The Best Blue-Flag Beaches To Visit In South East England

The weather has made a promising start to 2025 so far, with a mini-heatwave at the end of April, and fair conditions set for May. This can bring on the urge to head for the beach for some chilled out fun in the sun. However, before heading to the nearest coastal hotspot, it’s worth checking out the rating of the beach. 

In the UK, Blue Flags are awarded to beaches that meet certain standards for cleanliness, good water quality, excellent facilities and effective environmental management. This means that you and your companions can feel confident that you are enjoying a safe and clean place to relax and explore. 

Here are some of the best-managed Blue Flag beaches in south east England to visit. If you are travelling as part of a group, consider a minibus hire with a driver so that you can leave the hassle of navigation and parking to the professionals. 

Best Blue Flag Beaches in Sussex

Sussex has over 140 miles of coastline, and there are dozens of beaches and bays offering a mixture of pebble, sandy stretches and shingle. 

West Wittering

If you love large sandy beaches, check out West Wittering near Chichester in West Sussex. It’s an award-winning family friendly beach with excellent water quality, so it’s ideal for a paddle or water sports.

The beach and surrounding area is managed by the West Wittering Estate, who have established long-term protection from redevelopment and are committed to conservation efforts. This has preserved the beautiful natural character of the area and prevented urban sprawl from the nearby towns. 

The beach is a popular destination for watersports such as windsurfing, open water swimming, and surfing, although some activities are restricted to club member or guest access only. 

Marina St Leonards Beach 

Marina St Leonards Beach is a sand and shingle beach located just to the west of the seaside town of Hastings. It has a traditional seaside feel, with a prom and all the usual facilities nearby. It’s popular with families and water sports enthusiasts, with seasonal lifeguards and large sand and shingle flats exposed when the tide goes out. 

Blue Flag beaches in Kent

Minnis Bay, near Margate

Minnis Bay is an award-winning Blue Flag beach near the popular town of Margate in Kent. There is a long stretch of sand and a children’s play park nearby. The beach is a designated bathing area and there are seasonal lifeguard services over the May Bank Holiday Weekends, and daily between 19 July and 7 September.

There’s also toilet and shower facilities, a first aid point, a picnic area, and beach chalets for hire. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between May 1 and September 30. 

Botany Bay, Thanet

Botany Bay is flanked by striking chalk stacks and cliffs, and is a popular location for fossil hunters and rock poolers. Its secluded location is ideal if you are active and enjoy walking: the coach drop-off point is at the top of Botany Road as there is no coach parking directly near to the bay. 

It’s a designated area for bathing, with seasonal lifeguards and a combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award in 2024.

Blue Flag beaches in Hampshire

Hampshire has over 200 miles of coastline with many sand and shingle beaches flanked by country parks and nature reserves. 

Hayling Island Beaches

Hayling Island is situated off the coast between Portsmouth and Chichester Harbour. It holds a European Blue Flag Award, and is the home of windsurfing: the sport was invented here. As you can imagine, it’s a mecca for watersports enthusiasts. The seaside shore is five miles long, so there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities. 

The area attracts international visitors, and is also a very popular base for families and general tourists, particularly because of its convenient proximity to Portsmouth and Chichester. There are also heritage sites and peaceful country parks nearby to explore.