We have hopes of upcoming summer season solar in the UK – and with that, we have discovered a renewed have to lounge on a beach with a great ebook and an limitless stretch of afternoon. Britain may not be recognized for a reliably sizzling midsummer, however a lot of its seashores have now been confirmed to be the best in Europe.
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards have been revealed for 2026, highlighting the cleanest, most secure and most environmentally well-managed seashores throughout the continent. The awards are managed by Keep Britain Tidy in England, and the Blue Flag is a globally-recognised label for the best seashores, marinas and inland bathing waters.
This 12 months, a complete of 128 websites – comprising 126 seashores, a marina and an inland bathing water – have been offered with awards. Of these, 61 seashores have met the excessive requirements required for a Blue Flag award. From Devon to Norfolk, a lot of the nation’s coastlines have obtained the prestigious award, together with Bournemouth Beach.
It could be recognized for hen and stag dos, however Bournemouth beach can be favoured for being considered one of the warmest and most swimmable patches of shoreline in the UK. At this basic British seaside, you will discover a promenade and footpath that takes you to Hengistbury Head to the east and Sandbanks to the south, arcades, ice-creams, and all the pieces else you need at a beach.
Underneath its well-known cliffs, the spot is undeniably standard in the summer season months, however, as the Blue Flag notes, it is rather clear and well-managed.
I’m a fan of Bournemouth beach, and go to yearly. The powdery sand and turquoise water shock me each time – I by no means count on to see such a wonderful shoreline in the UK. Although sure areas can get actually busy on heatwave days and summer season months, the additional alongside the promenade you stroll, the nearer you will get to a coveted quiet nook the place you may hone in on the lapping waves and their therapeutic properties.
I additionally like to do the stroll from Bournemouth Beach to Sandbanks, one other picturesque beach just beneath two hours away. The stroll takes you alongside the candy-coloured beach huts and cliffs – it is such a peaceable solution to spend a morning.
Alongside Bournemouth Beach, Sandbanks Beach additionally obtained a Blue Flag award this 12 months, including to its legacy of receiving the award yearly because it started. Other seashores included Whitley Bay, Sea Palling Beach and Porthmeor Beach.