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Manchester doesn’t often conjure up images of white sand, sunshine, and ice cream. However, there are a plethora of beaches near Manchester that you must visit.
It’s not just southern England where you can enjoy the sun’s rays and fantastic beach vibes!
I’ve been living in Manchester since 2018 and if there is one thing I love to do on a nice sunny summer day, it’s going to the beach!
⏱️ IN A RUSH? Here are the top 3 Beaches near Manchester
1️⃣ Lytham St. Anne’s Beach
2️⃣ Crosby Beach
3️⃣ Formby Beach
In under an hour, you can be in any number of seaside towns near Manchester.
Not only are they super close, but most of these beaches can also be easily accessed by car and train.
1. Lytham St. Anne’s Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 10min | 🗺️ Distance: 53.9 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Families
Lytham St. Anne’s Beach sits on the Fylde coast. Of the seaside towns near Manchester, Lytham and St Annes-on-Sea offer a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.
This yellow sandy beach is large, with plenty of room to sit on a busy day and ample space for the kids to run around and play.
Head up onto the old Victorian Pier and you’ll find a chippie, amusements and souvenir shops. You can even rent beach huts for the day from the pier.
You can also go for a swim (if you don’t mind cold-ish water) or enjoy the recently installed splash zone and paddling pool. There’s also mini golf, trampolines, and a miniature train in case the kids get bored on the beach.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: Whether you take the train or drive to Lytham it’s around the same time. From Manchester Piccadilly to Lytham station, it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes with one change at Kirkham & Wesham.
From the train station, you can take the number 17 bus towards East Bank Road. After 20 minutes you’ll reach the beach.
2. Crosby Beach
🕒 Time: 58min | 🗺️ Distance: 40.2 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Sightseeing
If you’re searching for the closest beach to Manchester, look no further than Crosby Beach. This Merseyside beach is a combination of soft expansive sand and coastal mudflats.
It’s a true gem and in less than an hour from Manchester, you can experience it for yourself.
One permanent feature of Crosby Beach is the ‘Another Place’ sculpture by Antony Gormley. The sculpture of this man looking out across the water, makes for some great photos, particularly at sunset.
The beach has a lifeguard as well as parking and toilet facilities behind the beach.
This is a beautiful and peaceful spot to come and relax on the sand. If you have a bike, you should also check out the 22-mile Sefton Coastal Path, you’ll ride right alongside the beach.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: To reach Crosby Beach from Manchester it’s best to drive. It is possible to take the train but at just under 2 hours and with 2 changes it’s a much longer option. Head to Cambridge Road, Marinas Road or Hall Road where you will find free parking.
3. Formby Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr | 🗺️ Distance: 43.7 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Walkers | 🐶 Dog Friendly
Formby Beach is one of the North West’s most stunning beaches. In just an hour from Manchester, you can find this sandy oasis.
It’s part of the National Trust which means the whole area is protected and nature is flourishing.
Formby Beach is backed by some impressive grassy sand dunes. The beach itself stretches 13.2km, so it’s the perfect space to go for a long walk.
Head to the car park at Victoria Road near the beach for bathroom facilities. There is nothing in the way of shops or places to buy food and drinks close by, so come prepared if you plan to spend a few hours at Formby.
It’s also important to note that this is one of the best dog-friendly beaches near Manchester. Dogs are allowed on the beach and it’s quite exceptional.
The beach is so wide and long, even when it’s busy, it feels like you have the entire place for yourself!
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest and quickest way to get to Formby Beach is to drive. You can park in the National Trust car park on Victoria Road.
Please note that if you are a National Trust member, parking will be free. Otherwise, it’s £8.50 per vehicle.
If you don’t drive, you can hop on a train from Manchester Piccadilly which takes 1 hour 30 minutes with 1 change.
4. Blackpool Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 3min | 🗺️ Distance: 49.9 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Group of friends
Blackpool Beach is the most famous beach near Manchester.
Blackpool has earned itself somewhat of a “bad boy” reputation but trust us on this it’s just talk!
Yes, Blackpool attracts the rowdy lads weekend types but visit during the day and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Blackpool Beach is a brilliant beach to visit. It’s jam-packed with activities and a fantastic atmosphere too.
There are an array of facilities (like toilets and showers) lining the beach and plenty of places to grab food and drink.
After you’ve relaxed on the soft sand and taken a dip in the Irish Sea you must check out Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
This amusement park is right on Blackpool’s South Shore and will provide you with entertainment for hours (or days depending on how much you like rollercoasters).
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: It’s super easy to get from Manchester to Blackpool via train. In just 1 hour 10 minutes you can be in Blackpool. Tickets are also affordable at under £25 for an open return. If you have a car, it’s also super easy to drive, simply head along the M61, M6 then the M55.
5. New Brighton Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 8min | 🗺️ Distance: 39.9 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Couples
New Brighton Beach is in Wallasey, just across the River Mersey from Liverpool. There’s just under a mile of golden sand to explore.
Its diverse views and landscapes and are simply amazing!
You can stand on New Brighton Beach and look out towards Liverpool’s skyline. There is also a lighthouse right on the beach.
📷 Top tip for photographers, try and get some lighthouse reflection pictures in the rockpools water.
Perch Rock Lighthouse isn’t the only beach attraction. There’s a makeshift shipwreck-style pirate ship on the sand too. This was built by the local community out of driftwood.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: You can reach New Brighton Beach from Manchester in just over an hour. Alternatively, you can take the train but it’s nearly 2 hours with either one or two changes along the way. As Wallasey is so close to Liverpool it’s a great idea to combine a trip to the beach with another fantastic northern city.
6. Kinmel Bay Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 25min | 🗺️ Distance: 69.6 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Watersports
Kinmel Bay Beach, also known as Sandy Cove, is right across the estuary from Rhyl and it’s a year-round go-to spot.
Watersport enthusiasts would claim this to be the best beach near Manchester. Try your hand at surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more.
Kinmel Bay Beach has also characterful harbour.
If you love nature, you’ll love this beach. Keep your eyes peeled for grey seals, skylarks, and kestrels too.
It’s is backed with dunes and there are picnic areas where you can set up for lunch. There are also toilet facilities and a café near the car park.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: It’s quickest to drive to Kinmel Bay Beach from Manchester. Getting the train is possible but a little tricky. First, you’ll need to head to Chester, then change and get off at Rhyl. From Rhyl, you’ll need to take a bus towards Llandudno.
7. Ainsdale Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr | 🗺️ Distance: 46 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Kiting
If you’re looking for the best beach near Manchester for kiting, then look no further than Ainsdale Beach. Yes, kiting is a noun! Both regular kite-flying, and kitesurfing are super popular on this northern beach.
The large expanse of soft sand coupled with ideal wind conditions makes this a go-to spot.
Just like at Formby there are also sand dunes to explore. Safety shouldn’t be a concern at Ainsdale Beach there is a lifeguard on duty and a lost child centre.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: In an hour you can be at Ainsdale Beach from Manchester. Simply head along the M62 towards Liverpool then head north on the M57.
You can park all day right behind the beach but there is a £10 all-day fee. It is also possible to travel via train, with travel time being just shy of 2 hours with a minimum of one change.
8. Bispham Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 12min | 🗺️ Distance: 54.5 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Couples
Up the coast from Blackpool, you’ll find Bispham Beach which is a welcome change from the crowds down at Blackpool Beach.
At Bispham Beach, you’ll be treated to views along the coast and out across the Irish Sea.
At low tide, there is a large stretch of sand to walk along. You can spend time on the beach or walk along the upper or lower promenade.
There isn’t much in the way of facilities at this beach so be sure to come prepared if you’re spending some time here.
Bispham Beach may not have the glitz and pizzas of its neighbour but it’s a great beach for tranquillity and beautiful views.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: To get to Bispham it’s best to head to Blackpool and then take the Blackpool Tramway to Bispham Beach. Just head to the seafront in Blackpool and you’ll find the trams easily.
9. Prestatyn Central Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 28min | 🗺️ Distance: 66.5 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Families
Prestatyn Central Beach is another of North Wales’ brilliant beaches and is super accessible from Manchester.
The town of Prestatyn comprises three beaches: Barkby Beach, Ffrith Beach, and Prestatyn Central. These three beaches cover 5 miles, perfect for a long walk by the ocean.
This expansive sandy beach is interspersed with wooden groynes and is a lovely spot for windsurfing, sailing, and cycling on the promenade.
Prestatyn Central Beach has several useful facilities such as toilets, a play area, and a café. There is also a leisure centre and seaside amusement games along the promenade.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: Driving to North Wales from Manchester is easy and very scenic. You can also catch a train from Manchester Piccadilly which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
10. Rhyl Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 25min | 🗺️ Distance: 69.5 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Families
This is one of North Wales’ most well-known beaches and it’s the perfect location for a weekend beach getaway.
Rhyl Beach is 2 miles of soft sand. You can take donkey rides, splash around in the sea, and play the seafront arcades.
There is also the SeaQuarium, a large aquarium that is an ideal activity for entertaining the kids.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the best way to reach Rhyl, but you can also take a 1 hour 40 minute train right to Rhyl. A good free, 24hr parking spot is at Marine Lake Car Park.
11. Thurstaston Beach
🕒 Time: 58min | 🗺️ Distance: 53.3 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Walkers
You’ll find Thurstaston Beach in the Wirral. Head through the tranquil Wirral Country Park and you will soon emerge on top of the cliffs overlooking this beach.
The beach consists of sand and shingle and faces the Dee Estuary. Along the river, boats can be seen bobbing along and it’s even possible to see across to Snowdonia on a super clear day.
You’ll be able to find a snack shop, picnic tables and toilets at Thurstaston Beach. It should also be noted that there are signs cautioning against swimming.
This is owing to the strong tides from the Dee Estuary and the lack of lifeguards.
Backed by steep, attractive cliffs this is a breathtaking beach, particularly on a cloudless, blue-sky day.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: If you are driving to Thurstaston Beach you can head to Thurstaston Common Car Park or Thurstaston Country Park Car Park. Getting to this beach by train from Manchester involves a combination of trains, buses, and walking.
12. Conwy Morfa Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 34min | 🗺️ Distance: 82.5 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Couples and Group of friends
Conwy Morfa Beach is one of the furthest beaches from Manchester on this list, yet you can still be there in 1 hour 34 minutes.
It’s large and covered in soft sand and pebbles in places.
It boasts excellent fishing opportunities, there’s also a marina and a nearby golf course. Build sandcastles to your heart’s content, take a dip in the sea, and keep your eyes peeled for birdlife.
There are convenient public toilets in the beach car park. If you are visiting with little ones, you should note that there is no lifeguard on duty at the beach.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: To reach Conwy it’s best to drive. Head along the M56 and then the A55 it’s a simple and scenic route to this beach.
13. West Shore Beach in Llandudno
🕒 Time: 1hr 39min | 🗺️ Distance: 83.8 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Walkers | 🐶 Dog Friendly
West Shore Beach is the quieter of Llandudno’s two famous beaches. This sandy beach faces Conway Bay and at low tide a large expanse of sand awaits you.
Kite-surfing and kite flying is super popular at this beach. It is also a stunning place to watch the sunset over the water.
There are parking and toilet facilities right near the beach and there is also a cafe.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: You can reach Llandudno by either car or train. The train takes just over 2 hours and tickets are as cheap as £15 one way. It is also super easy to drive to Llandudno. If you are driving, you can park at West Parade or at the small car park at the southern end of the road.
14. North Shore Beach in Llandudno
🕒 Time: 1hr 38 min | 🗺️ Distance: 81.4 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Families
North Shore Beach is Llandudno’s main beach and the most popular among holidaymakers.
It’s sheltered, making it suitable for young children wanting to swim.
There is also an interesting Victorian pier and a promenade to walk along.
There’s a lot going on at North Shore Beach. There are stalls selling ice cream on the pier, there are donkey rides on the sand, there’s even live music played on the bandstand.
Children will love the play area and paddling pool, providing them with some extra entertainment.
This beach is just a few minutes’ walk from town where there are toilets, shops, and cafes.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: It’s good to arrive at North Shore Beach early so you can find somewhere convenient to park. Whilst there is free parking on the West Shore, the North Shore is pay and display.
15. Fleetwood Beach, Rossall Point
🕒 Time: 1hr 20 min | 🗺️ Distance: 57 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Couples
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Blackpool, head a tiny bit more north to Fleetwood Beach at Rossall Point.
It’s a very clean sandy beach with a beautiful seaside promenade.
It’s a great place to go for a walk or even for a swim in summer.
Depending on the tide, the water can be very shallow, even creating little pools which makes it ideal for families.
You also get beautiful views of the peaks of the Lake District.
It’s very quiet and quite off beat, perfect for people looking for hidden gems for a family day out or a walk with your dog.
16. West Kirby Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 12 min | 🗺️ Distance: 45 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Walkers
West Kirby Beach itself is only 300 metres long. But the beach is flanked with sand dunes on one side and 2 kilometres of sand flats that are exposed at low tide.
At the end of Dee Lane, you’ll find all the facilities you’ll need for a day at the beach. There are toilet facilities, coffee shops, and of course ice-cream stalls (the most important part).
There are also lifeguards on duty. Though there are lifeguards, it is essential that you check the tide times before heading out on the sand flats.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: One of the easiest ways to get to West Kirby Beach is to drive along the M56 and then the M53. Once you reach West Kirby, you’ll want to head to the West Kirby Concourse carpark where you’ll find convenient parking.
17. North Shore, Blackpool
🕒 Time: 1hr 15 min | 🗺️ Distance: 55 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Families
North Shore Beach in Blackpool is tiny bit further up than Blackpool beach.
It starts from North Pier and goes all the way to Bispham.
If you are looking for a quieter part, make sure to go as far north as you can.
The part near North Pier is busier since it’s closer to Blackpool and therefore amneties.
It’s also important to note that it is in dog friendly but you need to keep your dog on lead.
If you want to swim, there are lifeguards in the summer which is always a reassuring thing, especially when with kids.
18. Arnside Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 25 min | 🗺️ Distance: 70 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Walkers | 🐶 Dog Friendly
If you are looking for a beach near the Lake District, Arnside Beach will be perfect for you.
It’s a lovely place for a walk, especially when the tide is low because the beach becomes very large then.
It overlooks the estuary, revealing amazing views. It’s also an incredible sunset spot!
Miles of sandy beach, ice cream parlours, no crowds… this hidden gem of a beach is simply perfect for a quiet sunday.
This is also one of the best dog friendly beaches near Manchester.
🚘 HOW TO GET THERE: It’s very easy to drive there. There are loads of free parking spots along the promenade. You can also take the train (1h30). It’s a very scenic ride so well worth it.
19. Talacre Beach
🕒 Time: 1hr 30 min | 🗺️ Distance: 64 miles | 📍 See on Google Maps | 👍 Best for: Families
If you want to discover a beautiful beach in Wales near Manchester, Talacre will be the perfect place for you!
Here you will find miles of golden sand and dunes, making it a great spot for sunset too.
You can also walk all the way to the beautiful lighthouse. It has been around for over a century and is such a nice landmark.
Please note that this can be a very busy beach in summer so plan accordingly.
Dogs are also allowed on the beach and parking is available a short walk away from the beach.
You will also find a cafe where you can get lunch and toilets.
There is no lifeguard service though.
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