As Ian Brown once famously said, Manchester has got everything except a beach.
But the seaside isn't so far away, with the sandy dunes of Formby and other coastal resorts like Blackpool only around an hour’s drive away.
We've rounded up a mixture of family-friendly beaches within easy reach of Greater Manchester, some sandy and some with stone and rock features.
Beach certified EDBW (Euro designated bathing water) have been clearly marked. This means they are suitable for bathing.
Please make sure you check with individual beaches whether the beaches are manned by lifeguards on the day you are set to visit.
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Blackpool
Come rain or shine, Blackpool is always buzzing with families visiting its array of attractions including the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower and Sealife Centre.
But the vast sandy beach, complete with piers and donkey rides are the reason Blackpool is a holiday mecca. The bonus is it's only 45 minutes away.
Lytham St Annes
Just a stone’s throw from Blackpool but this beach is often a little quieter.
There is an ornate Victorian pier in front of extensive tidal sands and a boating lake.
The town itself has plenty of restaurants and B&Bs, its own art gallery and Lytham Hall, a stunning Georgian country house, is open to visitors - prefect for a balmy spring day.
Southport
Sand dunes and walks along the picture-postcard beach are what sets Southport out from the rest.
The beach is also popular with kite flyers.
The town itself has plenty to offer with fairground rides, gift shops and beautiful botanical gardens.
Southport Pier and the British Lawnmower Museum are just two other reasons to take a trip to the Merseyside seaside town.
EDBW certified beach (Euro designated bathing water )
Formby
This is an exceptionally clean, sandy beach with dunes and plenty of space for building sand castles or having a waterside picnic.
It really is a little gem and perfect to visit on a clear day. It also boasts lovely views across the Wirral and North Wales
EDBW certified beach
Morecambe
Morecambe is the quintessential English seaside town with a sandy beach and recently refurbished promenade.
Watersports such as windsurfing and a visit to the RNLI boathouse are also available.
It has plenty of cafes and restaurants for visitors looking for a spot of lunch.
There is also Happy Mount Park on the promenade, offering an indoor and outdoor play area, ornamental gardens and a habitat trail.
EDBW certified beach
Fleetwood
This beach is situated in the fishing port town which serves ferries to Larne.
It won a seaside award in 2013.
Cockle pickers also flock here. Dogs are not allowed during the summer months (June - August), but they are fine to rome at this time of year.
EDBW certified beach
Llandudno
Nicknamed the ‘Queen of Welsh resorts’, Llandudno has plenty to do for young and not-so-young during the summer.
The Alice Trail weaves around the historic and well-preserved Victorian town, and the Happy Valley gardens, which bloom spectacularly over the summer months.
You can take a stroll down the longest pier in Wales, then visit the two arcades, one at either end.
Take a ride up the Great Orme and while you're up there, you can enjoy the views from the summit complex, take part in mini-golf, enjoy the nature and wildlife.
Heysham Half Moon Bay
A little bit further afield but worth the drive, Heysham beach is a gem enjoyed by those in the know. Although rocky, it is full of character and has extensive sands in low tide.
EDBW certified beach
Wallasey
Views across Liverpool Bay make this sandy beach appealing and the North Wirral Coastal Park – all four miles of it – stretches along the coast with sand dunes and a nature reserve. Very family-friendly.
EDBW certified beach
West Kirby
A sandy beach, which is great for kite flying and beach games.
Fabulous views are guaranteed, especially on clear days with the Dee Estuary and Wales both within sight. Part of the MCS 'Adopt a Beach' scheme
EDBW certified beach
