MANY of us enjoy catching a bit of sun by the sea when the weather is fine.

With the sunshine promising to last until the weekend and beyond, the beach is a popular destination for families looking for an affordable day out.

Just remember to apply sun cream and hydrate!

Looking for the right beach for you? Here are some suggestions within a 30 mile drive of Wrexham - although during half-term journeys may take longer as many of us will be getting out to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Five beaches you can visit this week:

1. Talacre

Talacre is Flintshire's most popular beach. It's several miles of sandy beach is backed by dunes means there is plenty of space for everyone. It's also dog friendly.

Talacre’s most famous feature is the Point of Ayr lighthouse which dates back to 1776.

The surrounding the beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the nearby Dee Estuary is a haven for birds.

The beach is the perfect place for a picnic, but you can also get food and drink and Lola & Suggs beachside coffee shop and The Point bar.

2. West Kirby Beach

West Kirby is a beach on the Wirral Peninsula. It boasts fine views across the Dee Estuary and North Wales.

Although smaller than some of the North Wales beaches, it is next to the West Kirby Marine Lake where watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and kayaking, are enjoyed.

One of the best features of the beach is the Hilbre-Island archipelag. The three islands, which are designated a nature reserve, are accessible from the beach at low tide - but you need to check the tide table as they are cut off for five hours a day.

Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be kept on leads on the nature reserve.

3. Barkby Beach

Barkby is a gem of a beach for those wanting something a little different than the popular seaside destinations of Rhyl and Prestatyn.

It is to east of Prestatyn’s main strip. The long sandy beach is flanked by a wide promenade, with picnic areas, perfect for a stroll in the sunshine.

The beach is a popular destination for watersport enthusiasts, so you might see people windsurfing or riding jetskis. The beach can be a little exposed when it is windy.

Dog restrictions are in place at Barkby between May and October - but dogs are permitted to the east of the promenade.

4. Meols Beach

Situated on the Wirral Peninsula, near Hoylake, this beach is popular with horseriders and birdwatchers. You might even see people driving sand buggies.

There are impressive views out over Liverpool Bay and, at low tide, there is a wide area of sand and mudflats.

The North Wirral Coastal Park provides lots of space for families and is the perfect place for a picnic.

Dogs are allowed on the beach.

5. Gronant Dunes

One of the best beaches for nature lovers, Gronant is part of the dune system between the more popular destinations of Talacre and Barkby Beach.

There are several viewing platforms from where you can take in the surroundings. Information boards will enlighten young and old alike about the plants and animals living in this SSSI area. You might spot natterjack toads, lizards, and little terms.

Gronant is another of North Wales' dog friendly beaches.