Britain’s best beaches for 2023
The cleanest coastlines to visit this year
This year, it’s all about the cleanest beaches, when our favourite spots are also the most spotless. The good news is, there’s plenty of glorious stretches of coastline around Britain to be explored. Here’s my pick of 10 of the best beaches around the nation which were awarded a Blue Flag status in 2023.
Nairn Central, Highlands
Consistently voted one of Scotland’s best beaches by travellers on Trip Advisor, lovely Nairn is a stunning stretch of sand and a great place to walk.
Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Devon and Dorset are packed with beautiful sandy beaches, but a classic holiday spot is still Weymouth Beach. The curvy bay with its sandy beach, has lots to do for kids, making it a family favourite.
Polzeath Beach, Cornwall
It’s famous for its gorgeous beaches and Cornwall got nine Blue Flags this year. Our pick is famous surfing beach Polzeath, with its waves and buzzing scene.
West Wittering, West Sussex
A little bit of London-by-sea, West Wittering has sand, dunes, beach huts and tidal pools and is one of The British Travel List’s family’s favourite spots.
Blackpool Sands Beach, Devon
Confusingly-named as it’s not that Blackpool, but rather Blackpool Sands, the most picturesque little bay you have ever seen, near Dartmouth, in Devon
Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has 10 Blue Flag beaches, so you are spoilt for choice on the Welsh coast. The family-friendly Broad Haven and neighbouring Little Haven, are some of our faves.
Stone Bay Beach, Kent
Kent won nine Blue Flags this year, three of which were in beautiful Broadstairs. We like the quiet Stone Bay Beach with its sandy bay and beach huts, protected by the chalk cliff.
St Andrews West Sands, Kingdom of Fife
It’s famous for the opening scene of Chariots of Fire, but you should run to West Sands if you get the chance. The two-mile stretch of sand, near St Andrews, is just glorious.
West Runton Beach, Norfolk
This year, Cromer Beach, Sheringham Beach and West Runton Beach in Norfolk, were awarded Blue Flags. West Runton is in between the other two and is a sand and shingle beach popular with fossil-hunters.
Whitby Sands Beach, North Yorkshire
Also known as West Cliff Beach, the beach at Whitby is just lovely. Spend a day on the sand, then explore the pretty town on the hill top, with its famous Abbey.
Find a Blue Flag beach at blueflag.global