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 2025 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. Best of all, many of these award-winning beaches are just a short trip from our holiday parks!
What are Blue Flag beaches?
Blue Flag is an international award presented to beaches that meet the highest standards of environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, it's a globally recognised mark of excellence in beach quality, with strict criteria for water cleanliness, safety provisions, and environmental management.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in the UK in 2025?
For 2025, England boasts 76 Blue Flag beaches, and Wales has 21. While Scotland doesn't take part in the Blue Flag scheme, many of its beaches hold the independently verified Scottish Beach Award, with 52 beaches receiving this accolade.
1. Trevone Bay, Cornwall
Located on the rugged North Cornwall coast, Trevone Bay is a picturesque sandy cove near Padstow. This Blue Flag winner is a hit with families and surfers alike. Its soft golden sand, rockpools and nearby headland walks offer plenty to explore, and it benefits from lifeguard cover during the summer season.
2. Whitley Bay Beach, North Tyneside
Just a stone's throw from our Whitley Bay Holiday Park, this beach has once again earned Blue Flag status. Stretching along the North East coast, it offers stunning views of St Mary’s Lighthouse and features a wide promenade, clean waters, and family-friendly facilities.
3. Sea Palling Beach, Norfolk
This family-favourite beach is known for its calm, protected waters thanks to offshore reefs. Located near Great Yarmouth, it’s perfect for paddling, sunbathing and beachcombing. It also features amusements, cafes, and convenient parking – ideal for a classic seaside day out.
4. Trecco Bay, Wales
Right on the doorstep of Trecco Bay Holiday Park, this long sandy beach in Porthcawl is ideal for families. With safe, clean waters and seasonal lifeguards, it’s a haven for sandcastle builders and beachgoers looking for peace of mind.
5. Westward Ho!, Devon
Close to Bideford Bay Holiday Park, Westward Ho! is famous for its expansive sands and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is backed by a natural pebble ridge and has superb accessibility, making it a hit with families and watersports fans alike.
6. Central Beach, Skegness
Located near Southview Holiday Park, Skegness Central Beach continues to deliver classic British seaside charm. With its pier, amusements and traditional seaside fun, it's ideal for families and just a short walk from town.
7. Tynemouth Long Sands & King Edward’s Bay, North Tyneside
These two neighbouring beaches, both proudly flying the Blue Flag, are just 10 minutes from Whitley Bay Holiday Park. Long Sands is a surfer’s paradise with ample space and beachside cafes. King Edward’s Bay is smaller and more sheltered, sitting beneath the historic Tynemouth Priory and Castle.
8. Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
Just minutes from Naze Marine Holiday Park, this sandy Blue Flag beach is a family favourite thanks to its pier, amusements, and safe waters. With gently sloping sands and plenty of amenities, it's a must-visit on the Essex coast.
9. Swanage Beach, Dorset
Swanage Beach is a quintessentially English seaside destination, known for its clear waters and gently sloping sands. Ideal for families, it offers everything from beach huts and traditional fish & chips to kayak hire and scenic steam railway trips. Its calm conditions also make it popular for paddleboarding and swimming. It's a must-visit if you're staying at Sandford Holiday Park, less than a 30 minute drive away.
10. Oddicombe Beach, Devon
Nestled beneath the red cliffs of Babbacombe, Oddicombe Beach offers a quieter spot on the English Riviera. With a cliff railway connecting it to the town above and calm waters ideal for swimming, it combines natural beauty with accessibility. It's just a short drive from Torquay Holiday Park.
Did your favourite beach make the list? Let us know on our Facebook page!