Discover Breathtaking Blue Flag Beaches Near You
Wave hello to the best Blue Flag beaches in the UK. Attracting visitors from across the world, Blue Flag beaches are recognised as some of the cleanest, safest, and most environmentally friendly beaches. Whether you’re excited to build sand castles and fly kites or you’re looking forward to swimming and surfing in clean waters, you’ll be delighted with your experience at these Blue Flag beaches.
Blue flag beaches in
East of England | East Midlands | Northern Ireland | North East | Scotland | South East | South West | Wales | Yorkshire and the Humber
- West Runton Beach
- Sheringham Beach
- Cromer Beach
- Southwold Beach
- Felixstowe South and Pier
- East Beach Shoeburyness
- Shoebury Common Beach
- Three Shells Beach
- Westcliff Bay
- Dovercourt Bay
- Brightlingsea Beach
- Frinton on Sea
- Skegness Beach
- Mablethorpe Beach
- Sutton on Sea Beach
- Murlough Beach
- Benone Beach
- Castlerock Beach
- Tyrella Beach
- Whiterocks Beach
- Downhill Beach
- Cranfield Beach
- Curran Strand Portrush
- Mill Strand Portrush
- Roker Beach
- Tynemouth Longsands
- Whitley Bay
- Kings Edwards Bay
- Seaburn
- Whitby Beach
- Hornsea Beach
- Withernsea Beach
- Aberdour-Silver Sands
- Broughty Ferry Beach
- Nairn Central Beach
- Belhaven Beach
- Aberdour Black Sands Beach
- Balmedie Country Park
- Billow Ness Beach
- Brora Beach
- Burntisland Beach
- Carnoustie Beach
- Coldingham Bay
- Collieston Beach
- Cowie Beach
- Cruden Bay Beach
- Dornoch Beach
- East Dunbar Beach
- Easthaven Beach
- Fraserburgh Beach
- Waters of Philorth Beach
- Girvan Beach
- Gullane Beach
- Inverboyndie Beach
- Kinghorn Harbour Beach
- Kingsbarns Beach
- Leven East Beach
- Longniddry Beach
- Lunan Bay
- Maidens Turnberry Beach
- Monifieth Beach
- Montrose Beach
- Pathhead Sands
- Pettycur Kinghorn Beach
- Prestwick Beach
- Sands of Breckon Beach
- Sango Bay
- Seafield Beach
- Seton Sands
- St Andrews Beach
- Troon South Beach
- West Bay Beach
- Yellowcraig Beach
- Tankerton Beach
- St Leonards Beach
- West Wittering Beach
- Hove Beach
- Botany Bay
- Joss Bay
- Minnis Bay
- St Mildreds Bay
- Widemouth Bay
- Avon Beach
- Breakwater Beach
- Trevone Bay
- Blackpool Sands
- Canford Cliffs Beach
- Branksome Chine Beach
- Sandbanks Beach
- Alum Chine Beach
- Manor Steps Beach
- Durley Chine Beach
- Fisherman’s Walk Beach
- Southbourne Beach
- Friars Cliff Beach
- Highcliffe Beach
- Carbis Bay Beach
- Crooklets Beach
- Gyllyngvase Beach
- Porthmeor Beach
- Polzeath Beach
- Porthtowan Beach
- Summerleaze Beach
- Trevone Bay
- Widemouth Bay
- Beer Beach
- Exmouth Beach
- Seaton Beach
- Sidmouth Beach
- Croyde Bay
- Swanage Bay
- Dawlish Beach
- Breakwater Beach
- Broadsands Beach
- Meadfoot Beach
- Oddicombe Beach
- Preston Sands
- Torre Abbey Sands
- Westward Ho! Beach
- Weymouth Beach
- Newgale Sands
- Whitesands Beach
- Llangrannog Beach
- Rest Bay
- Langland Bay
- Aberporth Beach
- Aberystwyth (South) Beach
- Amroth Beach
- Borth Beach
- Broad Haven Beach
- Castle Beach
- Caswell Bay
- Coppet Hall Beach
- Cefn Sidan Beach
- Tenby Beach
- Dale Beach
- Pembrey Beach
- Poppit Sands Beach
- Port Eynon Beach
- Prestatyn Central Beach
- Saundersfoot Beach
- Trecco Bay Beach
- Tresaith Beach
Blue Flag beaches in the East of England
With a 500-mile coastline, the East of England has some phenomenal beaches perfect for a coastal getaway.
Nestled between Sheringham and Cromer, West Runton Beach is a beautiful, quiet beach perfect for a relaxing escape. When the tide goes out, you’ll find yourself walking on the sandy shore. West Runton Beach is great for rockpooling, diving, and surfing.
Nearest campsite: West Runton Club Site (6 minute drive*)
Lying on the edge of the traditional Victorian seaside town of Sheringham, Sheringham Beach is a great place to lay your towel, light a BBQ, and relax in the baking sunshine.
Nearest campsite: West Runton Club Site (10 minute drive*)
Popular for swimming and surfing, Cromer Beach is a sand and shingle beach in the traditional Victorian seaside resort town of Cromer. If you want to stretch your legs, take a walk along the promenade and capture the town's scenery from the pier.
Nearest campsite: West Runton Club Site (9 minute drive*)
Southwold Beach is a golden sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and enjoying the waves. If you’re visiting in the winter, treat yourself to some fresh doughnuts and hot chocolate. Or, if you’re going during the summer, indulge in some delicious ice cream and traditional fish and chips.
Nearest campsite: Kessingland Club Site (16 minute drive*)
More Blue Flag Beaches the East of England:
Blue Flag Beaches in the East Midlands
Most of the East Midlands is landlocked, so there aren't many beaches. However, Lincolnshire borders the East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber, so there are some popular Blue Flag Beaches.
Everything you’d expect from a typical seaside resort can be found at Skegness Beach. Not only are there acres of golden sand, but you’ll also find an amusement park, arcade, water park and the Skegness Pier.
Nearest campsite: Mablethorpe Club Site (40 minute drive*)
This Blue Flag beach has so much to offer. Enjoy crafting sandcastles in the soft sand, take a dip in the clean waters, play a game of mini golf or visit the nearby fairground.
Nearest campsite: Mablethorpe Club Site (4 minute drive*)
Sutton on Sea Beach sits in a charming coastal village that makes for a great family holiday. It's a dog friendly beach that is great for walks and perfect for swimming.
Nearest campsite: Mablethorpe Club Site (7 minute drive*)
Blue Flag beaches in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is home to a phenomenal 474-mile-long coastline. On one side, you’ll find the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, the Irish Sea. The coastline consists of stretches of golden sand, impressive sand dunes and backdrops of mountains, cliffs, caves and temples.
Murlough Beach is a five-mile-long stretch of golden sand sitting under the beautiful Mourne Mountains. As the winds along the coast can be strong, Murlough Beach is popular for all kinds of surfing.
Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park (27 minute drive*)With several miles of golden sand, Benone Beach is a picture-perfect Blue Flag beach in Northern Ireland. Enjoy a picnic on the sand with a view of mountains in the background, or take on water sport activities like swimming, fishing or surfing.
Sand dunes, sea cliffs and the Lower River Bann estuary are just a few key features that make Castlerock Beach an award-winning hot spot.
A popular spot for water sports enthusiasts is Tyrella Beach. Not only are there high waves and high winds perfect for surfing, but the beach is also a peaceful place to enjoy fishing and birdwatching.
Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park (23 minute drive*)
Surrounded by limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle, Whiterocks Beach is popular for surfers and photographers. While visiting, you may see horses galloping beside the waves, as this Blue Flag beach is a popular spot for horse trainers.
More Blue Flag Beaches Northern Ireland
Blue Flag beaches in the North East
Nestled along the rugged coastline of the North East of England lie some breathtaking Blue Flag beaches. These safe and clean beaches have spectacular views, sit beside charming fishing villages and make for a fantastic beach escape.
Roker Beach is a hidden gem on the north-east English coast. Visitors can enjoy plenty of water sport activities, including canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. If you don't enjoy water sports, Roker Beach is great for fishing, cycling, walking, and dolphin spotting.
Tynemouth Longsands is an incredible beach that’s built up a reputation for surfing after holding the national championships. Not only can you learn how to surf or test your skills, but you can also relax on the sandy beach and appreciate the cliff views, sand dunes and rock formations. The beach is also used by Newcastle United Football Club for training.
Nearest campsite: Dunstan Hill Club Site (50 minute drive*)
You’ll be continuously entertained when visiting Whitley Bay. The sandy beaches are perfect for long walks and building sand castles. There’s also an outdoor play area and water park, which is great for kids.
More Blue Flag Beaches in the North East
Blue Flag beaches in Yorkshire and Humber
Discover Blue Flag beaches in Yorkshire and Humber. You’ll come across miles of sandy shores and quaint coves tucked away between towering cliffs and waters perfect for swimming, surfing and more.
Whitby Beach is a picture-perfect beach located on both sides of the River Esk. On your visit, bring along plenty of beach games or a kite to fly. The beach has an outdoor paddling pool, skateboard area and offers donkey rides for children.
Nearest campsite: Scarborough Club Site (30 minute drive*)
A quiet beach nestled in East Riding of Yorkshire is Hornsea Beach. This is a nature lover's dream as it's great for bird watching and seal spotting. It’s also a fantastic beach for those who enjoy watersports or fancy a picnic on the sand.
Surrounded by beautiful granite rocks, Withernsea Beach is the perfect Blue Flag beach to set up a picnic on a warm day and watch the world go by.
Blue Flag beaches in Scotland
Scotland is flooded with beautiful mountains, magical castles, charming villages, incredible landscapes, and, of course, many spectacular Blue Flag beaches. Located across the country, these beaches are definitely worth visiting. You can enjoy watching wildlife, capturing great views, lying on the sand, or splashing in clean waters.
Located on the beautiful Fife coast, Aberdour-Silver Sands is a peaceful beach where you can enjoy stretches of golden sand and spot seals in the water which live on the nearby Inchcolm Island.
Nearest campsite: Scone Club Site (50 minute drive*)
Labelled the ‘jewel of Dundee’s crown’, Broughty Ferry Beach is a spacious sandy beach that’s nestled beneath a historic castle in Broughty Ferry. You’ll find spectacular dunes and beautiful views across the Tay Estuary.
Nearest campsite: Scone Club Site (50 minute drive*)
A lovely mix of greenery, sand, and water, Nairn Central Beach is a sandy beach with beautiful views across the Moray Firth and the Black Isles. On your visit, you may be able to spot some dolphins in the distance.
Nearest campsite: Nairn Club Site (8 minute drive*)
Belhaven Beach is a quiet Blue Flag beach located in Dunbar. Here, you can set up a picnic with your loved ones, relax and read a book in the sunshine, fly kites, or enjoy water sport activities such as swimming and surfing.
Nearest Campsite: Dunbar Club Site (11 minute drive*)
More Blue Flag Beaches in Scotland
Blue Flag beaches in South East
Merely a few hours away from the capital lie some exceptionally clean and well-maintained beaches. It's no wonder they have received Blue Flag status time and time again.
Tankerton Beach is a shingle beach ideal for paddling and exploring rock pools. On your visit, you can walk to the clean waters and splash about or set up a picnic on the grass and watch the tide come in and out.
Nearest campsite: Canterbury Club Site (22 minute drive*)
This resort beach is a shingle beach in East Sussex. When the tide is low, shallow sand is exposed. The beach has excellent facilities, and it’s a great place to swim.
Nearest campsite: Normans Bay Club Site (24 minute drive*)
Praised for its high water quality and excellent facilities, West Wittering Beach is a fabulous, family-friendly Blue Flag beach. There are plenty of fun activities to take part in when visiting, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and horse riding.
Nearest campsite: Chichester Club Site (24 minute drive*)
More Blue Flag Beaches in the South East
Blue Flag beaches in South West
With a 700-mile-long coastline consisting of breathtaking views, dramatic cliffs and golden sandy beaches, it’s no wonder why this region is a hot spot for British summer holidays. You’ll find plenty of Blue Flag beaches in the South West, with clean waters, pristine facilities and a haven for wildlife.
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Stretching for two miles, Widemouth Bay is a golden sandy beach just outside the resort town of Bude. It’s great for surfers as it can get breezy, and when the tide is low, the waters are also perfect for rockpooling.
Nearest campsite: Bude Club Site (11 minute drive*)
Avon Beach is a sandy beach suitable for families. There are many beach huts, benches for picnics, and stores where you can purchase essentials. Due to its clean waters, Avon Beach is also popular for swimming and other water sport activities.
Nearest campsite: Verwood Club Site (33 minute drive*)
Sitting next to the picturesque Brixham Harbour is a small yet stunning shingle beach, Breakwater Beach. With its calm and clear waters, it's a good place for scuba diving, and there are plenty of colourful fish, seahorses, and seagrass to see.
Nearest campsite: Dartmouth Club Site (40 minute drive*)
Trevone Bay has a beautiful sandy beach with rocky ledges on either side. Here, you can explore marine life and enjoy rockpooling. Swimming and surfing are also incredibly popular at the beach.
Nearest campsite: Tregurrian Club Site (25 minute drive*)
Located in Devon, Blackpool Sands is a picturesque pebble beach with exceptional views. This Blue Flag beach has plenty to do, including paddleboarding and kayaking along the coastline. The beach also has a sauna where visitors can relax after a swim or revitalise their senses and alternate between the sauna and dipping in the ocean.
Nearest campsite: Slapton Sands Club Site (9 minute drive*)
More Blue Flag Beaches in the South West
Blue Flag beaches in Wales
The Welsh coastline stretches for approximately 1680 miles, and most of it consists of beaches ranging from vast sandy stretches to smaller coves and bays. Wales boasts its brilliant Blue Flag beaches, which sit alongside the coast and make for exceptional getaways.
One of the biggest and arguably the best beaches in Wales is Newgale Sands. The two-mile-long Blue Flag beach is incredibly spacious and perfect for activities. You can enjoy flying kites, playing beach games, or taking to the water to try surfing, kite surfing, wild swimming, and more.
Nearest campsite: St Davids Club Site (20 minute drive*)
Another popular spot for surfers is Whitesands Beach. Nestled in Pembrokeshire, this beach curves north towards the rocky headland of St David's Head. The beach is a good base for walks along the Pembrokeshire coast path and to the summit of Carn Llidi, where you’ll see magnificent views.
Nearest campsite: St Davids Club Site (16 minute drive*)
Sitting below a series of craggy cliffs and making up a scenic Wales Coast Path is Llangrannog Beach. This quiet beach is great for families. Enjoy bathing in the sun, splashing in clean and clear water, and building sand castles. If you look out to the water, you may even spot seals.
Nearest campsite: Cardigan Bay Club Site (20 minute drive*)
More Blue Flag Beaches in Wales
*Drive times may vary
Remember to check out our beach packing checklist, so you won't forget a thing when visiting these magnificent Blue Flag beaches.