Beaches in the West Country have stood up to new, tougher blue flag award standards with admirable aplomb so which will you visit first?
In total, 23 beaches in the South West have been granted blue flag status and the new Seaside Award replacing the QualityCoast Award has been handed out to 27 West Country beaches.
There are fewer Blue Flag beaches to choose from nationwide this year as each had to meet new "excellent" standards under the new EU Bathing Waters Directive. The 55-beach UK total is down from 79 in 2012.
Ever popular beach Sandbanks, in Poole, Dorset, will no doubt be full to bursting each time the sun shines this year. The golden sandy beach has held a Blue Flag Award for 26 years.
Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, boasts an award-winning café and, as with a good selection of West Country beaches, has an RNLI lifeguard on duty.
Blackpool Sands (pictured above) near Dartmouth is a beautiful beach. Check out the fantastic Venus Cafe if you visit.
Dawlish Warren, South Devon, is part of a National Nature Reserve, with its wildlife making it a unique attraction.
Westward Ho! has won a Blue Flag Award for its 10th year in a row.
Winning West Country Blue Flag beaches include: Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Branksome in Poole, Blackpool Sands, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk in Bournemouth, Southbourne, Carbis Bay, Polzeath, Porthtowan, Gyllyngvase, Porthmeor, Sandy Bay, Salcombe South Sands, Swanage Central, Dawlish Warren, Breakwater, Broadsands, Meadfoot, Oddicombe.
Use our explore the area map to find a holiday cottage close to the West Country beach of your choice, or call us on 01647 433593 for human help!
