Top beaches you can visit from Shropshire if you're willing to drive the distance

Being around the middle of the country, anyone in Shropshire wanting to bask in the summer sunshine while listening to the waves has to travel at least one hour to get to those sandy shores.

But for those prepared to put in the miles - either for a day trip or a weekend or longer getaway - there are fantastic beaches to the north, west and south of our region, especially if you're willing to set off early.

The Met Office is predicting many will head to the coast this weekend as a heatwave sweeps across the country, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C in places.

Take a look at the best beaches to visit, either for a day trip or as part of a longer break.

Blackpool

Approximately just over 100 miles away from Shropshire, Blackpool's Pleasure Beach is one of, if not the most popular seaside resort in the UK.

With seven miles of sand, a theme park, many attractions and shows, there are lots to fill the day out with.

Whether you're looking for a family day out or you want a good time over a longer visit, Pleasure Beach is a great option with dozens of activities.

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare beach is two-and-a-half hours away from Shrewsbury.

It has several options for people to spend their time on such as the pier, children's entertainment, water sports, donkey rides and around six miles of beached area.

A trip to the arcades could be an option along with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy.

Probably one for a weekend trip though, given the distance.

Aberystwyth

Around 75 miles away from Shrewsbury, the beaches in Aberystwyth, Wales are multi-award winning beaches and have a five star water quality.

The Victorian Pier has plenty seaside favourites for families to enjoy such as ice cream parlours, fish and chips restaurants, donkey rides and more.

There are several different beaches in Aberystwyth giving people options to choose from depending on how they like to spend their time at the seaside.

South Beach is popular with surfers and is known to be a popular surfing spot.

Barmouth

Barmouth Beach is another award winning beach approximately 66 miles away from Shrewsbury and it offers beautiful sandy shores.

Family favourite activities are available to enjoy such as amusement arcades, donkey rides, bouncy castles and more for children to enjoy.

You can find lots of restaurants and cafes to indulge on your visit to the long sandy beach which is on the North Wales coast, near Snowdonia National Park.

Easily doable in a day, but you could turn your trip into a longer stay.

Rhossili Bay

Rhossili Bay Beach has been voted Wales' best beach in 2018 and third in the UK in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards and is often described as one of Wales' best beaches.

Around three-and-a-half hours away, Rhossili Bay is worth the trip to experience the stunning sandy shores and views.

It is widely recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK, and has won several accolades.

There is plenty to do in terms of activities apart from sunbathing in the sand, such as surfing, watersports, visit cliffs and even spot seals or dolphins which are often spotted nearby.

Rhossili Bay is part of the Gower Coast Path, and is accessed via the small village of Rhossili.

With so much today, and a lengthy drive, it's one for an overnight trip.

Barafundle Bay

Sat on the Pembrokeshire coast, around three-and-a-half hours away from the Midlands, this small bay has beautiful golden sand and crystal clear waters, and has been voted as one of the best beaches in Britain on multiple occasions.

There no facilities at the beach according to the website, but Stackpole Village is just a short distance away which has restaurants and pubs serving meals.

However, if you've got time for a weekend break, it's worth the trip.