5 Best beaches near Flintshire and Wrexham

Families and friends alike are expected to fill up their cars with buckets and spades and seek the solace of the sea breeze and cool ocean.

Here's what TripAdvisor says about the top five beaches that can be reached in under an hour from Wrexham and Flintshire.

1. First up is Talacre;

Photo by Colin Jones

Named on TripAdvisor 2022 travellers choice list, as a result of consistent positive reviews, Talacre Beach scores an impressive 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

As the only beach resort in Flintshire, Talacre offers a great day out with sandy dunes, golden sand, a nearby arcade and beach restaurants.

The Lighthouse on this beach is another draw, standing proudly in the centre of the sand.

One reviewer commented; “Excellent beach, clean and safe and lovely for children.”

Parking: The car park is situated at the beach and has a flat rate of £3 per day.

2. Next we have Prestatyn;

Barkby Beach in Prestatyn. Credit: Camera Club Emma Turpin posted taken by Husband Matt.

Just a short drive from Flintshire and Wrexham (and within walkable distance from Talacre beach) Prestatyn boasts three separate beach venues.

The most popular of the bunch is the Central Beach, which is the area's main beach, and can be accessed from Nova East and Nova West car parks.

The beach has garnered a modest 4/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors commenting on how disability friendly the beach is.

Another bonus for this beach is that it is also lifeguarded during high season.

Further along the coast is Ffrith Beach which is located at the Western end of Prestatyn and has earned a top position of 5/5 on TripAdvisor.

The Ffrith Beach West section which stretches from the Golf Course to the entrance of Ffrith Beach Fun Parc forms part of a dog friendly area meaning your pooches are free to play.

One guest commented that this beach was the “Best beach around”.

Finally, Barkby Beach in Prestatyn may not allow swimming but it is the perfect destination for building sandcastles and watching the various boats and vessels launching from the nearby slipway.

Parking: Parking is available at the Nova Centre, prices vary depending on the season. In high season it is £4.50 for all day.

3. Next on our list is Rhyl;

Rhyl Beach taken by Pete Rigby

The long established seaside town of Rhyl boasts over 2 miles of sand stretching from the Clwyd Estuary to Splash Point.

The beach scored 4/5 on TripAdvisor.

As well as enjoying time on the beach visitors could also head to the Seaquarium or renowned indoor water park, the Suncentre.

Rhyl Sun Centre

Rhyl is popular for swimming, paddling, sea fishing, surfing and even donkey rides. 

As a prominent seaside town there is also a range of shops, cafes and pubs. 

Parking: Rhyl boasts multiple car parks the Rhyl central car park is priced at £4.50 for all day from March to October and £2 for all day from November to February.

Although the next beaches on this list may be in England they are still within the under an hour bracket from most areas of Flintshire and Wrexham so warranted a position on this list.

4. First up is West Kirby.

West Kirby Beach

Rated an excellent 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor this beach may only be 300 metres long but it is a favourite with visitors.

The beach hosts a range of water sport activities and also has lifeguards in high seasons.

Parking: Until November this year Dee Lane car park in West Kirby is closed due to construction works as part of the West Kirby Flood Alleviation scheme.

However, the West Kirby concourse is available for parking at £5 all day.

5. And finally to complete our list we have a beach with a surprising view; New Brighton Beach.

New Brighton Beach by Kimberley Phillips

From this beach visitors are able to enjoy the sky line of Liverpool in the distance whilst enjoying the golden sand.

Children can also enjoy playing with the ‘Black Pearl’ a community built ship made from driftwood.

Parking: In 2021 numerous TripAdvisor reviewers commented that the beach promenade had "free parking".