Blue Flag Beaches 2021

With 400 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the best beaches in the UK to choose from, we Love South East England!  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 is home to six out of Kent's ten blue flag award winning beaches, along with a further four beaches that hold the seaside award. Discover beaches backed by stunning white cliffs and colourful beach huts, places to enjoy sandcastle building, rockpooling, cave exploring and much more.  From beaches brimming with natural beauty, offering peace and quiet and a chance to escape, to traditional holiday resorts full of watersports and family friendly seaside adventures, your sure to find a beach that is right for you.   Remember to share your experiences on twitter by using the #loveourbeaches hashtag.

Kent's Award Winning Blue Flag Beaches

• Minnis Bay
• Tankerton
• West Bay
• Minster Leas
• Sheerness Beach
• Stone Bay
• St Mildreds Bay
• Margate Main Sands
• Leysdown Beach
• Westbrook Bay

Seaside awards

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

Best Beaches in Sussex

Award Winning Blue Flag Beaches in Sussex

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

Seaside award winners

• 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

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is home to 9 of Dorset's award winning blue flag beaches, from the famous Sandbanks Peninsular to the beautiful Victorian seaside resort of Swanage.  The Alum Chine Beach loved by the Bournemouth locals to Fishermans Walk. with its acres of sand and lift for less mobile visitors.  In less than 22 miles you can enjoy the best beaches Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have to offer. 

Dorset's Award Winning Blue Flag Beaches

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

Seaside award winners

• Avon Beach
• Bournemouth Pier
• Boscombe Pier
• Friars Cliff Beach
• Highcliffe Beach

Best Beaches on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has a varied and interesting coastline with inlets, caves and secluded beaches. For sandy beach lovers head to the East of the island, to Sandown,Shanklin or to Compton Bay on the West.  Discover the picturesque Freshwater Bay or the cove of Steephill, tucked away at the foot of the Ventnor Undercliff area

Blue Flag Beaches on the Isle of Wight

It has been a while since the Isle of Wight has applied for Blue Flag status, with beaches of Sandown, Ventnor, Yaverland and Colwell featuring in previous years and Springvale, Seagrove and Shanklin receiving seaside awards. 

In 2021, as the country came out of lockdown Sandown was delighted to renew and receive it's blue flag status.

• Sandown

Seaside awards

• Springvale
• Seagrove
• Shanklin

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