Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has announced the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2022.

Among them is Oddicombe Beach who has received a Blue Flag every year since the scheme was launched 35 years ago.

Breakwater Beach, Broadsands, Meadfoot Beach, Preston Sands and Torre Abbey Sands also met the high standard required and will join Oddicombe Beach in flying the internationally recognised Blue Flag.

These six have also been awarded the Seaside Award along with Maidencombe, Goodrington, Paignton and Anstey’s Cove.

Across the South West a total of 56 beaches have been presented with an award recognising the quality of the beach, the way it is managed and the facilities it offers to residents.

Cllr Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Torbay Council, said; “It is fantastic that Oddicombe Beach has retained its Blue Flag for an impressive 35 years. I am also delighted that our other award winning beaches also get to retain their awards and fly their award flags with pride. I’d like to thank everyone who does their bit to make sure our beaches remain clean and inviting for all users.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company Ltd, said; “The English Riviera really stands apart from other UK destinations because of the incredible beaches that are on offer. Out of our 20 beaches, ten of them have been internationally recognised for their exceptional quality and management.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said; “The success of Torbay in reaching the high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces – from beach managers and volunteers to local residents and businesses. The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.

“People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. It is only presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, while Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.

Among the criteria beaches are assessed against are:

• Safety and services, such as first aid, lifeguards where necessary
• Environmental information including displaying details about local eco systems
• Water quality – Blue Flag beaches must meet the ‘excellent’ water quality standard as set out in the EU bathing water directive and Seaside Award winners must meet the 'sufficient’ standard.
• Environmental management, including litter and waste.

Find a beach in Torbay, including those that welcome dogs all year round on the beaches pages of our website. 

Learn more about the work of Keep Britain Tidy. 

Blue Flag Awards & Seaside Award Winner 2022. The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England's coastline and promoting England's best beaches. Image shows two deckchairs on a sandy beach.