The best beaches near Manchester

We may not have any beaches in the (immediate) region, but we’re never too far away from some amazing sandy stretches and seaside resorts.

Most are perfect for a day trip to the seaside, and have been for over a hundred years – as our Victorian ancestors would happily don their long, frilly swimsuits and head on down to the likes of Blackpool and Colwyn Bay to take in the sea air.

These areas are truly beautiful too, with mile-long stretches of golden sandy beaches, wild craggy coastlines and some often breath-taking views – especially once you start taking in North Wales and Snowdonia National Park.

From the world-famous promenade and tower of Blackpool, with all of its glitz and glamour, to tiny fishing villages on the land’s end of Wales – the variety of beaches available within just a couple of hours drive is impressive.

So grab your bucket and spade, a pair of Speedos, and the suncream, here’s our guide to the very best beaches near Manchester…

Blackpool

The definitive north west beach. A firm childhood favourite for most of us On those hot days when tabloid photographers make all of their money, the beaches of Blackpool can get pretty busy, but it’s not really a sunbathing beach – more of a walk the dog, strolling whilst eating a Fab lolly one. This beach has been popular for hundreds of years, and with the piers, the Pleasure Beach and slot machines everywhere – you can’t deny this place has a certain charm. And about an hour’s drive away from Manchester, you can’t argue with a bit of kitsch fun.

By road: 1hr 20 mins
By rail: 1hr 15 mins

Colwyn Bay

The northern coastline of Wales features some cracking little seaside towns, with Colwyn Bay probably taking the prize for the best beach and overall experience. A true Victorian gem, Colwyn Bay has been working hard to reinvent itself in recent years, with a complete multi-million transformation of the beachfront and a rebuild of the original Victoria Pier. The golden sands here are lovely, and there’s no shortage of facilities, shops and activities to keep you entertained.

By road: 1hr 30 mins
By rail: 1 hr 50 mins

Crosby Beach

Just north of Liverpool is Crosby, home to a rather lovely Crosby Beach, now the permanent home to ‘Another Place’, the sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist, Anthony Gormley. It consists of 100 cast-iron, life-sized figures spread out along the 3km of shoreline, standing almost a kilometre out to sea. This beach is a great spot for a sunset. You’ll often spot large ships making their way into the Port of Liverpool too. Plus, Crosby the town is great for a bit of shopping and pub-hopping.

By road: 1hr
By rail: 1 hr 30 mins

Formby Beach

Famous for its distinctive sand dunes, Formby is another popular coastal day trip spot for Mancs. Adding to the atmospheric landscape are plenty of nearby lakes and pine forests to explore. Once you’ve had enough sea air, you can follow one of the local nature trails (there’s one themed around red squirrels, and another takes you through the area’s famous asparagus fields). A thoroughly wholesome day out.

By road: 1hr 20
By rail: 1 hr 30 mins (1 change)

Llandudno

Llandudno is Wales’s largest resort, uniquely stuck between the Great Orme and Little Orme – craggy headlands of rugged limestone cliffs that frame this lovely little beach. Also known as the North Shore Beach, there’s a certain Victorian charm and splendour to the place, with a great pier and wide promenade full of shops, ice cream vans and the odd Punch & Judy puppet show. Properly nostalgic fun.

By road: 1hr 50 mins
By rail: 2 hours 10 mins

Lytham St Annes

Just a couple of miles south of Blackpool, Lytham St Annes is worlds apart from the notorious seaside super-town, with a more picturesque stretch of coastline, a boating lake and the lovely award-winning St Annes beach huts. Often described as one of the most prestigious places in Lancashire, Lytham has plenty of traditional attractions like the pier, a Georgian stately home, and even a windmill. If your tastes are more contemporary, there are plenty of festivals, craft beer bars and unusual shops to keep you occupied.

By road: 1hr 20 mins
By rail: 1 hr 30 mins (1 change)

Morecambe

As much of a classic seaside town as you can find in England, much of Morecambe is set around its award-winning seafront promenade that overlooks five miles of sandy coastline. One of the main draws of Morecambe is the wide variety of water sports on offer, with sailing, paragliding, parachuting and windsurfing all going on when the weather permits. Though, the sands are famously perilous, and should only be walked across as part of a guided group. Fans of architectural grandeur will also enjoy the iconic art deco Midland hotel on the seafront, as well as the Grade-II listed Winter Gardens concert hall.

By road: 2 hrs
By rail: 1 hr 30 mins (1 change)

New Brighton

A beach on the Wirral that draws visitors from all across the North West, New Brighton Beach has everything you’d want from a beach experience, including golden sands, a lighthouse, a promenade, and of course, excellent parking options. The seafront is serviced with plenty of shops and attractions too, incase you forget your picnic basket. Military history fans are in luck too, from the beach you can see Fort Perch Rock, a coastal defence built in 1829, which now houses maritime and aviation themed exhibitions and tractions.

By road: 1 hr 30mins
By rail: 1 hr 20 mins (1 change)

Thuraston Beach

Situated on the Dee estuary, with views of Wales and the Clwydian hills, this one’s a stunner. It’s quite secluded – you have to access the beach via some precarious steps – but the pay-off is worth it. It’s also part of the Wirral Country Park, so benefits from parking, BBQ spots and walking routes. Great for wildlife watching, but if you’re after a paddle, beware – it’s a shingle beach.

By road: 1 hr 30mins
By rail: 3+ hours

Southport

Just a little further down the coast from Blackpool and you’ll be in Southport – with long, sandy beaches that offer panoramic views for miles. The beach here has been awarded the Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy, meaning that the standards of beach management are of the highest quality in the UK. So you’re not going to find a dirty nappy whilst digging a sandcastle. As well as the promenade, the town of Southport itself is lovely, with plenty of excellent shops, bars and restaurants just a short walk from the sea.

By road: 1hr 20 mins
By rail: 1 hr 20 mins

Wallasey Beach

Just down the coast from the ever-popular New Brighton, is Wallasey, part of North Wirral Coastal Park. It’s great for beach-combing for driftwood and sea glass, if that’s your thing. There’s also a seafront pub with loads of outdoor seating, to refuel after your archeological adventures.

By road: 1 hr 30mins
By rail: 1 hr 20 mins (1 change)