The sandy beach a two hour drive from Birmingham with 'fairy village' nearby There's lots to do in New Brighton, whether that's sunbathing and sand-castling, mooching around independent shops or taking the kids to a play attraction voted the 'best in the UK' Lucy and Alison with their children Teddy and Joseph on New Brighton Beach (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo ) Weston-super-Mare and Barmouth are probably the first places that come to mind when planning a beach day from Birmingham, but one thriving seaside resort is even closer. New Brighton is located on the north eastern tip of the Wirral Peninsula on the bay of Liverpool where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. ‌ Less than a two hour drive from Birmingham city centre, avoiding rush hour, the coastal hotspot was a booming holiday destination at the turn of the 20th century, but has reinvented itself in recent years, blending quintessential British seaside charm with modern attractions. ‌ Read more: The old-fashioned beach day with 'best fish and chips' a £16 train ride from Birmingham New Brighton Beach is a three-quarter-mile stretch of golden sand, the perfect kind for building sandcastles, and is backed by the longest promenade in Britain. The waters are generally considered safe for paddling when lifeguards are on duty and the shoreline offers panoramic views across Liverpool's skyline and the decommissioned New Brighton Lighthouse. Article continues below Victoria Road in New Brighton. Photo by Colin Lane (Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO ) A plethora of independent bars, cafes and restaurants can be found on Victoria Road and Victoria Parade, a short stroll inland, and Seabank Road is home to various interesting shops stocked with antiques, gifts and vintage finds. Children's play centre Adventureland, which dates back to 1900, remains one of the area's most popular attractions over a century on and last year came top on the Seaside Heritage Network's Bucket and Spade List of favourite seaside places and experiences as voted for by members of the public. ‌ Today, the outdoor fairground on New Brighton promenade features dodgems, small dippers, a fun house, pirate ship, caterpillar coaster, tea cups, waltzers and a circus train, while the indoor Adventureland boasts a castle with drawbridge and turrets, a giant six-lane slide, inflatables, ball pool and more. North Wirral Coastal Park (Image: Emily Sleight ) The area is also home to some beautiful parks. The Green Flag award winning Vale Park offers views across the River Mersey, has colourful flower beds in bloom in the summer and a mini fairy village complete with a troll tree, memory garden and tooth fairy's house hidden within its grounds. ‌ Day-trippers can also take the coastal path to North Wirral Coastal Park to find miles of sand dunes, wildflower meadows and great bathing beaches. One recent visitor, Keith, said in a Google review of New Brighton Beach: "Lovely day out, lots of lifeguards if you're using the beach. We found a nice café set in some gardens which made delicious cakes and fabulous coffee, lovely views well worth the trip." Spring sunshine at New Brighton Beach (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo ) Article continues below Ana wrote: "So nice! Great selections of restaurants for every taste. Coffee places, cinemas, and lots to do. I truly enjoy visiting New Brighton." And Carol said: "Lovely and clean. Nice to just walk alone the sea front. Every one you meet seems to be nice and friendly. Lots of benches to sit and stare. Pretty park with lots to see and nice café. Great for children. Park with swings and green space for picnics."