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Beaches & Coast in Stoke-on-Trent

There's no coastline in Stoke itself, so this list is about where to drive for sand. Nottingham Beach is the easiest short trip, a free pop-up with sand and a pool right in the middle of the city, open all summer. Push further and you reach Liverpool, where Crosby Beach has Antony Gormley's cast-iron figures dotted along the sand, free to wander any time, and National Trust Formby offers dunes, pinewoods and two beach trails, with sand wheelchairs on loan. A longer trip out to Southport gets you proper open sand and a Victorian seafront, with room to paddle and build without crowding in. Golden Beach Karaoke Bar in Leicester is 18+ only, private karaoke rooms from 5pm to 2am with cocktails and food brought over, for adults after a night out rather than a day on the beach. For toddlers, Nottingham Beach's sand and pool are the simplest option. Older children get more from Crosby or Formby in Liverpool, where there's proper space to explore, and no fires are allowed at Formby to protect the wildlife. Southport wins if you just want sand that goes on and on.

✓ 5 places✦ 3 free to visit