'Best beach' with lighthouse and stunning sunsets just two hours from Birmingham

New Brighton Lighthouse
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Situated on the northeastern edge of the Wirral Peninsula, overlooking Liverpool Bay, New Brighton offers a unique seaside experience. Unlike its larger counterparts such as Blackpool, Scarborough and Whitby, this compact beach resort is a lesser-known Victorian gem brimming with activities.

Research conducted by the team at OLBG reveals that this sandy retreat is ideal for a day filled with fun, offering visitors a slice of beach life with stunning views across the River Mersey towards Liverpool.

In recent years, the town has experienced a revival, morphing into a lively centre boasting a cutting-edge all-digital cinema, a refurbished theatre, and an array of cafes, bars, and eateries. This, coupled with its inherent Victorian seaside allure, has positioned New Brighton as the premier destination for coastal pursuits in Northern England, as per the research.

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The urban gem
The urban gem is just a stone's throw from the sprawling metropolis of Liverpool -Credit:Liverpool Echo

New Brighton's beaches are a concealed treasure, renowned for their almost unrivalled sunsets. A beautiful 3/4-mile stretch of golden sand, it becomes a favourite spot for tourists during the summer season, and dogs are always welcome.

One of the most popular attractions is Champion Golf, a mini-golf course that's one of the most impressive in the world. Each of its 18 holes is inspired by the World's Greatest Golf Holes. The Marine Point development also offers a variety of restaurants, shops and an entertainment centre.

History buffs visiting the town can immerse themselves in the rich past that's evident at every turn. Fort Perch Rock, built as a coastal defence battery to protect the Port of Liverpool during the Napoleonic era, is a magnificent building that has played a crucial role in Merseyside's history. You can even take a tour of it.

New Brighton Lighthouse, one of Wirral's most iconic landmarks, stands tall at 95ft. Surrounded by New Brighton Beach, it's the perfect spot for capturing stunning photos at sunrise or sunset.

A visit to New Brighton wouldn't be complete without a stroll around Victoria Road in the Victorian Quarter, where you'll find cafes, bars, a vinyl record store, charity shops, quirky independent retailers and more.

Visitors have been flocking to TripAdvisor to leave their thoughts on the local beach, with one praising: "The beach was very clean and well maintained even with the large quantity of visitors on the day. The water was pristine and the sky clear, the perfect opportunity to lie back and let the kids loose with their sand castles and shoreline swimming."

Another visitor added their own touch of approval, saying: "A lovely place to sit beside in the summer while enjoying an ice cream."

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