Top 5 Inland and City Beaches

Do you like to be beside the seaside? Well, with our round up of inner city and inland beaches, you don’t even have to travel to the coast for some sand between your toes!

By Emily May | Updated Aug 30 2023

Bosworth Beach, Warwickshire

In the landlocked Midlands, there aren't many destinations for those who love to have a sandy sunbathe by a large body of water. But now, hydrophiles can head to Bosworth Beach, surprisingly situated in Nuneaton, Warwickshire! You can spend a few relaxing hours in a peaceful pedalo or a grab a bite to eat at the Water Edges Café & Bar (which has a stunning view over the Blue Lagoon), or the more adventurous can learn to sail or canoe with private and taster lessons.

Image Credit: Bosworth Water Park via Facebook

Bosworth Beach is located at Bosworth Water Park, Wellsborough Road, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV13 6PD

Tis the sea-sun to take a dip, and at Cotswold Country Park & Beach in Cirencester you can do just that in their two lakes surrounded by sandy beaches. You can head to the north lake for more serious watersports such as paddle boarding, or the south lake family beach which is perfect for tiddlers. It's supervised by lifeguards in peak season, and kitted out with a new adventure playground, a volley ball court, a training climbing wall, swan pedaloes, rowing boats and barbeque stations for when you get tired out from all the activities (or you can head to their pizzeria if you can't be bothered to cook yourself!).

Image Credit: Cotswold Country Park & Beach via Facebook

Cotswold Country Park & Beach is located at Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester, GL7 6DF

Nottingham Beach, Nottingham

Nottingham's famous for its links to the tale of Robin Hood, and in the summer it Sherwood be nice to have a place to relax in the city with your band of merry men (and women!) Cue Nottingham Beach. Situated in Old Market Square, the sandy expanse and paddling pool returns for Summer 2018, along with a series of family activities and events. Last year these included pony rides, a sand dune racer, water balls, bungee trampolines, an F1 car ride and Hook a Duck.

Image Credit: Nottingham Beach via Facebook

Nottingham Beach is located at Old Market Square, Nottingham NG1 2DT and is open until 2 September 2018.

Newcastle Quayside Seaside, Newcastle

Sure, Newcastle's not too far from the coast, but you wouldn't expect to find a beach slap bang in the city centre. But until 31 October, you can visit Newcastle's Quayside Seaside in Wesley Square, which has been a recurring feature of summer in “the Toon” for the past seven years. Be transported to a summer paradise with its golden sand, array of deckchairs, pinstriped beach huts and even a kid's climbing wall! And, if you get peckish, you can always pick up a snack from the beach's resident restaurant Little Fishy, who reached the finals of the National Fish and Chip Awards in 2017.

Image Credit: Things to do in Newcastle via Facebook

Newcastle Quayside Seaside is located at Wesley Square, Near the Law Courts, Newcastle Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, NE1 3RN. The beach is open until 31 October 2018.

Cardiff Bay Beach Festival, Cardiff

Barry Island Beach isn't too far from the Welsh capital, but if you're not a die-hard fan of Gavin and Stacey, you can also stay put for summer in the city for Cardiff Bay's Beach Festival. The man-made beach takes over Alexandra Head, and features many classic seaside attractions such as a big wheel, carousel, helter skelter, bungee trampolines, water spraying arches and of course a street food marquee. There is also a programme of events and entertainment over the summer, ranging from movie nights to Radio Cardiff DJs, walkabout entertainers to live music.

Image Credit: Cardiff Bay Beach via Facebook

Cardiff Bay Beach Festival is located at Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff, CF10 4PZ and will run until 3 September.