Teignbridge beaches flying the flag amongst the best in the UK

For the first time Teignmouth has received the prestigious Blue Flag award and joins Dawlish Warren, celebrating its own 21st consecutive year, in being recognised as amongst the best beaches in the UK.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy today also announced that Coryton Cove in Dawlish, Dawlish Town and Shaldon's Ness Cove have retained their Seaside Awards. The independently assessed seal of approval is awarded to beaches which achieve very high quality standards excellent cleanliness, safe access and appropriate signage.

By being awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren show they have passed tough criteria for environmental management, visitor facilities, cleanliness and clean bathing waters, meaning that residents and visitors to the resort can expect a top quality experience.

All the awards reassure visitors that they can look forward to enjoying some of our best loved beaches but can have confidence their visit will be enjoyable with all beaches maintaining high standards of management, cleanliness and safety.

The announcement is a timely boost as the summer season gets underway with beaches and resorts hoping for a busy May bank holiday and half-term.

Teignbridge District Council’s Managing Director, Phil Shears, said:
“This is fantastic news and I take great pride in saying our Teignbridge beaches are amongst the best in the country. These awards don’t come easily and are testament to the hard work put in not only by our outstanding Resorts team but also local volunteers who support the environment. Thank you to everyone involved and I’m hoping it will be a brilliant summer that will attract locals and visitors alike to our award winning beaches.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton, said: “The success of the 156 beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses."

“When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”

Environment Agency's Environment Manager, Bruce Newport, said: “A blue flag for Teignmouth is very well deserved. The long-running Love Your Beach campaign, led by Teignbridge District Council and involving ourselves and a range of organisations, has greatly raised awareness amongst businesses and visitors, helping improve the quality of the local bathing water. The Love Your Beach Action Group has really encouraged the local community to play their part in helping to reduce sources of pollution such as misconnections and dog fouling.”

Visit South Devon’s Marketing Executive, Anna Roach, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that Teignmouth Town Beach has joined Dawlish Warren Beach in being award a prestigious Blue Flag, and that holiday markers, visitors and locals can enjoy world class bathing waters.”   

Chair of Dawlish Warren Tourism Group, Helen Scott, said: “Dawlish Warren Tourism are delighted with the news that Dawlish Warren Beach has retained the prestigious Blue Flag Award again this year making it a fabulous 21 years. Our thanks goes to Sarah Holgate, the Teignbridge Resorts Team and volunteers who work together to keep our local beach clean and safe for visitors and locals.”

This year environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is presenting 208 awards to England’s very best beaches, including 71 international Blue Flags and 137 Seaside Awards, with 52 beaches achieving both awards.

Photos - if used in print or online, please credit the Teignmouth Town beach photos to Gary Holpin/Visit South Devon.