Great Britain has such a diverse offering from gulf shores, and golden sand beaches to coveted white sand beaches – you won’t know where to begin!
While the Birmingham area might not have its own sandy oasis, there are plenty of stunning beaches just a short drive away.
Here’s a list of 12 stunning beaches near Birmingham – perfect for a quiet weekend getaway under the sun, or simply to catch a tan!
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This Article Contains
12 Beautiful Beaches Near Birmingham
- Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
- Kinmel Bay, North Wales
- Ladye Bay, Somerset
- West Kirby, Merseyside
- Thurstaston, Wirral Peninsula
- Berrow Beach, Somerset
- Barmouth, North Wales
- Colwyn Bay, North Wales
- Barry Island, South Wales
- Aberystwyth Beach, Wales
- Camber Sands, East Sussex
- Blackpool, Lancashire
12 Beautiful Beaches Near Birmingham
If you’re in Birmingham and looking for some fun in the sun, one of these beaches is sure to be the perfect fit for you!
1. Weston-super-Mare Beach, Somerset
This golden sand retreat is one of Great Britain’s most magnificent dreamscapes.
With a slew of activities from the Water Adventure Play Park and the Grand Pier to a host of cafes, this popular destination is adored by families and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Don’t just spend the day, make it a weekend!
The Royal Sands cottages boast balconies overlooking the sea and are close to all the amenities you’ll need. And if you’ve ever been to the Birmingham Museum, you won’t want to miss out on the Weston Museum tour.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Royal Sands (7 min walk)
Train: Weston-super-Mare Station (19 min walk)
Distance From Birmingham and Journey Time:
115 miles (2 hours drive and 2 hours 30 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Grand Pier (16 min walk)
Weston Museum (22 min walk)
Water Adventure Play Park (22 min walk)
Amenities:
Beachfront shops
Wind, Wheels and Waves kite club
Dog-friendly restrictions apply during the summer and on certain parts of the beach
Horse riding is allowed between 6.30 pm and 10 am
2. Kinmel Bay, North Wales
Are you an animal and beach lover?
Then Kinmel Bay is the place to go!
Kinmel Bay is located near a zoo and its spectacular sandy beaches attract tons of wildlife throughout the year.
For those who enjoy history and scenic tours, there are plenty of breathtaking castles to check out!
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Bronwen Avenue ( 3 min walk)
Train: Rhyl Train Station (35 min walk)
Distance From Birmingham and Journey Time:
125 miles (2 hours 12 min drive and 2 hours 17 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Welsh mountain zoo (18 min drive)
Castle Rhuddlan (8 min drive)
Gwrych Castle (14 min drive)
Amenities:
Pet-friendly (dogs must be on a leash in the nature reserve)
Kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing
Kiosks around the beach area (available during the summer months)
3. Ladye Bay, Somerset
Ladye Bay is one of the most peaceful beaches in the West Midlands. It’s a gorgeous sand and rock beach with exposed sandstone and a treat for anyone who enjoys rock climbing.
Whether you’re travelling by coach or car, this popular destination is the nearest beach to Birmingham city.
And at low tide, it’s one of the best places to go for a quiet stroll with your dog and to soak up the sun.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Nailsea & Backwell (2 min walk)
Train: Bay Road Station (7 min walk)
Distance From Birmingham and Journey Time:
105 miles (1 hour 53 min drive and 1 hour 57 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Clevedon Pier and Heritage Centre (14 min walk)
Curzon Community Cinema (28 min walk)
Amenities:
Rock climbing
Lover’s Walk trail
4. West Kirby Beach, Merseyside
The West Kirby Beach expands into gorgeous sand flats where sunbathers and windsurfers can enjoy the crystal clear waters and sandy shores.
A quick boat ride of less than a mile ferries you over to Hilbre Island Nature Reserve. Enjoy soothing waves, gorgeous sand dunes, and spot a few seals at this seaside attraction!
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: West Kirby Station (2 min walk)
Train: West Kirby Train Station (2 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
107 miles (2 hours 15 min drive and 2 hours 30 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
West Kirby Marine Lake (19 min walk)
Hilbre Island Nature Reserve (1.67 mi)
West Kirby Museum (15 min walk)
Caldy Hill (30 min walk)
Amenities:
Dog-friendly
Boating lake
Wirral Watersports Centre
5. Thurstaston Beach, Wirral Peninsula
Thirstaston’s sand and shingle beach is one of the best places for a day out. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the River Dee, which is a treat for avid bird watchers.
Wirral Country Park is a short drive from the shore and is one of the most beautiful parks in the United Kingdom.
At the end of the day, feel free to have a relaxing barbeque in the grasslands at this memorable seaside attraction.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Thurstaston Road (22 min walk)
Train: Thurstaston Road Station (35 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
108 miles (1 hour 56 min drive and 2 hours 30 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Wirral Country Park (10 min drive)
Royden Park (7 min drive)
River Dee (26 min drive)
Amenities:
Dog-friendly
Visitor centre
Beach area barbeques
Kiosks
6. Berrow Beach, Somerset
This award-winning sandy beach has dunes all along the coast and is perfect for long peaceful walks. Berrow Beach has no dog restrictions all year round, so your best friend is more than welcome to tag along.
And with The Animal Farm Adventure Park just over a mile away, this beach is a pet lover’s dream.
Entry Fee: £6 All-day beach parking
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Manor May (13 min walk)
Train: Kensington Road Station (3 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
124 miles (2 hours 11 min drive and 3 hours 43 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Animal Farm Adventure Park (4 min drive)
Brean Theme Park (34 min walk)
Amenities:
Dog-friendly
On beach parking
7. Barmouth Beach, North Wales
Barmouth is a scenic sand and shingle beach in the West Midlands with a host of shops and cafes nearby.
This dog-friendly beach has a gorgeous sand dune, and the Panorama Walk makes this a great holiday destination for hikers.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Jubilee Road, Barmouth (2 min walk)
Train: Barmouth Station (3 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
113 miles (2 h 36 min drive and 3 h 45 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Barmouth Bridge (15 min walk)
Panorama Walk (31 min walk)
Snowdonia National Park (13 min drive)
Amenities:
Dog-friendly
Several Pubs and cafes nearby
8. Colwyn Bay Beach, North Wales
This is another award-winning beach that’s an excellent choice for enjoying outdoor activities.
Enjoy exhilarating watersports, go fishing, or take a stroll along the coastal track.
And feel free to visit the castle nearby for a quick dip into history!
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Greenfield Road bus station (12 min walk)
Colwyn Bay station (5 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
131 miles (2 hours 22 min drive and 2 hours 24 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Conwy Castle (9 min drive)
National Trust – Bodnant Garden (14 min drive)
Amenities:
Dog-friendly
Watersports and cycling
9. Barry Island Beach, South Wales
If you’re planning on a getaway to South Wales, this beach is a must-visit attraction.
Barry Island is an astonishing golden sand beach with events all year round.
Hire a colourful hut for the family or take a quick stroll to Barry Island Pleasure Park where you can go on stomach-churning mile-high rides and play classic arcade games.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Barry Island Pleasure Park (2 min walk)
Train: Barry Island Station (3 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
130 miles (2 hours 30 min drive and 2 hours 56 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Barry Island Pleasure Park (5 min walk)
Barry War Museum (5 min walk)
Amenities:
Promenade
Climbing wall
Cafes
10. Aberystwyth Beach, Wales
Aberystwyth Beach is one of the most beautiful places along the Cardigan Bay gulf shores.
This dark pebbled beach has so much to offer – museum visits, donkey rides, darts, mini-bowling at the pier, and more!
Slip on your shorts and sandals and head to Constitution Hill where you can enjoy stunning views of Cardigan Bay!
Entry Fee: £4
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Great Darkgate Street (4 min walk)
Train: Aberystwyth Station (6 min walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
123 miles (2 hours 44 min drive and 3 hours 13 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Vale of Rheidol Railway (10 min walk)
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (9 min walk)
Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum (2 min walk)
Constitution Hill (9 min drive)
Snowdonia National Park (46 min drive)
Amenities:
Dogs are only allowed from October to April
Victorian Pier
Cafes and refreshment stands nearby
11. Camber Sands Beach, East Sussex
The only Sussex beach with golden sand dunes and thrilling watersports for an unforgettable experience. Visit the history-filled castle nearby or take a stroll through the magnificent nature reserve.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Camber Sands Holiday Park (11 min walk)
Rye Station (1 hour 9 mins walk)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
200 miles (3 hours 57 min drive and 3 hours 49 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Camber Castle (18 min drive)theme
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (16 min drive)
Amenities:
Restricted dog access
Kitesurfing
Cafes nearby
12. Blackpool Beach, Lancashire
Do you live in the Birmingham area and love making memories?
Then Blackpool beach is the place for you!
No list of fantastic beaches is complete without the most popular beach in the United Kingdom!
Blackpool Beach is one of the best beaches near Birmingham boasting tram tours, a holiday park, and the Great Promenade Show. Forget about the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre while you soak in the sun at this holiday attraction.
Nearest Bus/Train Stations:
Bus: Central Pier (1 min)
Train: Blackpool South (19 min)
Distance from Birmingham and Journey Time:
126 miles (2 hours 16 min drive and 2 hours 30 min by train)
Nearby Attractions:
Blackpool Pleasure Beach (25 min walk)
Blackpool Zoo (9 min drive)
Lake District National Park (56 min drive)
Ascent Trampoline Park (11 min drive)
Amenities:
Wheelhouse Cafe
Victorian piers
Snack shops
The Comedy Carpet
Blackpool North Beach
Blackpool South BeachCoach Hire