Beaches near Birmingham
The best beach near Birmingham is a bit of a tall order, given that the city is practically the most inland point in Britain. In short you couldn't find anywhere less beachy and further from the coast in the whole UK.
But do not despair my landlocked friends, being in such a central location gives you a world of choice. There are in fact quite a few beaches around the two hour mark from Birmingham.
-
1. Barmouth Beach
Barmouth Beach sits on the idyllic west coast of North Wales and is nestled between craggy mountains and the often crashing sea. The beach is located in Snowdonia National Park and has a harbour area crossed by the impressive Barmouth Bridge which marks the beginning of the Mawddach Estuary. As you would expect, you can go fishing here as well as take a trip around the estuary by boat. Barmouth Beach is also known for being the most popular beach in all of the southern Snowdonia area.
The beach itself is a large expanse of sand that is a favourite spot with beachgoers and there are…
-
-
2. Blackpool Beach
Blackpool is, for better or worse, possibly the best known seaside resort in the UK. The beach and seafront here have been a major draw for a hundred years and whilst the Blackpool's fortunes may have ebbed and waned the town's character essentially remains the same.
Boasting seven miles of sand Blackpool seafront is home to three large piers and the 500ft tall Blackpool Tower. The main beach lies between the South and Central piers and is backed by a promenade. Along this strip run the well known trams which become the centrepieces of the Blackpool Illuminations at the end of every…
-
3. Whitmore Bay (Barry)
Barry Island is located at the very southern tip of Wales, ten miles along the coast from Cardiff. Sandwiched between two limestone headlands, the golden sands of Whitmore Bay are a popular location for sunbathers and swimmers alike. The famous Pleasure Park is just behind the beach, and there is plenty of entertainment, including amusement arcades, crazy golf, and horse and carriage rides. There are also beach huts for hire and wheelchairs for loan, a climbing wall, and various events to keep the whole family entertained.
If you get hungry, there are plenty of options, and the environment…
-
4. Sugar Loaf Beach - Portishead
Without doubt Sugar Loaf Beach is the best along this stretch of the Bristol Channel. Situated in front of Portishead Sailing Club this sand and pebble beach is set in a small cove backed by low sandstone cliffs. With an abundance of greenery in the summer it feels like quite a cosy, almost secluded spot.
Whilst swimming in the Severn Estuary is never advised owing to the strong currents there is an old tidal swimming pool at Sugar Loaf beach. Admittedly it has seen better days and it is fairly small, but it's still ideal for kids or just a cooling dip.
The tidal range here is…
-
5. Rhyl Beach
Until it was developed as a resort in the 1880s, Rhyl was little more than a collection of fishermen's cottages. With the hotels, promenade and seaside entertainment came hordes of visitors from the industrial heartlands of Wales, northern England and the Midlands.
As with many of Britain's seaside resorts, Rhyl's heyday has long since gone. But that doesn't mean the town has nothing to offer visitors. Still at the top of the list of attractions are the miles of sandy beach which still draw a fair crowd on a sunny day.
The main beach at Rhyl is a vast expanse of sand stretching…
-
6. Burnham-on-Sea Beach
Burnham-on-Sea is one of Somerset's classic seaside resorts due to the exceptional stretch of beach here. Complete with promenade lined with Victorian and Edwardian guest houses Burnham was originally envisaged as a rival to nearby Weston-super-Mare. A hundred years on, and whilst Burnham-on-Sea might have lost that competition it is all the better for it.
These days the beach is lively enough in the summer and retains much of its traditional charms - right down to donkey rides on the beach.
Burnham-on-Sea is also home to Britain's shortest pier. Built in 1911 and measuring just…
-
-
7. Bosworth Water Park Beach
The beach here is set within the 50 acre leisure park of Bosworth Water Trust. There are 20 acres of lakes in the park which are used for dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing.
It is on the south-eastern shore of the largest of these lakes that "Blue Lagoon Beach" has been created. This is a beach in the very heart of England - about as far away from the coast as you can get.
There are plenty of facilities here including a beachside cafe and seasonal lifeguard service. Rowing boats, canoes and pedalos are all available to hire if you fancy something a little more…
