East Devon’s coastline continues to lead by example as six of its most popular beaches have once again achieved national acclaim, having been awarded both the Blue Flag and Seaside Award for 2025.
The beaches of Beer, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton, and Sidmouth have each met the rigorous environmental and safety standards required for these awards. In addition, Jacobs Ladder Beach in Sidmouth has also received a Seaside Award, further highlighting the region's exceptional coastal management.
This recognition is not a new development. East Devon’s beaches have maintained a strong track record:
- Exmouth celebrates its seventh consecutive year as a Blue Flag beach.
- Sidmouth follows with six years of consistent recognition.
- Seaton marks its fourth year of achievement.
- Beer earns its third Blue Flag award.
What the Awards Represent
The Blue Flag is the world's most recognised voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas. It signifies:
- Exceptional water quality
- Strong environmental education and public information
- Comprehensive beach management
- Outstanding safety provisions
- A high level of accessibility
The Seaside Award, meanwhile, celebrates beaches that meet high standards of cleanliness, safety, and facilities, reflecting the diverse and welcoming nature of the English coast.
Improving Accessibility for All
In a continued effort to make East Devon’s coastline more inclusive, the East Devon District Council (EDDC) has once again installed track matting on several beaches to aid access for residents and visitors with limited mobility.
These durable, eco-friendly mats—partly made from recycled materials—provide a smooth, stable surface across the pebbles, improving access for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, as well as those using pushchairs or experiencing reduced mobility.
For the 2025 summer season, matting is available at:
- The eastern end of Seaton Beach
- Sidmouth Town Beach
- Budleigh Salterton Beach
Beer Beach offers year-round access with permanent matting in place.
Acknowledging the Community Behind the Coast
Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment, expressed his gratitude to all those involved in maintaining these high standards:
“Our beaches are vitally important to both residents and visitors. While they may appear naturally beautiful, their maintenance and upkeep demand significant work behind the scenes. Retaining our Blue Flag awards is a testament to the dedication of our staff, partners, local businesses, and volunteers. I offer my sincere thanks to all who contribute to this ongoing success.”
Echoing this sentiment, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, added:
“We are fortunate in England to have some of the finest beaches in the world. The flags flying across East Devon’s coastline demonstrate the collective pride and commitment of local communities, businesses, and authorities in protecting these blue spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
Raising the Bar for Coastal Excellence
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are part of an ongoing initiative to elevate the quality of the UK’s beaches. Managed in England by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Blue Flag programme requires beaches to meet and maintain exacting international standards in areas such as:
- Water quality (Blue Flag beaches must meet the EU’s ‘excellent’ standard; Seaside Awards require at least a ‘sufficient’ rating)
- Safety services, including lifeguards and first aid provision where appropriate
- Environmental information, such as details about local ecosystems
- Effective waste and litter management
Learn More
For further information about the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, water quality, and beach management practices in East Devon, please visit the East Devon District Council website.
These awards not only affirm the beauty of East Devon’s coastline, but also its continued commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence in public service.