The South West of England boasts some of the country’s finest coastal gems, and its beaches truly shine. With over 70 Blue Flag beaches across England, more than half are located right here in the South West, offering an abundance of beautiful, clean, and safe shores to explore.
Although no beaches in Somerset received the Blue Flag award this year, many prestigious beaches within easy driving distance hold this internationally recognized accolade. The Blue Flag status is reserved for beaches that meet stringent criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and accessibility, ensuring a superior experience for visitors.
However, not all news is positive for Dorset. Weymouth Central Beach lost its Blue Flag status in the latest assessment, following a downgrade in water quality from “excellent” to “good” by the Environment Agency at the end of 2024. Despite this, nine other Dorset beaches maintain their Blue Flag awards, continuing to offer visitors clean and well-managed coastal spots.
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For Somerset residents and visitors alike, the South West remains a prime destination to enjoy top-quality beaches that combine natural beauty with high environmental and safety standards.