England’s best beaches revealed with Blue Flag awards

Keep Britain Tidy has announced the winners of 71 Blue Flags and 137 Seaside Awards, an increase of 18 beaches on 2018.

Published May 15, 2019

Last updated May 15, 2019

More than 200 beaches around England’s coasts have received awards for being clean, safe and meeting high environmental standards.

Keep Britain Tidy has announced the winners of 71 Blue Flags and 137 Seaside Awards, an increase of 18 beaches on 2018.

Dog walkers on the beach at sunrise in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, which was awarded a Blue Flag (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Blue Flag beaches also have to run a minimum of five educational activities for the local community and visitors to make people aware of the importance of looking after the natural environment.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea beach in Cleveland (Owen Humphreys/PA)

About four fifths of the 2,003 people questioned agreed they would feel more relaxed going to a beach with recycling bins that is less likely to have litter.

Tynemouth Longsands in South Shields (Owen Humphreys/PA)

“We as individuals feel emotionally connected to the environment more than ever, with so many experiencing eco-anxiety.

Whitby beach in North Yorkshire (Danny Lawson/PA)

“We’re incredibly pleased to have even more winners this year than last, proving the great dedication of the beach staff.

Families walk on Saltburn Pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea beach in North Yorkshire — Families walk on Saltburn Pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea (Owen Humphreys/PA)

“Thanks to the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, visitors can be reassured their destination is cared for and they will be able to help maintain the high standards of these awards thanks to their environmental initiatives.”