Seven Essex beaches to fly Blue Flags and Seaside Awards again
Tendring coastline recognised for its high standards
Seven beaches along the Essex Sunshine Coast are set to display Blue Flags or Seaside Awards this summer, showcasing their exceptional quality and environmental standards.
Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has announced the recipients of the 2026 awards.
Tendring’s beaches that will hoist the Blue Flag this season include Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton, and Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion Beach.
Additionally, Harwich, Walton’s Naze Beach, and Martello Bay in Clacton have secured Seaside Awards.
With each Blue Flag beach also receiving Seaside Awards, the Tendring coastline continues to meet stringent criteria required for these accolades.
Councillor Mick Barry from Tendring District Council praised the achievement, saying, “Our coastline remains something we are incredibly proud of – an attractive place to visit for both local people and those coming from further afield.”
Councillor Barry emphasised the importance of these awards in celebrating Tendring’s natural beauty and encouraging more visitors to explore the area.
He added, “My thanks go not only to our council officers who work hard to maintain these high standards, but also to our partners who help to keep water quality high and the numerous volunteers and beach goers who keep these areas looking at their best.”
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards foster improvement of coastal and inland water standards nationwide, assuring visitors of safe, clean, and well-managed beach spaces.
Keep Britain Tidy manages the Blue Flag programme for the Foundation for Environmental Education, while the Seaside Awards acknowledge beaches with high-standard amenities.
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, remarked on England’s fortunate coastal landscape, noting the accolades as symbols of Tendring’s high standards.
She said, “Everybody involved in these achievements should feel proud of their ongoing work to care for and enhance these important local blue spaces.”