Seven beaches on the Essex Sunshine Coast will proudly fly Blue Flags or Seaside Awards this summer.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has today (Thursday, 15 May) announced the winners of the prestigious awards for 2025.

This year the beaches in Tendring that have met the high standard required to be awarded the Blue Flag are Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion Beach.

Walton’s Albion Beach has regained its Blue Flag, having not been entered by Tendring District Council (TDC) last year because the water quality had previously only been recorded as ‘good’ rather than ‘excellent’ following planned works to the local water network in 2023.

In addition, Harwich, Walton’s Naze Beach, and Martello Bay in Clacton, have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality. Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton and Walton’s Albion Beach also received Seaside Awards alongside their Blue Flags.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the awards recognised the beauty and quality of Tendring’s beaches.

“It’s fantastic to see our Essex Sunshine Coast once again celebrated for its stunning beaches,” he said.

“Our coastline continues to be a source of pride – a wonderful destination for both residents and visitors alike.

“These latest Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are a clear sign that our beaches rank among the best in the country.

“They support our ongoing commitment to showcasing Tendring’s natural beauty, help us to promote our heritage and environment, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.

“Maintaining Blue Flag status is no small feat and I am delighted that Walton’s Albion Beach has regained this prestigious accolade.”

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education and is only presented to beaches with water which has achieved the highest classification as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive, as well as maintaining a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.

Seaside Award beaches have amenities at a high standard where they are provided.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton said: “In England we are lucky enough to have some of the best beaches in the world. It’s wonderful to see the flags flying proudly over seven beaches in Tendring, demonstrating their quality to residents and visitors alike.

“The awards are a credit to the collective efforts of beach and site managers, volunteers, residents and businesses who should take pride today in their tireless efforts to maintain, protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular blue spaces.

“Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards.”

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