England in top ten for world’s best beaches

Keep Britain Tidy today announced the results of the annual Blue Flag awards, with 79 English beaches receiving the globally-recognised award this year – that’s nine more Blue Flags than 2011, guaranteeing more visitors peace of mind that their trip to the seaside will be clean and litter-free.

From Tyne and Wear to Torbay, beaches around our country’s coastline have been rewarded for their top-notch facilities and high standard of water quality. The results mean England is ranked in the world’s top 10 countries for having the most Blue Flag beaches out of the 46 countries taking part in the Blue Flag scheme.

Flying the flag for England’s seaside resorts in 2012 is Thanet in Kent with nine Blue Flags, followed by Torbay and Cornwall with five each. But the awards aren’t confined to the south of the country – beaches in Northumbria, Yorkshire and along the East of England coastline will be flying the Blue Flag this year.


In addition to the 79 beaches awarded a Blue Flag, 99 beaches around England have received Keep Britain Tidy’s Quality Coast Award, with the Isle of Wight leading the way with 11 awards, followed by Torbay with 10 awards and Scarborough with eight awards.

In total, England will boast an impressive 142 award-winning beaches in 2012 (with 36 beaches flying both the Blue Flag and Quality Coast Award).

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which is responsible for the Blue Flag scheme in England and the Quality Coast Awards, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that England has more Blue Flag’s this year and with a total of 142 beaches around England receiving Blue Flags and Quality Coast Awards, what better way to holiday in this country than to visit one of the award-winning beaches.

“Winning beaches along our coastline ensure high standards of excellence for visitors. These high standards are testament to the hard work carried out by beach managers throughout the year in order to provide clean and safe beaches for everyone to enjoy, whether you live on the coast or are a visitor.”

The number of beaches receiving a Blue Flag or Quality Coast Award in 2012 proves that our shores continue to shine, offering residents, day-trippers and tourists alike well-maintained and well-managed places to visit.

Looking for the latest FABUKBreaks offers on a wide range of UK Holiday ideas let FABTHINGS2do help you.