Blue Flag Beaches

It’s time to pack your bucket and spade and head off on your next UK beach holiday. We’re excited to share our top picks from the 2022 Blue Flag beaches list so you can start planning your summer staycation. From family-friendly beaches boasting miles of golden sand to pretty hidden coves, stunning dog walking spots and traditional seaside towns, there’s something for everyone on this year’s Blue Flag beaches list. The best part is, many of these spectacular beaches are within easy reach from one of our 66 UK holiday parks, so you’ll be perfectly placed for your next day out!

What are Blue Flag beaches?

Although we're used to seeing the flags flying at our beautiful beaches across the country, you may not know what it actually means to be a Blue Flag beach. In order to qualify for the prestigious Blue Flag award, beaches must meet the highest standards of safety and cleanliness as well as several educational and informative criteria. The prestigious mark awarded by this global programme guarantees the cleanest and safest beaches in the world.

How many Blue Flag beaches are there in the UK?

In 2022, the prestigious Blue Flag was awarded to 80 beaches in England and 22 beaches in Wales!

While Scotland no longer partakes in the Blue Flag awards, we couldn't leave them out. Keep Scotland Beautiful announced that 53 of the country's beaches had been awarded with their independently qualified Scottish Beach Award.

Discover some of our top picks below, plus a full list of England's Blue Flag beaches broken down by region.

1. Trevone Bay, Cornwall

First up on our list of the UK's cleanest beaches is impressive Trevone Bay in Cornwall. Just a short drive from our caravan parks in Newquay, Trevone Bay is a gently sloping sandy bay, nestled between North Cornwall's dramatic headlands. Facing west, towards the Atlantic, Trevone attracts rolling waves, making it a popular spot with surfers. Families love it too, thanks to its powder soft sand and lifeguard cover throughout the summer season. You'll also find rockpools and headland walks nearby too, ideal for explorers.

2. Whitley Bay Beach, North Tyneside

Just minutes away from our holiday park of the same name, Whitley Bay Beach has been granted the esteemed Blue Flag award for another year running and it’s easy to see why. With the majestic backdrop of St. Mary’s Lighthouse dominating the horizon, this glorious golden beach stretches for two miles of North East coastline. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the bustling promenade, much of which has been newly refurbished – the Spanish City is well worth a visit whether you fancy a glass of bubbles or some live entertainment!

3. Sea Palling Beach, Norfolk

If you’re seeking the perfect family-friendly beach, look no further than Sea Palling. Located between Great Yarmouth and Cromer, it offers the idyllic seaside break if you’re holidaying in Norfolk. Calmed with man-made defence reefs, the safe waters are perfect for children, and you’ll love soaking up the gorgeous countryside views from the soft sands. Just a 25 minute drive from both Summerfields and California Cliffs, Sea Palling offers the complete seaside experience with amusements, cafes and pubs set just off the beach.

4. Trecco Bay, Wales

We’re delighted to share that another Parkdean Resorts favourite has made the Blue Flag beach list in 2022. Nestled in the seaside town of Porthcawl in South Wales and right on the doorstep of Trecco Bay Holiday Park, it’s the perfect spot from which to explore the low limestone headland and sandy beach. Ideal for families, Trecco has lifeguard service in the summer months, meaning you can rest easy and let the kids make the most of the incredible Welsh coastline.

5. Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire

If you’re staying at Cayton Bay Holiday Park this summer, head north along the coastline and you’ll find the thriving seaside resort of Scarborough just a 10 minute drive away. Boasting the impressive ruin of Scarborough Castle as its backdrop, the North Bay claimed its Blue Flag status this year and is less commercialised than its South Bay counterpart. Backed by sea defences and a rocky outcrop, the excellent quality sand and clean waters mean the beach is popular with young families and surfers alike.

6. Westward Ho!, Devon

The quirkily named Devon seaside town, Westward Ho! is next on our list of 2022 Blue Flag beaches. Backed by a pebbled ridge, the vast sandy beach stretches two miles north of the town of the same name. Whilst popular with tourists, Westward Ho! rarely feels crowded due to the size of the beach and it’s a fantastic spot for taking to the waves for surfing and other water sports. Visitors to Bideford Bay Holiday Park can reach Westward Ho! in just 15 minutes.

7. Central Beach, Skegness

The popular seaside holiday destination of Skegness is buzzing with activities for the whole family, from amusement arcades to delicious fish and chips by the sea. Thrill-seekers will love Pleasure Beach Fairground, which is home to rides for all ages, but if you’re not an adrenaline junkie then don’t worry - there’s a massive amusement arcade, adventure golf and even 10-pin bowling! Holidaymakers visiting Southview can pop to Skegness in less than 10 minutes by car, making the Central Beach a fantastic day out you’ll want to relive time and time again.

8. Tynemouth Long Sands & King Edward’s Bay, North Tyneside

Moving back up north to the award-winning North East coastline, the next Blue Flag beaches on our list are just 10 minutes’ drive from Whitley Bay Holiday Park. A popular surfing spot, Longsands is a stunning expanse of golden sands that attracts tourists and locals all year round. Home to on-beach cafés and within walking distance from the Blue Reef Aquarium, Longsands is ideal for a family day out. With ramps on either side of the beach, it also has great access facilities, making it the perfect spot for a summer day trip.

King Edward’s Bay sits a short distance south of Longsands. The stunning 300-metre bay is overlooked by Tynemouth Priory and Castle, which boasts over 2,000 years of history.

9. Walton on the Naze Albion Beach, Essex

A mere half a mile away from newly upgraded Naze Marine Holiday Park, you couldn’t be better positioned for visiting the fantastic Blue Flag beach at Walton on the Naze. Surrounded by beautiful cliffs and home to the second longest pier in Britain, this stretch of sandy beach is popular with families due to the safe waters and abundance of nearby facilities and amusements. Offering a seasonal lifeguard service, the beach also benefits from the perfect sand consistency for building sandcastles, so the kids are guaranteed to love it!

10. Sandown Beach, Isle of Wight

Hopping across to the Isle of Wight for your next UK staycation? Sandown Beach is within close proximity to all four of our holiday parks and is one of the most recognised beaches on the island. It brings all that you could want from a traditional bucket and spade holiday, featuring the popular pier lined with beach cafés, amusements and souvenir shops galore. The beach itself provides miles of golden sand with deckchairs and windbreaks available for hire, plus there’s a lifeguard service during peak season.

Blue Flag Beaches in 2022

Did your favourite beach make the list? Let us know on our Facebook.