Seaside Award for beaches and coastal areas

Run by Keep Britain Tidy, the Seaside Award celebrates the high standards of England's beaches. Unlike the international Blue Flag, which focuses on designated bathing waters, the Seaside Award recognises a wider range of coastal sites, rewarding them for their excellent standards of management and cleanliness. It provides visitors with a clear sign of a well-cared-for coastal destination.

How You Will Be Evaluated 

The awards are judged on a set of rigorous criteria to ensure every winning site meets the same high standard. The process is straightforward: you submit a detailed application form and a site management plan. Your site is then assessed by one of our trained, volunteer judges who will provide you with valuable, impartial feedback. 

The key criteria for the award focus on: 

• Management and Cleanliness: Sites must demonstrate excellent standards in how they are managed and maintained, with a specific focus on cleanliness.
• Safety and Services: Beaches must have appropriate safety measures and services in place, such as first aid equipment. 
• Wider Coastal Sites: Unlike the international Blue Flag, which is for designated bathing waters, the Seaside Award can be given to a broader range of coastal sites. 

Why you should apply 

Earning a Seaside Award brings a wealth of benefits to your site and community: 

• Increase visitor numbers: A flying Seaside Award is a powerful marketing tool that assures the public they are visiting a high-quality coastal site. 
• Gain recognition: Join an exclusive group of England’s best coastal destinations, gaining local and national recognition for your efforts. 
• Improve management: The application and judging process provide a valuable framework for reviewing and improving your site’s operational management and cleanliness. 
• Boost staff morale: Motivate and reward your team by celebrating their hard work and dedication to achieving excellence. 

Ready to apply? 

If you're ready to prove your commitment to excellence, here’s everything you need to know about the application process. 

• Who can apply: The award is open to any publicly accessible beach or coastal site in England. 
• How to apply: The application period opens each autumn. Simply apply online through the Keep Britain Tidy website by submitting a detailed application form and your site's management plan. 
• The timeline: The judging process takes place throughout the spring and early summer, and the winners are announced in July. 
• Costs: Application fees vary based on the type and size of your site. For specific pricing, please refer to the official application guidance. 

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