Beaches & Coastal Areas

FELIXSTOWE NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.9603, 1.3551
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A wonderful seaside beach with plenty to do and see. The beach itself is sand and shingle that slopes gently towards the sea in its own sheltered bay, and backed by a two-mile promenade and gardens. Local facilities include catering, toilets (including disabled facilities), and convenience stores. Parking for around 100 cars is available nearby. Don't forget the Martello Coast Path that runs by the beach, perfect for family walks or dog walking.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FELIXSTOWE SOUTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.9543, 1.3415
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Felixstowe South Beach is a wonderful shingle and sand beach that slopes gently towards the clear sea. Set in front of seafront gardens and a promenade with amusements, this beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and an ENCAMS Seaside Award for quality of water, its facilities and cleanliness. A pier is available nearby, as is crazy golf and a leisure centre.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

DOVERCOURT BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.9287, 1.2737
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Situated between Walton and Manningtree in Essex, Dovercourt Beach could well be the best in Essex with its Blue Flag status. Renowned for being the location for the 80's sitcom Hi-De-Hi, there is plenty to do and see on and around the beach, including restaurants and hotels along the coast.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

WALTON BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.847, 1.2733
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FRINTON BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.8284, 1.2464
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

HOLLAND BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.8131, 1.2259
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CLACTON BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.793, 1.1713
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

BRIGHTLINGSEA BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.8057, 1.0106
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CLACTON (GROYNE 41) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.785, 1.1535
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CLACTON BEACH MARTELLO TOWER BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.7799, 1.1401
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

JAYWICK BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.7726, 1.1128
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SOUTHWOLD THE DENES BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.3193, 1.6787
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A quiet shingle beach that is bordered by the River Blyth on one side, and the historic seaside town of Southwold, this beach provides good activities, including fishing and windsurfing. Toilets are situated nearby, and a cafe/restaurant can also be found nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SOUTHWOLD THE PIER BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.3308, 1.687
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Southwold Pier is one of the finest examples of a pier beach to be found in the British Isles. Attracting thousands of visitors it is one of Suffolk's greatest attractions, and was awarded the prestigious title of 'Best Tourism Experience'. The beach is a fantastic place to relax, bathe and have some quality family fun together.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

WEST MERSEA BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.7703, 0.9303
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LOWESTOFT (SOUTH OF CLAREMONT PIER) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.4638, 1.7452
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Gorgeous stretch of sandy beach known locally as Victoria Beach. Part of the area of Suffolk known as Sunrise Coast, water quality is good for swimming and bathing. Diving, snorkelling, lawn bowls and tennis are popular local activities. Lifeguard service is available during summer months.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LOWESTOFT (NORTH OF CLAREMONT PIER) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.4683, 1.7488
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

This lovely wide beach is set in front of a promenade, cafe, shops and other facilities that make it perfect for families. Its sandy beach is great for watersports - although this is sectioned off. A lifeguard service is available during summer months, and dogs are banned from certain areas of the beach from May - September. Activities include surfing, wind surfing, jets-skiing, fishing and snorkelling.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LOWESTOFT (GUNTON DENES) BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.4958, 1.75833
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GORLESTON BEACH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.5667, 1.7327
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

One of Norfolk's dog-friendly beaches, Gorleston Beach is a sandy beach that offers plenty of activities, including sailing, surfing, wind surfing and fishing opportunities. Local facilities include a cafe, toilets and disabled facilities, a first aid point and shop.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GREAT YARMOUTH SOUTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.5963, 1.7388
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

South of Welling Pier is Great Yarmouth South Beach, featuring a wide sandy beach with grassy sand dunes, ideal for families wanting a quieter time, but still being close to all the action and fun around Marine Parade. On-street parking is available, where you will also find public toilets and disabled access to the beach. Dog walking welcome all year.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GREAT YARMOUTH PIER BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6052, 1.7396
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

The Great Yarmouth Pier beach can be found between Britannia and Wellington Piers next to Marine Parade. There are plenty of activities for all the family, and the promenade is home to plenty of shops, cafes and ice cream vendors. Deck chairs are available to hire at the beach, and boat trips that take daytrippers to Scroby Sands are popular. Lifeguards are in operation on the beach between April and September. Public and disabled toilets available.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

GREAT YARMOUTH NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6322, 1.7428
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A glorious sandy beach that reaches to the north of the seafront and Britannia Pier. Wide sand dunes are perfect for dog walking, and tennis courts and bowling greens are also located nearby, with a range of cafes. Parking is available on North Drive with disabled access to the beach and public toilets located nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CAISTER POINT BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 52.6462, 1.7375
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Caister Point beach in Norfolk is a great day out for all the family. Backed by sandy cliffs and dunes, this is a small family beach resort with all the usual facilities and entertainments you'd expect. Horseriding and golf are popular pastimes on the beach. Dogs are allowed. Local facilities include toilets, shops and parking nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SHOEBURY EAST BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.5313, 0.8029
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

An excellent beach that's ideal for young families, Shoebury East Beach slopes gently towards the water. Water quality is very good, and is fine for bathing. There is a large pay and display car park on site, and refreshments and ice creams are available nearby. A good clean beach that's a delight to visit.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SOUTHEND THORPE BAY BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.5288, 0.7536
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Located just along the coast from Southend on Sea, Thorpe Bay beach is also the location of Southend Marine Activities Centre, making it an ideal place to visit if you like watersports. Situated away from the crowds, the beach is backed by pretty coloured beach huts. Slightly stony sand, but not uncomfortable to relax on. Perfect for a stroll along the beach.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SHOEBURYNESS BEACH

• Sea Region North Sea
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 51.5229, 0.7742
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A sand and shingle beach, Shoeburyness Beach is situated just a mile or two outside the popular seaside town of Southend on Sea in Essex. there are plenty for the sporty types, including surfing, jetskiing and flying kites. Parking is nearby, and the beach has been awarded with a Blue Flag Beach award and Marine Conservation Society recommendation. Facilities include first aid, toilets and cafe.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.