Blue Flag Beaches 2018

With around 300 miles of beautiful coastline, it's no wonder that the South East is home to many of the best beaches in the UK. If you're after somewhere for a safe, clean and enjoyable day out by the seaside, then our list of Blue Flag award winning beaches is perfect for you and your south coast holiday.

Whether you're looking for golden sandy beaches, an evening stroll to watch the sun set or something more adventurous like water sports and activities, the South East has it covered. Combined with some of the best weather in the UK, why go abroad when there are world class coastal destinations on your doorstep?

Blue flags are awarded to beaches with high water quality and excellent facilities, safety and environmental education. The seaside award is designed to recognise different uses of the UK's coastline. It ensures visitors are guaranteed to find a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch.

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Best Beaches in Kent

Thanet has the most Blue Flag beaches in South East England, boasting six of Kent's nine, along with a further four seaside awards. Share your experiences and see some great images on twitter by using the #loveourbeaches hashtag.

Kent's Blue Flag Beaches

• Botany Bay
• Minnis Bay
• Tankerton
• West Bay
• Joss Bay
• Minster Leas
• Sheerness Beach
• Stone Bay
• St Mildreds Bay

Seaside awards

• Herne Bay
• Leysdown
• Margate Main Sands
• Minster Leas
• Ramsgate Main Sands
• Reculver
• Sandgate Beach
• Sheerness Beach
• Tankerton
• Viking Bay, Broadstairs
• Westbrook Bay

Best Beaches on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has not applied for Blue Flag status since 2014, but below is a list of beaches that won awards in that year.

Blue Flag Beaches on the Isle of Wight

• Sandown
• Ventnor
• Yaverland
• Colwell

2017 Seaside awards

• Sandown
• Springvale
• Seagrove
• Shanklin

Best Beaches in Sussex

Blue Flag Beaches in Sussex

• Brighton Central
• Hove Lawns
• Marina St Leonards
• West Wittering

Seaside awards

• Bognor Regis East
• Littlehampton Coastguards
• Marina St Leonards
• Pelham Beach, Hastings
• Saltdean, Brighton
• West Wittering
• Worthing Beach

Blue Flag Beaches in Hampshire

• Hayling Island Beachlands

Best Beaches in Dorset

Dorset's Blue Flag Beaches

• Alum Chine
• Branksome Chine
• Canford Cliffs
• Durley Chine
• Fisherman's Walk
• Sandbanks Peninsular
• Shore Road
• Southbourne
• Swanage Central
• Weymouth Central

Seaside awards

• Avon Beach
• Bournemouth Pier
• Boscombe Pier
• Friars Cliff Beach
• Highcliffe Beach
• Swanage Central
• Weymouth Central

Looking for your ideal beach holiday accommodation? Find hotels, B&Bs, self catering, campsites and much more for your break by the south coast.