Let’s go to the beach

The 6 Closest Beaches to Stockport

           

Whisper it very quietly but all the signs seem to indicate that we are coming towards the end of the lockdown!

After many long and miserable months, it is time to think about holidays again. Holidays abroad may well be out of the question, but a trip to the seaside is an increasingly reasonable and fun prospect. Whether you take a day trip or a short UK break, we have done all the hard work for you and listed where to go, why go, and listed some handy hints on how to get there.

Blackpool

Famous for…

  • Blackpool illuminations
  • Blackpool Tower
  • Blackpool Zoo
  • North and South Pier
  • Blackpool Trams
  • Stanley Matthews
  • Also for being the place where former Coronation Street villain Alan Bradley met his demise!

How to get here

If you wish to arrive by car, Blackpool can be reached by getting on to the M60 from Great Portwood St/A560, continuing on M60. Take M61 and M55 to Preston New Rd/A583 in Lancashire. Take exit 4 from M55 turning onto Junction 32 off the M6. The M55 will lead you almost to the beach!

On the other hand, if you wish to travel by train, there is an hourly service on you can travel directly from Stockport to Blackpool North at around 10 minutes past every hour from Platform 4. If this does not fit in with your routine, you can change at Manchester Piccadilly.

For more information about Blackpool, see here: https://www.visitblackpool.com/

Lythan St Annes

Famous for…

  • Jennie Ecclair
  • Sir John Alcock
  • Lytham Proms Festival
  • Lytham Hall
  • Victorian pier

How to get here

If you fancy visiting somewhere quieter (and have no wish to be reminded of the ghost of Alan Bradley!) then Lytham St Annes offers much of the same sort of attractions (Victorian pier, beach huts), but with an atmosphere you may find more relaxing.

To get here via car, get on M60 from Great Portwood St/A560. Continue on M60. Take M61 and M55 to A5230 in Blackpool. Continue on Progress Way/A5230. Take B5261 to St Anne’s Rd E/B5233 in Lytham St Annes.

To get here via train, you can reach here by going from Stockport to Lytham, and changing at Kirkham and Wesham.

For more information about Lytham St Annes, see here: – https://www.visitstannes.info/about/seafront/st-annes-seafront-and-beach/

Southport

 Famous for…

  • Alexi Sayle
  • Lee Mack
  • Southport Flower Show
  • Albert Pierrepoint (hangman, yes, I know that’s a bit grim!)
  • Red Rum (three-times Grand National winner)

How to get here

To get here via car from Stockport travel down the M60, turn onto the M6, follow the A59 from Preston (exit 31 from the M6) and then follow the signs to Southport.

To get here via train, travel from Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly, then to Southport train station.

For more information about Southport, see here: – https://www.visitsouthport.com/

Formby

Famous for…

  • Sir John Moores (founder of Littlewoods)
  • Beryl Bainbridge (English novelist)
  • John Parrott (snooker player)
  • John Birt (former Director General of the BBC)
  • Wildlife and natural reserve (one of the few places in the country where red squirrels can be found!)
  • Excellent walking routes around Formby Village, Railway In Pub and Freshfields.

How to get here

To get here via car, travel down the M56 to Manchester, then turn down the M62 at Junction 12. At Junction 6, turn on to the M57. Continue on Broom’s Cross Rd/A5758. Take A565 to Freshfield Rd in Formby

To get here via train, travel from Stockport to Formby train station, changing at Liverpool South Parkway.

For more information about Formby, see here: – https://www.visitsouthport.com/shopping/formby-village-p35751

Llandudno

Famous for…

  • Neville Southall (footballer)
  • Margaret Lacey (actress)
  • Llandudno Pier
  • Llandudno Rugby Club
  • Great Orme Tramway

How to get here

To get here by car Get on M60 from Great Portwood St/A560. Take M56 and N Wales Expy/A55 to Princes Dr/Rhodfa’r Tywysog/B5113 in Colwyn Bay. Take exit 20 from N Wales Expy/A55. Take B5115 to Somerset St in Llandudno.

To get here by train go from Stockport station to Crewe, change at Crewe and then go to Llandudno Junction.

For more information, see here: – https://www.llandudno.com/

Morecambe

 Famous for…

  • Eric Morecombe (who else!)
  • Dame Thora Hird
  • Wayne Hemmingway (designer)
  • Tyson Fury
  • Morecombe Winter Gardens
  • Heysham Nature Reserve
  • Cinderbarrow Railway

How to get here

To get here via car get on M60 from Great Portwood St/A560. Follow M60, M61, and M6 to Lancashire. Take exit 34 from M6. Follow Bay Gateway/A683 to A589 in Morecambe.

To get here via train, travel from Stockport train station to Manchester Piccadilly changing at Lancaster and then to Morecombe train station.

For more information, see here: – https://exploremorecambebay.org.uk/

Fleetwood

Famous for…

  • Syd Little (of Little and Large fame)
  • George Smith (former MCFC footballer)
  • Wes Newton (professional darts player)
  • Alfie Boe (operatic tenor)
  • Electric trams
  • Fylde Folk Festival

To get here via car get on M60 from Great Portwood St/A560. Continue on M60. Drive from M61, M6, and M55 to Lancashire. Take exit 3 from M55. Continue on A585. Drive to Romney Ave in Fleetwood.

To get here via train travel from Stockport to Manchester Oxford Road. Go to Poulton le Fylde, then walk on foot towards Fleetwood.

For more information, see here: – https://www.visitfleetwood.info/

For more information about transport

Contact National Rail enquiries on 03457 48 49 50

Or purchase online tickets at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

You can also travel by coach via the National Express.

Their customer centre can be contacted by calling 0871 781 8181

Or you can find more information via their website at https://www.nationalexpress.com/en

How can we help?

Whether you want to start saving towards your next short break or you need a loan to help you out, Stockport Credit Union exists to help residents and employees of Stockport save and borrow fair and ethically.

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