Six beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have successfully retained their Blue Flag status for 2026, marking another year of high standards for the region’s coastline. Announced on 15 May 2026, the awards recognise local efforts in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
The beaches receiving the prestigious Blue Flag accreditation this year are Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk and Highcliffe Beach. Sandbanks has also achieved a milestone by holding the status for 39 consecutive years, remaining accredited every year since the awards began. Nationally, Keep Britain Tidy presented awards to 128 sites across the country, with 63 locations securing Blue Flag status.
In addition to the Blue Flag recipients, Bournemouth, Boscombe and Avon Beach received Seaside Awards. This brings the total number of recognised beaches in the area to nine. While Avon Beach qualified for a Seaside Award, it missed out on the Blue Flag status for 2026 due to an administrative error that prevented it from being submitted for consideration by BCP Council. The council noted that it attempted to appeal the oversight after it was discovered, but the application deadline had already passed.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, stated that the recognition reflects the dedication of the seafront teams and the collaborative work with local partners, businesses, and community organisations. He added that the awards highlight the consistently high standards maintained across the coastline.
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