Being landlocked in Birmingham, residents don't have the luxury of popping to the coast when the sun shines. However, the city and surrounding areas are blessed with plenty of manmade beaches right on the doorstep. Most are free to visit and often feature funfairs and family activities throughout the summer holidays. Some even boast paddling pools or lakes where children can cool off while splashing around and making new friends. Visitors are advised to check timings before heading out to avoid disappointment.
Birmingham Beach in Digbeth
Birmingham Beach has moved to a new location for 2026. Previously held at Smithfield and then Pype Hayes Park, this year's summer-long event is taking place on Digbeth High Street. It runs from Friday July 17 until Bank Holiday Monday August 31, open daily from 1pm 'until late'. The beach features a large sandy area lined with deckchairs and beach huts, along with fairground rides and stalls selling candy floss and doughnuts. Parking is available in Digbeth, and it's a short walk from New Street and Moor Street train stations. Entry is free; visitors only pay for rides.
Northfield Beach at Victoria Common
The much-loved Northfield Beach event returns for summer 2026, organised by the Northfield Community Partnership. It runs from July 23 to 26, bringing four days of fun to Victoria Common on Church Road. Free to attend, the event offers arts and crafts, live music, performances, and activities for all ages. The park also has a playground, outdoor gym, football pitch, and open fields for games and picnics.
Touchwood Summer Sessions in Solihull
Solihull's Touchwood Shopping Centre is hosting a free beach again this year. Touchwood Summer Sessions launch on Saturday July 18, when schools break up, and continue daily until Monday August 31. Free activities throughout the school holidays include a K-Pop party, bubble shows, drama tots, a Jamaya BBQ, and beach-themed arts and crafts.
New Square Beach in West Bromwich
New Square Shopping Centre is bringing back its manmade beach, and new for 2026 there is free crazy golf and Toy Story themed activities. The West Bromwich beach runs from Monday July 20 to Sunday August 30. Free face painting is available every Wednesday from 11am to 4pm, a special Buzz and Friends event on August 11, and crazy golf on August 28. All activities are free, with a small fee for fairground rides that includes a donation to New Square's partner charity, the West Bromwich Albion Foundation, supporting families in need.
Farmarama at National Forest Adventure Farm
Farmarama is not free but is well worth a mention due to its size. Held at the National Forest Adventure Farm in Tatenhill, Burton, it features a sandy beach twice the size of last year, with over 400 tonnes of golden sand, plus five huge paddling pools. Running from Saturday July 18 to Saturday September 1, attractions include deck chairs, ice cream, foam parties, craft activities, and seaside shows. Families can get £2.50 off normal ticket prices through the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, and everyone visiting before Sunday August 23 receives a free return ticket for use during the summer holidays.
Nottingham Beach in Old Market Square
A bit further afield, Nottingham Beach is a popular summer destination. Running from July 15 to August 31 in Old Market Square, it offers more than just a beach. There is live music, DJs, movie nights, salsa dance parties, and volleyball for the whole family, all free of charge.
Lakeside Beaches: Rutland Water and Cotswold Country Park
Two more beaches within easy reach of Birmingham include Rutland Water Beach in Leicestershire and the Cotswold Country Park and Beach in Gloucestershire. Both are free to visit; visitors only pay for parking.
