Seven beaches on the Essex Sunshine Coast will again be able to proudly fly Blue Flags or Seaside Awards over this summer season.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has today (Friday, 15 May) announced the winners of the prestigious awards for 2026.

Tendring beaches have maintained the high standards required to be awarded the Blue Flag, meaning Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion Beach will once again hoist the award this season.

Additionally, Harwich, Walton’s Naze Beach, and Martello Bay in Clacton, have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality. Each of the Blue Flag beaches have also received Seaside Awards.

Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the high quality and stunning beauty – as well as public amenities – meant Tendring’s beaches had once again shone through.

“It’s great to see the Essex Sunshine Coast recognised once again for the quality of our beautiful beaches,” he said.

“Our coastline remains something we are incredibly proud of – an attractive place to visit for both local people and those coming from further afield.

“These latest Blue Flag and Seaside Awards show that our beaches continue to meet the highest standards in the country.

“They reinforce our commitment to celebrating Tendring’s natural features, helping to showcase our heritage and environment, while encouraging more visitors and longer stays.

“Achieving Blue Flag status is a significant accomplishment, and I’m particularly pleased that Walton’s Albion Beach has once again secured this highly regarded award.

“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 are designed to raise standards across England’s coastline and inland waters, while shining a spotlight on the country’s top beaches. These awards are the only way for the public to be assured that beaches are delivering a safe, clean and well-managed space for them to enjoy.

Blue Flag is an environmental education programme managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.  Seaside Award beaches have amenities at a high standard where they are provided.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “England is fortunate to boast some of the world’s finest beaches, and it’s encouraging to see this reflected in the awards to Tendring’s beaches, signalling its high standards to all who visit or live nearby.

“Everybody involved in these achievements should feel proud of their ongoing work to care for and enhance these important local blue spaces.”