August 30, 2024

Best Beaches in the British Isles

National Beach Day is dedicated to celebrating the beauty and recreational value of beaches while promoting environmental awareness and conservation. Here in the British Isles, we’ve had a rainy start to summer, but if you’re looking to head to the coast then read on. 

Reports of the water quality of the world’s oceans are cause for concern, but global organisation Foundation for Environmental Education are on a mission with their Blue Flag scheme to set stringent standards for environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria for beaches and marinas. 

The Blue Flag programme started in France in 1985 and came to the British Isles 37 years ago. Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, and Oddicombe in Torbay, Devon, have been on the list since the inception of the awards. The list is updated each year and the 2024 approved beaches are:

England


East Midlands 

Central Beach, Mablethorpe

Central Beach, Skegness

Central Beach, Sutton on Sea

East of England 

Three Shells Beach  

Westcliff Bay 

East Beach, Shoeburyness

Shoebury Common

Cromer

Sheringham 

West Runton 

East Runton

Frinton on Sea 

Brightlingsea

Dovercourt Bay  

Felixstowe

Southwold

North East 

Whitley Bay South

Tynemouth Longsands South

King Edwards Bay

Seaburn Beach 

Roker Beach

Yorkshire & Humber 

Whitby

Hornsea

Withernsea

South East 

Hayling Island Beachlands Central

Saltdean Beach

Hove Lawns

Tankerton

St Leonard’s Marina

Sheerness

St Mildred’s Bay 

Minnis Bay

Joss Bay

West Wittering Beach

Botany Bay

South West 

Blackpool Sands 

Poole, Shore Road

Poole, Sandbanks Peninsular

Avon Beach

Highcliffe Beach

Friars Cliff Beach

Poole, Canford Cliffs

Poole, Branksome Chine 

Alum Chine 

Manor Steps  

Durley Chine 

Fisherman’s Walk

Southbourne  

Carbis Bay

Crooklets 

Gyllyngvase 

Porthmeor

Polzeath

Porthtowan 

Trevone Bay  

Widemouth Bay

Summerleaze

Beer

Exmouth

Seaton

Sidmouth Town

Swanage Central

Dawlish Warren 

Breakwater Beach

Broadsands 

Meadfoot Beach  

Preston Sands 

Oddicombe

Torre Abbey Sands

Westward Ho! 

Weymouth Central

Croyde Bay

Scotland

Aberdour (Black Sands)

Aberdour-Silver Sands

Ballroom Aberdeen

Balmedie Country Park

Belhaven Dunbar

Billow Ness Anstruther

Brora Beach

Broughty Ferry

Burntisland

Carnoustie

Coldingham Bay

Collieston

Cowie Stonehaven

Cruden Bay

Dornoch (Caravan Park)

East Dunbar

Easthaven

Elie Woodhaven (Ruby Bay)

Fraserburgh

Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth

Girvan

Gullane

Inverboyndie

Kinghorn Harbour

Kingsbarns

Leven East

Longniddry

Lunan Bay

Maidens Turnberry

Millport Cumbrae

Monifieth

Montrose

Nairn Central

Pathhead Sands

Peterhead Lido

Pettycur Kinghorn

Prestwick

Roome Bay Crail

Sands of Breckon

Sango Bay

Seafield Kirkcaldy

Seton Sands Longniddry

St Andrews East Sands

St Andrews West Sands

Troon South

West Bay North Berwick

West Links Arbroath

Yellowcraig

Wales

Aberystwyth (South)

Borth

Broad Haven

Castle Beach Tenby

Caswell Bay

Cefn Sidan

Coppet Hall

Dale

Langland Bay

Llangrannog

Newgale Sands

North Tenby

Poppit Sands

Port Eynon

Prestatyn Central

Rest Bay Porthcawl

Saundersfoot

South Tenby

Trecco Bay Porthcawl

Tresaith

Whitesands

Northern Ireland

Benone Beach

Castlerock Beach 

Cranfield Bay

Downhill Beach 

Murlough Beach 

Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush West Strand Beach

Tyrella Beach

Whiterocks Beach 

Being awarded Blue Flag status means these beaches are meeting the highest environmental standards and most have dedicated teams of volunteers, local businesses and residents working hard to achieve the high standard associated with a Blue Flag accreditation.

Our Wild Samphire collection was inspired by the Irish coast. Its verdant coastal fragrance is fresh and bright, with added notes of Thyme, Lemon, Ivy and Juniper Berry. The collection utilises mineral-rich Sea Oak and Kelp which are sustainably sourced from Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. You can discover our Wild Samphire Handcare collection here. 

If you are planning a beach holiday this summer then take a look at our range of luxurious and sustainably made travel miniatures including Shampoos, Conditioners, Bath & Shower Gels, Body Lotions, Hand Sanitisers and more. You can use our bespoke travel-set creator to build your own personalised set of minis, making packing a breeze. Click here to find out more. 

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