Where is the nearest beach to Birmingham?

The nearest beach to Birmingham? There is always a bank holiday or school break approaching or it just looks like a hot weekend, and you want to get out of the city and the kids away from the TV and computer. Then why not visit the seaside as a trip to the beach is a great way to get the family interacting with fun-filled activities.

Does this all sound familiar but where is the nearest beach to Birmingham?

At Coast Radar, we have selected 6 seaside locations that although may not be the closest beach to Birmingham in distance are some of the closest in terms of time spent in the car, in part due to better road connections.

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Distance from Birmingham is 106 miles with a journey time of approximately 2 hours.

Weston-super-Mare pier in Somerset

Weston-super-Mare is on the Somerset coast and retains a lot of its Victorian character. The beach is sandy near the shore but as you are on the Bristol Channel coast the tide has a wide difference between low and high water which results in some muddier areas.

Wirral Peninsula, Merseyside

Distance from Birmingham is 101miles with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 12 mins

Wirral Peninsula photo
Photo West Kirby Jetty by Andrew Stawarz

The Wirral Peninsula is often overlooked but at roughly 24 km (15 miles) long and 11 km (7 miles) wide offers a selection of beaches and seaside towns to visit with the two primary seafronts being at New Brighton and West Kirby.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Distance from Birmingham is 126miles with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 15 mins

Blackpool Beach

Blackpool is a must to mention and although it is not the closest to Birmingham offers the widest choice of activities for the whole family. The seaside town offers not only a beach and three piers but a theme park. If you do want some nice beach areas but less brash then hop along the coast to Lytham St Annes.

Rhyl, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay, North Wales

Distance from Birmingham is 120miles with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 18mins

Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan

We have selected this stretch of North Wales coast as Rhyl, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay are all within reach. Each of these Welsh seaside towns has something different to offer although with one common theme of great sandy beaches.

Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan

Distance from Birmingham is 120miles with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 25 mins

Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan

Barry Island is the peninsula of Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. You will never get bored as this resort has a large seafront with sandy beaches, a wide promenade, gardens, kids’ entertainment and then plenty of cafes and restaurants offering all kinds of great food.

Barmouth, Gwynedd

Distance from Birmingham is 114miles with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 30 mins

Barmouth photo
Photo Barmouth by Smabs Sputzer

In Barmouth, we head to the west Wales coast looking out into Cardigan Bay and backed by Snowdonia. Barmouth itself has safe sandy beaches, traditional seaside family entertainment, plenty of options for food and a picturesque harbour bordered by the Mawddach estuary.


This is our thoughts on beaches near Birmingham, but for other British seaside destinations check out our beaches near me search page.

If you have any great ideas then leave us a comment or drop us your thoughts on our facebook page. Also if you have been and have suggestions then shout out and help our community.