St Annes Beach officially one of UK's best after winning national Seaside Award
‘A beach worth celebrating’
St Annes Beach has been named among the winners of the 2026 Seaside Awards as the international Blue Flag programme celebrates its 39th year.
Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy announced the latest Blue Flag and Seaside Award recipients for summer 2026, recognising beaches that meet high standards for cleanliness, safety and management.
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The awards are designed to raise standards across England’s coastline and inland waters while highlighting some of the country’s best beaches. Organisers say they provide assurance to visitors that beaches offer a safe, clean and well-managed environment.
‘A beach worth celebrating’
A spokesperson for Fylde Council said: “We’re absolutely delighted that St Annes Beach has once again been recognised with a Seaside Award – it’s a fantastic achievement that the whole community can be proud of.
“St Annes Beach is one of our greatest assets, and this award is a testament to the hard work that goes into keeping it clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone who visits. Whether you’re a local enjoying a stroll along the seafront or a visitor discovering our beautiful coastline for the first time, this recognition is your assurance that St Annes is a beach worth celebrating.”
Seaside Awards are presented to beaches that demonstrate quality and diversity along England’s coastline.
Assessment criteria include safety measures and services such as first aid and lifeguards where required, environmental information about local ecosystems, litter and waste management, and water quality standards. Designated bathing waters receiving a Seaside Award must achieve at least a “sufficient” water quality rating.
‘High standards’
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 award to St Annes Beach 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.”