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Seaside escapes from Birmingham

Blog

City life is fast-paced and tons of fun, but we all need to take a break sometimes! If you’re craving some bracing sea air or the feeling of sand between your toes, here are a few beaches you could head for…

Weston-super-Mare

Distance: 113 miles
By car: 1hr 56mins
By train: 2hrs 10mins

A firm favourite for Brummie family holiday, Weston-super-Mare offers a classic seaside day out with golden sand and donkey rides. Explore the Grand Pier, browse the shops or relax in beachfront café. It’s also popular in the off-season with walkers, windsurfers and a few brave souls taking a dip!

Barmouth

Distance: 113 miles
By car: 2hrs 34mins
By train: 3hrs 36mins

Head out to Wales’ west coast for long sandy beaches looking out onto Cardigan Bay, just a hop, skip and a jump from Snowdonia National Park. The sea front is dotted with shops, cafes and amusement arcades – plenty to keep the whole gang entertained.

Tywyn

Distance: 117 miles
By car: 2hrs 38mins
By train: 3hrs 3mins

Just a few miles down the coast from Barmouth, you’ll find Tywyn nestled between the mountains and the sea. If you fancy a walk, the Wales Coastal Path runs right through the town, or for something more sedate, the promenade is popular for dolphin spotting.

Aberystwyth

Distance: 123 miles
By car: 2hrs 46mins
By train: 2hrs 59mins

As a bustling university town with plenty of shops and places to eat, Aberystwyth is worth a visit throughout the year. It’s at its most glorious in summer when you can take a sunny stroll along the Victorian promenade or (if you’re lucky!) spot some porpoises out in the bay. Be sure to check out the Cliff Railway and take in the views from the top of Constitution Hill!

Blackpool

Distance: 125 miles
By car: 2hrs 15mins
By train: 2hrs 20mins

Blackpool is one of the UK’s best-known seaside resorts and its three piers, seven miles of sandy beaches and the world-famous Blackpool Tower continue to attract visitors. Tick a few things off your ‘British Seaside Holiday’ bingo card with a stick of rock, fish and chips and a donkey ride or, if you’re a thrill seeker, venture over to the Pleasure Beach and ride a few rollercoasters.

Barry Island

Distance: 130 miles
By car: 2hrs 30mins
By train: 2hrs 46mins

On the South Wales coast, Barry Island is ideal for swimming and sunbathing on the golden sand of Whitmore Bay – or head along to Jackson’s Bay for a more secluded spot. Packed with activities and entertainment, you can play crazy golf, go rock pooling, or hire a colourful beach hut for the day.


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