With temperatures in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands set to rise above 30C over the coming week, finding ways to keep cool is essential.
Those lucky enough to have the coast on their doorstep are the envy of us here in Nottinghamshire, given that we live slap-bang in the middle of the country.
Temperatures are always more extreme away from the coast, making the lives of East Midlanders even more torturous during heatwaves.
The good news is that so many top-rated beaches and coastal gems are closer to Nottinghamshire than you might think.
With Lincolnshire to the east and Merseyside to the west, in little over two hours you can easily breathe some cooler air.
We’ve picked out nine beautiful beaches that you can reach from the East Midlands within a three hour drive:
1. 8 beautiful beaches within a 3-hour drive of Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands
Hunstanton beach is within a three-hour drive of Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands | Christine Matthews Photo: Christine Matthews
2. Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk (Approx. 2 hours and 22 minutes)
Just over a two-hour drive from Nottinghamshire, the beautiful Norfolk beach of Hunstanton is well worth a visit this summer. Hunstanton's stunning west-facing beach is just a short walk from the town centre, where visitors can choose from many different restaurants and cafes. Little ones can enjoy amusements along the seafront. | Richard Croft Photo: Richard Croft
3. Anderby Creek Beach, Lincolnshire (Approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes)
Nestled between Chapel St Leonards and Sutton on Sea, Anderby Creek Beach boasts a long, sandy beach with plenty of space for visitors to enjoy. Anderby Beach is known for its chilled-out vibe, with far fewer visitors than nearby Skegness and Ingoldmells. | Mat Fascione Photo: Mat Fascione
4. Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire (Approx. 2 hours)
Skegness is a beloved seaside destination known for its wide, sandy beaches and traditional British charm. Perfect for families, this Blue Flag beach offers clean waters for paddling, donkey rides along the shore, and amusement arcades along the promenade. Nature enthusiasts can explore Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, just a short drive away, for birdwatching and coastal walks. | Julian P Guffogg Photo: Julian P Guffogg