The huge beach 90 minutes from Greater Manchester that’s ideal for a sunny day out
Make the most of the spring sunshine and the Easter holidays with a trip to the beach
With many schools breaking up this weekend for the Easter holidays, families will be planning days out with the kids. Luckily the weather could not get much better with lots of sunshine forecast in the coming days.
Granted, it’s not summer yet and there’s still a chill in the air, but the weather doesn't get much better for early April. Of course, as we’re in the UK we don't know how long it will last so, as the saying goes, make hay while the sun shines and head to the beach.
You could head to Blackpool for a quintessential day out with arcades, rollercoaster rides and 99-ice creams. Or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Formby Beach.
Although when it comes to beaches it’s fair to say that North Wales takes the crown. It has everything from scenic rocky coves to wild and windy sandy stretches that are perfect for surfing.
You don’t have to travel too far into North Wales for a good beach though, and there’s some great options for an easy day out from Greater Manchester.
Prestatyn, a seaside destination beloved by families for generations, offers four miles’ of sandy beach within 90 minutes’ drive of Greater Manchester.
The iconic seaside town actually has three beaches, which are connected by the promenade.
Central beach is the main stretch with vast golden sand where you can enjoy a picnic, build a sand castle, and if you’re feeling brave enough, have a paddle.
To the east of Central Beach is Barkby Beach, which is a popular spot for sailing and boat activity, home to the Prestatyn Sailing Club. The beach is dog-friendly east of the slipway and the sailing club.
To the west of Central Beach is Ffrith Beach, also offering a vast stretch of sand. This beach is divided into two - the western section is dog-friendly all year round while the eastern section has restrictions from May to September.
Whichever one you choose you’re guaranteed vast golden sand and beautiful sea views. Since the weather isn’t quite hot enough for sunbathing on the sand just yet, a walk along the four-mile promenade might be the more suitable option for a spring day.
If you’re feeling ambitious you can even pick up the Wales Coastal Path and head to Talacre Beach, which is six miles east of Prestatyn.
Along the way you’ll pass the Gronant Sand Dunes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that's home to rare species such as the sand lizard, the natterjack toad and North Wales’ only breeding colony of little terns.
You’ll also spot the iconic Talacre light house, a grade II-listed structure that dates back to 1776.
There are lots of parking options in Prestatyn, including pay and display car parks at Barkby Beach (LL19 7LG) and Beach Road EAST (LL19, UK), which both offer easy access to the sand.