Beaches across the South retain Blue Flag status - but Weymouth loses the accolade
9 beaches in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been given the award
Last updated 15th May 2025
Beaches across the South have been awarded the prestigious 'Blue Flag' status for their water quality for another year, but Weymouth's lost theirs.
Nine across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been confirmed to have excellent water quality, and it comes shortly after Bournemouth beach was chosen as the 12th best beach in the world – and the best in the UK – at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025.
However, the stretch of sand at Weymouth Central missed out after the level of water quality was downgraded from "excellent" to "good" last year 2024, when inspected by the Environment Agency.
The beaches given Blue Flag Status are: Avon Beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe, Sandbanks, and Shore Road; Bournemouth Pier has been given a Seaside Award.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure, and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “We are very proud to have our beaches recognised, once again, as Blue Flag locations – highlighting our stunning natural surroundings.
“Each day our dedicated teams work around the clock to ensure our beaches meet Blue Flag standards – so that residents and visitors can enjoy the best of our coastline.
“We are fortunate to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline on our doorstep and ask our visitors to help us stay award-winning by picking up their litter, leaving only footprints and protecting our environment for generations to come.
“I particularly want to thank our partners, local businesses and organisations who have all united and worked together to fund the programme, in order to retain our Blue Flag status for another year.”
Andy Lennox, Chair of the Destination Management Board, said: “These awards are a perfect example of cross organisation collaborative working.
“Together a powerful coalition of local business, business improvements districts and BCP Council have worked to secure our beaches retain Blue Flag status once again. This is a testament to the collective commitment to quality, safety and environmental excellence.
“Having to retain these flags each year ensures that everyone one remains focused on those values.”
To qualify for a Blue Flag award, beaches must satisfy standards in four categories, with 33 individual targets covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.
Sandbanks beach has been awarded Blue Flag status in every year the awards have been running with this marking its 38th year of accreditation.