As the country prepares to enjoy a glorious weekend under a scorching sun, perhaps now is the perfect time to take a trip to the seaside.
Temperatures are expected to climb to nearly 30 ° C over the next two days, with the Met Office predicting a high of 29 ° C in Derby on Saturday July 17.
Although Derby is about as far from the sea as you can get, some pretty coastal towns are within a three hour drive.
Many popular destinations are also accessible via a train ride taking less than three hours from Derby Midland station.
So here at Derbyshire Live we’ve put together a list of five beach resorts not far from the city, all of which have some great beaches.
Bridlington
(Image: Simon Deacon)
The coastal town of Yorkshire is home to sandy beaches and award-winning walks.
North Beach is a Quality Coast Award winning sand and pebble beach surrounded by wide boardwalks backing onto the cliffs of Flamborough.
While South Beach is a sandy beach that overlooks Bridlington Bay, the sand extending to Spurn Point at the mouth of the Humber River.
While in Bridlington, visitors can grab a bite to eat at a wide range of traditional restaurants.
Kilometers from Derby: 109
By car: Two hours, 12 minutes
By train: Two hours and 48 minutes – Travel from Derby to Bridlington, with changes in Sheffield and Hull
Cleethorpes
(Image: Matt Buck)
The golden sands of Cleethorpes Beach in North East Lincolnshire stretch for miles.
The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness, while the flowered promenade gardens run the length of the resort.
There’s also a dog-friendly sand area, and don’t forget to sample some fresh fish and chips in nearby Grimsby.
Kilometers from Derby: 99
By car: One hour, 45 minutes
By train: Two hours, 28 minutes – Journey from Derby to Cleethorpes, with a change in Sheffield
Formby
(Photo: Tom Pennington)
Formby Beach is one of Merseyside’s coastal gems. The high sand dunes offer stunning views of the Irish Sea, and on a very clear day the Cumbrian mountains can be seen.
Ideal for families, there are picnic areas, marked trails to the beach, and woods to explore.
If you fancy exploring more off the beaten track, a drive south through Ravenmeols Sandhills will reward you with vast expanses of dunes, even more beach and lovely forests.
Kilometers from Derby: 102
By car: Two hours, six minutes
By train: Three hours, 20 minutes – ride from Derby to Formby, with two or three changes
Heacham
(Image: Wikimedia)
The village of West Norfolk has been a seaside resort for over 150 years.
The north and south beaches of the village face west and overlook a huge 32 km bay.
Heacham is also famous for being at the heart of Norfolk’s lavender industry.
Kilometers from Derby: 108
By car: Two hours 28 minutes
Scarborough
(Photo: Emmanuel Giel)
One of England’s first and most famous seaside resorts, Scarborough is home to two bays with sandy beaches separated by a promontory bearing the 12th-century Scarborough Castle.
North Bay has Blue Flag status and offers a sheltered location for families. Attractions include the Miniature Railway, Sealife & Marine Sanctuary, and Peasholm Park.
Much of the older part of town is around the harbor area and South Bay Beach, a popular area with plenty of game rooms, theaters, and cafes.
Kilometers from Derby: 118
By car: Two hours 22 minutes
By train: Two hours, 47 minutes – Travel from Derby to Scarborough, with a change in York
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