You can get to a beach from Birmingham in under two hours if you time it right in your car. But if you’ve got a young family, the chance of getting stuck in traffic just isn’t worth it. Instead, why not hop on a direct train all the way to one of Birmingham’s closest Blue Flag beaches?
Just 118 miles away, the train departs from New Street and arrives in Borth exactly 2 hours and 42 minutes later. You can almost step directly onto the beach from the train station, for a three-mile stretch of golden sand and shingle in Wales—and it’s perfect for little ones, thanks to its shallow waters.
But Borth Beach isn’t just for families. It’s also popular among those looking for a quieter swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing and windsurfing location—at least compared to the usual hotspots like Weston-super-Mare or even Aberystwyth (which is only one stop along the line).
It’s also great for those tackling the Wales Coast Path, while you can also head inland, high into the Cambrian Mountains. Meanwhile, those looking for an easier walk can just trundle around the coastal village, which is full of quaint little shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs. There’s even a slipway for launching your own small boat.
What’s this I hear about a petrified forest?
An ancient submerged forest can be seen at low tide along the shoreline. According to myth, the 4,500-year-old petrified forest—made up of pine, oak, birch and willow tree stumps—belonged to a kingdom (known as the Sunken Hundred) that sank into the sea when Seithenyn, the guardian of sea defences, forgot to close the gates.
What is a Blue Flag beach?
There are a total of 188 Blue Flag beaches across the UK in 2026. This award recognises coastal spots (and one inland lake) with the highest standards of water quality, safety, cleanliness, and environmental management. Borth Beach also holds a Seaside Award, which recognises the overall destination as a clean, safe, and well-managed site with top-notch amenities.
