Many stunning UK beaches have won awards for their cleanliness and high water quality
The UK is home to dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, so there is no shortage of places to visit this summer.
Beaches across the UK have garnered praise for their clear waters and clean sands, and GB News looks at some of the most awarded destinations.
But which beaches have the cleanest water? Tynemouth Longsands in North Tyneside and Sandbanks, Poole in Dorset, have both received Blue Flag status every year for at least 30 years.
Beaches in Dorset and Devon dominated the list of award-winners, making them some of the best beaches to visit for a dip in the sea.
Blue Flag status is recognised internationally, and the Foundation for Environmental Education takes into account things like water quality, environmental education and environmental management when awarding these.
Here are some of the beaches with the cleanest water and sands based on these awards:
Longsands Beach in Tynemouth has long been considered one of the cleanest beaches to visit in the UK. It has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor, and visitors often comment on how spotless the beach and water are.
One reviewer commented: "Amazing beach. Clean, lovely sandy beach. The sea is clear and clean. Friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended for families." [SIC]
Another agreed, writing: "Absolutely stunning beach. Beautiful clean sand and water, with many swimmers and people enjoying the water."
Beaches in Dorset also proved successful in cleanliness awards, and Sandbanks, Poole, has won the most. Indeed, it was also awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award in 2024.
Tripadvisor states: "Naturally beautiful, with its golden sand, Sandbanks Beach has been designated by the European Commission as one of the few areas in the United Kingdom which has achieved the highest standard of cleanliness.
"Sandbanks has held the highly coveted international Blue Flag for the past 30 years."
Devon beaches have also impressed visitors and environmental groups alike, and Croyde Bay is one of its locations that has received Blue Flag and Seaside Awards.
On Tripadvisor, visitors described it as: "A beautiful and accessible Devon Beach. It is very clean and perfect for swimming and surfing with a good range of places to eat and drink." One more called it "exceptionally clean" while a third said it is a "stunning, clean and friendly".