Seven Torbay beaches awarded prestigious Blue Flags for 2025

Seven of Torbay's beaches have earned the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2025. 

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy presents the awards annually to England’s best beaches, on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The Blue Flag is an international award given to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes. The following beaches in the Bay have all met the high standards to fly the Blue Flag:

Breakwater Beach, Brixham

Broadsands Beach, Paignton

Meadfoot Beach, Torquay

Oddicombe Beach, Torquay

Preston Beach, Paignton

Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay

Oddicombe Beach has won the Blue Flag award every year since the award began 38 years ago.

The Seaside Award celebrates the best beaches in the country, highlighting the beauty and diversity of our coastline. All six of the Blue Flag winners have also been awarded the Seaside Award, alongside Goodrington Beach, Paignton.

55 sites were awarded both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award, meaning 11% of England’s best beaches are here in Torbay.

All seven beaches in which Torbay Council applied for an award were successful. In 2024, Preston Sands and Paignton Beach also received Blue Flag and/or Seaside Awards. 

Due to the ongoing Preston and Paignton Promenade coastal flood protection scheme, applications were not submitted for 2025. Torbay Council has developed a masterplan, aiming to protect and improve the precious open spaces along the seafront.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, and Events, said: "I am delighted that seven of our fantastic beaches have been successful in receiving these distinguished awards. There’s a reason the English Riviera remains one of England’s favourite resorts, thanks in part to the quality of diversity of our coastline.

“Torbay’s continued recognition from Keep Britain Tidy reflects the ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, water quality, safety, education, and beach management.

"Awards like these would not be possible without the continued hard work of the Tor Bay Harbour and Beach Authority, and our partners at SWISCo.

“I’d also like to thank all of you who visit and enjoy our beaches for doing your part to keep them safe, clean, and beautiful.”