9 family-friendly beaches within 3-hour drive of Wolverhampton perfect for a day-trip as the warmer months roll around

There is plenty to feel proud about for those living across the Black Country - from the region's rich industrial heritage to its scenic green spaces. 

However if we could ask a genie to give us something that does not naturally appear in these parts. 

Then of course, that would be to have our very own beach. 

Read more: 2,000-year-old footprints discovered on beach after storms 

While, creative seaside in the city events can occur in areas like Wolverhampton's Victoria Street during summer. 

There's absolutely nothing like the real thing, with a lovely ocean breeze in hand, and to feel the glow of the sun dancing on one's skin. 

Read more: In Pictures: Children are delighted as all the fun of the beach comes to Wolverhampton hospital 

Nothing marks the start of the warmer months like a jam-packed trip to the beach. Even if they tend to be quite a distance away from those of us living in Wolverhampton. 

But there is nothing to stop us from travelling to a British beach. 

We've rounded up some of the best beaches to visit, and the amazing part about these locations is that they are less than three hours away from Wolverhampton. 

Take a look below at nine fantastic beaches below:

1. Crosby Beach, Merseyside

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton:  Between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes according to Google Maps.

This beach is excellent for long walks around its promenade, but swimming in Crosby Beach is forbidden due to the strong tides. There are many underappreciated gems that are scattered around Crosby Beach which spans 2.5 miles. Chief among them, are a selection of 100 quirky statues known as Another Place by Antony Gormley. This is a permanent art installation, covering 2 miles of the beach. The sculptures were based on Antony Gormley’s body who created the installation.  

2. West Shore, Llandudno

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: Between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes according to Google Maps.

This is a quiet retreat compared to the popular Llandudno's North Shore beach, there are plenty of interesting features to enjoy in comparison to busy beaches. This location is perfect for those wanting respite from busy centres. One key feature, is the stunning views of Great Orme and the Carneddau mountains. 

3. Rhyl Beach, North Wales 

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: Between 1 hour 40 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes according to Google Maps.

Complete opposite to West Shore, this fantastic Welsh beach offers a plethora of family-entertainment. There are plenty of unique features at this beach, which includes sprawling sandy beaches as well as plenty of arcades. This beach offers a quintessential British seaside day out. 

4. Barmouth Beach, North Wales 

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: Between 2 hours and 2 hours 15 minutes according to Google Maps.

Another Welsh favourite, this beach is praised by visitors for its beauty. This is a scenic beach, that's perfect for getting your feet in the miles of golden sands and gorgeous harbour. This beach is a great spot for looking at the sunsets over Cardigan Bay. 

5. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset 

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: Between 2 hours and 2 hours 20 minutes according to Google Maps.

Probably best known to many readers as the scene of many school trips, family days out and great memories for families across the Black Country throughout the generations, and for good reason, there’s a huge plethora of guaranteed fun you can have once you reach the town. Fantastic place to go on a classic Donkey Ride. Businesses such as Weston Donkeys provide donkey rides on the seafront and have done so for over a hundred years, when they started providing this activity in 1886.Another fun activity is going on the Weston sky well, the 40 metre tall wheel is located on the busy sea front, and is definitely something visitors should check out to see panoramic views of Weston bay.

6. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: Between 1 hour and 2 hours 10 minutes according to Google Maps.

This beach is a perfect place for loud, bright and difficult to look away from sorts of entertainment. Blackpool beach is packed with rides, and also fantastic spectacles. One such standout feature, the Pleasure Beach is arguably one of the best-known theme parks in the entire country. Another cool part of the beach is the Blackpool Tower where you can get a 360-degree view of the coast, even seeing parts of the Lake District. 

7. Fleetwood Beach (Marine Beach), Lancashire 

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: Between 2 hours and 2 hours 15 minutes according to Google Maps.

This beach offers the exact opposite of Blackpool, with less crowds and queues. One interesting part of the beach is that it offers panoramic views of Morecambe Bay. This beach has a rich maritime heritage, ranging from full-scale offshore sailing to world-class model yacht racing. 

8. New Brighton Beach, Wirral Peninsula

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: 1 hour 51 minutes and 1 hour 55 minutes, according to Google Maps.

This is a seaside destination which is part of the Wirral Peninsula, with fantastic views of the Merseyside skyline. The beach has previously been designated as one of England's official swimming spots, with safe clean water perfect for a dip in the water. 

9. Talacre Beach, North Wales

Drive-time distance from Wolverhampton: 1 hour 50minutes and 2 hours 5 minutes, according to Google Maps.

This is a sandy beach famous for decommissioned 1776 Point of Ayr Lighthouse, surrounded by scenic sand dunes. This is a fantastic spot for lots of dog-friendly walks  and to enjoy wildlife spotting (including rare Natterjack toads).