Where can I find the nearest beaches to Birmingham? All you need to know to plan a seaside holiday in the UK
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With the warm weather and summer days, the minds of many Brummies are turning to days by the seaside.
For those looking to stay in the UK for their summer holiday, BirminghamWorld has put together a handy guide for some of the nearest and best beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy.
Birmingham may be one of the most land-locked cities in the UK, but its central location means there are lots of beaches which can be reached inside three hours or so.
When you feel it’s time to pack the beach towels and the sun lotion, why not pay a visit to one of these magnificent seven?
1 – Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
The Somerset town has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brummies and, at 113 miles away, can be reached in a couple of hours.
Weston is the closest significant beach to Birmingham and there is plenty of fun on offer when you arrive.
Weston, home to one of the longest beaches in the UK, provides numerous seaside activities for the family and has a water adventure play park and theme park nearby.
Don’t forget to enjoy fish and chips, penny-slot amusements and a stick of rock.
Drive time from Birmingham: Two hours.
2 – Brean, Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
Just further down the road from Weston, there are eight beaches to take in across the Burnham area, located around 120 miles away.
Burnham’s main award-winning beach is always popular when swimming is allowed due to strong currents, whilst the bustling seaside town is also popular for its unspoilt dunes which make for superb walks.
Bring the bat and ball and enjoy some of the seven-mile stretch of sand and dunes at Brean or the six-mile stretch of sand and mudflats at Berrow South.
Drive time from Birmingham: Two hours, 15 minutes.
3 – Thurstaston, Wirral Peninsula
At 108 miles away, this beach is a very similar distance to Weston, but it’s a world away from its Somerset counterpart.
This stunning spot provides tranquil views across the Dee Estuary towards the coast of North Wales and its sand and shingle offers a calmness from the Merseyside and Lancashire towns located nearby.
If it’s a clear day, it’s possible to see the much-loved Blackpool Tower in the distance.
Animal-lovers are in for a treat as they can enjoy a trip to Wirral Country Park which houses a vast array of wildlife.
Drive time from Birmingham: Two hours, 15 minutes.
4 – Rhyl, North Wales
Hopping over the border into North Wales is another long-standing tradition for Brummies, who are quite happy to make the 125-mile, two-and-a-half-hour journey by car.
A day at the seaside is always thirsty work, but fear not as the promenade is packed full of cafes and restaurants, whilst there are lots of nearby shops and facilities in the town centre.
If a donkey ride or getting up close to sea creatures at SeaQuarium is your thing, then Rhyl is your place.
Drive time from Birmingham: Two-and-a-half hours.
5 – Blackpool, Lancashire
If it’s peace and quiet by the seaside that you’re after, then look away now. However, if packed pubs, bars and amusement arcades are your idea of heaven after some time on the beach, then this part of Lancashire is your place.
Located 126 miles away, Blackpool beach is hugely popular with people from across the UK.
Walk up and down the famous Golden Mile, enjoy the unique appeal of Blackpool’s three piers or spend a day at the Pleasure Beach which is full of theme park rollercoasters, fairground rides, stalls and amusements.
Drive time from Birmingham: Two-and-a-half hours.
6 – Aberystwyth, West Wales
Venturing to the west coast of Wales should not be overlooked, because this beautiful town offers something for everyone.
The North Beach fronts the town and features a promenade stretching more than a mile, whilst the Seaside Award-winning South Beach possesses a more sheltered sand and shingle beach.
Watersports enthusiasts need look no further than here as surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing are all activities on offer either side of a spot of sunbathing.
For a spot of sightseeing, you can take the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway to the top of Constitution Hill where, on a clear day, breathtaking coastal views will include the peaks of Snowdonia to the north.
Drive time from Birmingham: Two hours, 45 minutes.
7 – Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
This magnificent setting which crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour and continues for around three miles to Bournemouth is a prestigious Blue Flag beach on the south coast.
The soft sand of Sandbanks beach is perfect for children who can enjoy crazy golf, table tennis and a play area.
If you’re really tempted to treat yourself and match the locals’ reputation for spending the cash, then you could book a table at Rick Stein’s restaurant.
Drive time from Birmingham: Three hours, 15 minutes.
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