick up a wide variety of souvenirs from Sierra Leone.
Lumley is also a popular place to go jogging and walking, or to exercise, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Those who enjoy golf can also find the Freetown Golf Club, with 18 holes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the southern end of Lumley Beach.
Another appeal of Lumley Beach is the wide choice of places to eat and drink – from Lebanese to traditional Sierra Leone specialties, from pizza to Chinese food, you’re sure to find some kind of food to enjoy. The same goes for bars and nightclubs – you can watch street performers, have a sunset drink at a beach bar, or dance the night away at a club.
