We have long since known that Devon and Cornwall have the UKs best beaches, but now it is official! The Blue Flag scheme criteria includes standards for water quality, safety, environmental education and information as such, The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.
We are very proud to say that Devon and Cornwall have been awarded a total of 16 Blue Flags with a further 29 seaside awards made across the region.
In Devon, Blue Flags will fly at Breakwater, Meadfoot and Oddicombe Beach in Torbay, Westward Ho!, Sandy Bay, Blackpool Sands and Challaborough.
This year, Blue Flags will be hoisted above Cornwall Council’s Gyllyngvase in Falmouth; Porthminster and Porthmeor in St Ives; Polzeath; Porthtowan; Trevone and Widemouth, near Bude. All were successful in their bid for a Seaside Award.
In addition, Porth near Newquay has been granted a Seaside Award and joins Crooklets and Summerleaze in Bude in gaining a Keep Britain Tidy award for the beaches that meet the very highest standards for cleanliness and facilities.
Just up the road in Teignbridge, Dawlish Warren has been awarded Blue Flag, while Coryton Cove, Teignmouth and Ness Cove have all been named as winning Seaside Awards.
So if you love the feel of the sand beneath your toes, visit Devon or Cornwall for the best Beaches in the country.