Welsh seaside town is a direct train ride from England and has stunning beaches

For those living miles from the seaside, a day at the beach is often more hassle than it's worth. It usually involves hours of driving and the inevitable headache that comes with trying to find a parking spot. However, there's one seaside location on the west coast of Wales that allows Brummies to leave their cars at home, as it's directly accessible by train from the city centre.

The delightful town of Aberystwyth is flanked by two main beaches, connected by a mile-long Victorian promenade. Both beaches are conveniently located near the town's railway station, just an eight-minute walk to the bustling North Beach and 11 minutes to the more tranquil South Beach.

North Beach, the closest to the town centre, is a dark sand and shingle beach that's a hit with families and has been awarded both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards.

It's also the nearest beach to the Royal Pier, where visitors can indulge in fish and chips or ice cream, enjoy a drink at one of the bars, spend their spare change at the amusement arcade, or take in the views from the Pier Garden.

At the quieter northern end of the promenade lies Constitution Hill, which boasts a cliff railway and the world's largest camera obscura.

On the other hand, South Beach is a favourite among surfers and is an excellent spot for dolphin watching and exploring rock pools. The gently sloping sand and shingle beach also enjoys sunshine for most of the day.

An 800 year old castle, one of the town's main landmarks, sits in ruins atop a hill between the two beaches. Visitors can still wander through the historic ruins of Aberystwyth Castle, a fortress with roots dating back to the 13th century.

Nestled behind the promenade, Aberystwyth's main shopping hub offers a mix of high street favourites and unique independent shops, alongside a variety of cafes, pubs and eateries.

On the first and third Saturday of every month, the local farmers market brings around 30 stalls to the town, offering organic produce, locally crafted items and more. For those looking to venture further afield, the Ceredigion Coastal Path offers stunning views of the Cambrian Coast.

Train tickets from Birmingham New Street to Aberystwyth can be snapped up directly from the Trainline website, with prices starting from just £16 one-way. The journey takes approximately three hours, , reports Birmingham Live.

If you're planning a longer stay, visit Booking.com or HolidayCottages.co.uk to browse places to stay.