Bournemouth & Poole - the UK's leading Blue Flag Beaches

The South Coast’s leading resorts have retained their award-winning Blue Flag status.

Bournemouth Seafront and neighbouring Poole have each won four Blue Flags and in addition Bournemouth has been presented with the impressive Quality Coast Award. Combined the resorts have more Blue Flags than any other UK destination – unquestionably reaffirming the area as a leading European location.

The breadth of water sports on offer in Bournemouth & Poole is unmatched across Europe and has accrued eight flags. It boasts the world's second largest natural harbour, scheduled completion of Europe’s first artificial surf reef and a vast choice of water sports from Poole through Bournemouth and Boscombe and beyond. This area of the South is truly established as Europe’s leading beach and water sports destination.

Prestigous award scheme

Blue Flag is a prestigious, international award scheme which acts as a guarantee to tourists that a beach they are visiting is one of the best in the world – both on the beach and in the water.

Blue Flags have been awarded to: Alum Chine beach, Durley Chine beach, Fisherman’s Walk and Southbourne in Bournemouth and Sandbanks, Shore Road Canford Cliffs Chine and Branksome Chine in Poole.

Mark Smith, Director of Bournemouth Tourism said: “Blue Flag Awards are a great achievement to receive each year and we’re very proud that our beaches are classed as some of the best in world. This year we have the addition of the Quality Coast Award for Bournemouth Pier which is awarded to beaches which are well managed, have good, clean facilities and EU standard bathing waters. These awards are down to the dedication and hard work of everyone who plays their part in the Seafront Team, keeping Bournemouth beaches maintained to the highest standards”.

Bournemouth currently holds 10 Green Flag awards for its parks and gardens which means, that with its Blue Flags, holds more awards than any other town in the UK.

According to the environmental charity 'ENCAMS', organisers of the awards; “This year is officially one of the best on record for the quality of England's beaches, offering a great opportunity to people looking for a low-cost, stress-free way of taking a break in the coming months”.