Another great year for Britain's beaches!

We’re delighted to announce the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2021.

And the good news is that every single one of them is on the ‘green list’ for this summer, proving that you don’t need to jet off to Europe or even further afield to visit some of the best beaches in the world – they’re right here on our doorstep!

This year, England can boast 76 Blue Flag beaches, more than Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Israel, Malta, Mexico or South Africa.

In addition, 132 beaches have received a Seaside Award and, for the first time in England, a Blue Flag marina – Royal Albert and Salthouse Dock marina in Liverpool.

The international Blue Flag and the UK Seaside Awards are the quality marks for our beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as the tough international bathing water quality standards.

Our Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, we are going to be relying on our country’s beautiful beaches to escape for a much-needed break after all the stresses and strains of the past year.

“Whether it’s camping in Cornwall, renting a cottage in North Yorkshire or simply having a day out at the seaside in Sussex, a fantastic beach is an essential part of a holiday for so many of us.

“Last year, due to the pandemic, we did not have the opportunity to celebrate all the great award-winning beaches around the coast so this year we are delighted to have even more winners than we did in 2019, thanks to the incredible work of the teams around the country that make our beaches clean and safe for us all to enjoy.

“From environmental education for the local community and ensuring responsible beach use, to cleaning regimes and an increasing number of recycling facilities, it is a full-time commitment to create beaches worthy of these awards.

“As we all plan our 2021 holidays much closer to home, thanks to the Blue Flag and Seaside Award those choosing to holiday at a destination with an award-winning beach can be assured it will be clean and safe and meet the highest standards for water quality and management.”

Commenting on the first Blue Flag marina in England, Allison added: “I would like to congratulate Canal and River Trust for securing the country’s first Blue Flag for its marina in Liverpool, which offers the highest standards of environmental information and management, safety and services"

In Wales, 45 Blue Flags are flying at 42 beaches and three marinas and 25 beaches have achieved the Seaside Award for their standard of water quality and facilities, awarded by Keep Wales Tidy. A further 13 beaches have gained the Green Coast Award, recognising the ‘hidden gems’ along the Welsh coastline.

A full list of England’s award-winning beaches is available here and Wales' award winning beaches is viewable here