Whether you’re after a tranquil day by the sea, old fashioned family fun or dramatic coastal landscapes, here’s our selection of the best beaches in Britain boasting the prestigious Blue Flag award.

Botany Bay, Kent

Botany Bay in Broadstairs is a hidden gem offering spectacular views of white cliffs and chalk stacks. Perfect for families, this tranquil sandy beach is almost 200 metres long with safe bathing conditions. When the tide is out, it is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. Allegedly, Botany Bay got its name when smugglers who frequented it were deported to Botany Bay in Australia.

Brightlingsea Beach, Essex

Lined with colourful beach huts and backed by a promenade, Brightlingsea is a popular resort with families and day-trippers. Formerly an important fishing and shipbuilding area, this traditional sandy beach is now a haven for yachting. If you’re after some peace and quiet, the beautiful surrounding countryside is a lovely place for short walks.

 

Cromer Beach, Norfolk

If you are after a traditional Victorian seaside resort, Cromer in North Norfolk is the beach for you. The sand and shingle beach is popular for swimming and surfing and the pier houses a theatre and garden. A promenade runs along the beach to Cromer, which is a classic seaside town, situated on a cliff-top.  

Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall

Porthmeor in St Ives’ is a consistent Blue Flag winner and arguably one of Cornwall’s finest beaches. Popular with surfers as well as families, the sandy beach is overlooked by numerous artists’ studios and the Tate gallery. It boasts a dramatic coastal landscape bordered by rugged headlands.

West Wittering, West Sussex

Situated within beautiful open Sussex countryside, this large unspoilt sandy beach has stunning views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. The natural beach has extensive grasslands and tidal pools, and it is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. With only a small café and rows of beach huts, this is the perfect place for a relaxing day by the sea.

What to wear

Combine a pastel linen shirt with smart chino shorts for a stylish seaside ensemble. A panama hat exudes sophistication and offers practical sun protection, whilst a cotton scarf will protect you from a bracing sea breeze. Casual boat shoes will complete the look. 

Our sporty swim shorts will look smart out of the sea with a vibrant polo shirt, raffia hat and casual slip on shoes.

 

Image 1 kent.co.uk, image 2 the beachguide.co.uk, image 3 the beachguide.co.uk, image 4 simplystives.co.uk, image 5 rightmove.co.uk