East Riding Beaches Shine with Blue Flags and Seaside Awards
East Riding Beaches Honoured
In exciting news for local beachgoers, five beaches in the East Riding of Yorkshire have been awarded prestigious Blue Flags and Seaside Awards for 2026, affirming their status as some of the best in the UK.
Hornsea and Withernsea have both received Blue Flag status, a symbol of excellence in beach management and environmental quality, as announced by the leading environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Hornsea has successfully earned this coveted award for six consecutive years, while Withernsea has achieved it for four years running.
Bridlington Beaches Recognized
In addition to the Blue Flag winners, Bridlington South, Bridlington North, and Wilsthorpe have been granted Seaside Awards, which recognize the quality and cleanliness of the UK's best beaches. Notably, this marks Bridlington South's first Seaside Award since 2022, highlighting ongoing improvements in beach management.
Water Quality Standards
All five beaches have demonstrated outstanding water quality, with Hornsea, Withernsea, and Wilsthorpe achieving ‘excellent’ results. Bridlington North recorded a ‘good’ rating, while Bridlington South met the ‘sufficient’ standard. Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, expressed pride in these achievements, stating, “For Hornsea and Withernsea to be able to fly Blue Flags for the 2026 season is a superb achievement, and for Bridlington’s two beaches to earn Seaside Awards, alongside Wilsthorpe, proves that water quality progress is being made.”
Importance of the Awards
These awards, now in their 39th year, are crucial in maintaining high standards across England’s coastlines. They not only celebrate beaches that excel in cleanliness and safety but also enhance the public's confidence in the quality of their local beaches.
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards serve as a reassurance to residents and visitors alike that these beaches provide a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment. Keep Britain Tidy emphasizes that these awards are the only way for the public to be assured that beaches are delivering a well-managed space for them to enjoy.
Criteria for Awards
Beaches are assessed against several criteria, including:
- Safety and services, such as first aid and lifeguards
- Environmental information, including details about local ecosystems
- Environmental management, including litter and waste management
- Water quality, with Blue Flag beaches needing to meet the ‘excellent’ standard as per the EU bathing water directive, while Seaside Award beaches must meet at least the 'sufficient’ standard.
All five awards applied for this year by the council’s coastal services team, which manages the area’s beaches, were successfully obtained, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and enhancing East Riding’s coastal environment.
Acknowledging Local Efforts
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, remarked on the significance of these awards, noting, “England is fortunate to boast some of the world’s finest beaches, and it’s encouraging to see this reflected in the awards to Hornsea, Withernsea, Bridlington, and Wilsthorpe, signalling their high standards to all who visit or live nearby.”
The recognition not only celebrates the beauty of East Riding's coastline but also reinforces the importance of ongoing efforts to care for and enhance these vital local resources. With these accolades, residents can take pride in their beaches while attracting visitors to enjoy the stunning East Yorkshire coast.