logo
The North Wales beaches recognised for their clean waters and beautiful environments

The North Wales beaches recognised for their clean waters and beautiful environments

Four North Wales beaches have been recognised for their clean water and beautiful environments in this year's Keep Wales Tidy Awards 2025. The environmental charity said: "Wales boasts some of the most stunning and diverse coastline in the UK.
"The Wales Coast Awards play a vital role in protecting our precious marine environment and are recognised around the world as a symbol of quality. We've managed the Blue Flag, Green Coast Award and Seaside Award for more than 20 years.
"To attain one of these prestigious awards a beach, marina or tourism boat operator must meet and maintain the highest environmental standards and achieve tough water quality targets."
The winners of this years awards were:
Green Coast Award: Silver Bay (Traeth Llydan) Anglesey
The Green Coast award recognises the beautiful, untouched, rugged beaches that line so much of our coast. They may not have the facilities of more traditional seaside resorts, but Green Coast Award beaches have excellent water quality and are held to high environmental standards.
According to Keep Wales Tidy: "Silver Bay is a beautiful, remote beach facing south into Cymyran Bay. The beach is wide and sandy with rocky outcrops to clamber over and plenty of opportunities for rock pooling.
"It is also popular for sailing, surfing and canoeing. The beach is backed by a conifer plantation, a Holiday Park and farmland and is bound by low rocky headlands.
"There is no direct vehicular access to the beach and visitors should park at neighbouring Borth Wen beach before using the spectacular Anglesey Coast Path to access Silver Bay beach.
"The path follows the coast in both directions and offers fine views of the Rhosneigr beaches to the south. In keeping with its rural location there are no facilities at the beach but the nearby resort of Trearddur, to the north, has a selection of shops and services and hosts a popular annual oyster festival. Between Rhoscolyn and Treaddur is the Porth Diana Nature Reserve, home to the spotted rock rose, Anglesey's county flower."
Seaside Awards: Rhyl Central, Rhyl East, Prestatyn Central
With a distinctive yellow and blue flag The Seaside Awards is given to attractive and well-managed coastal stretches.
According to Keep Wales Tidy Prestatyn Central Beach "is located between the Ffrith and Barkby Beaches, only half a mile from the town centre".
They said: "It is popular for watersports including surfing, sailing and windsurfing and has a large tidal range.
"A promenade joining Prestatyn's three beaches is more than 4 miles long and offers pleasant walking around the sandy bays. The promenade forms part of the North Wales Path. The beach also marks the beginning of the Offa's Dyke National Trail, which runs south to Chepstow, marking the boundary between Wales and England.
"There are cafes near the beach as well as a play area, leisure centre and traditional seaside amusements. A wide range of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants can be found in the town centre. The area is an ideal base for cycling, with two local cycle routes starting in Prestatyn, one of which takes in the picturesque Dyserth Waterfall."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UK's secret exotic paradise sandwiched between two seaside towns
UK's secret exotic paradise sandwiched between two seaside towns

Daily Mirror

time3 days ago

  • Daily Mirror

UK's secret exotic paradise sandwiched between two seaside towns

Botany Bay in Kent has been named the UK's most photographed beach and it's not hard to see why, whether it's the golden sands, sparkling water or the inviting rock pools Discovering such a spectacular beach with sparkling waters and golden sands in the heart of Kent is truly remarkable, especially when it feels akin to an exotic overseas hideaway. With the summer season approaching, now is the ideal time to mark 'beach day' on your calendar. One breathtaking spot is Botany Bay, which constantly earns Blue Flag recognition, guaranteeing that its cleanliness and maintenance are top-notch. ‌ At low tide, Botany Bay reveals extensive sands and invites exploration of its intriguing rock pools. The scenery here captivates with the bay framed by the quintessential white cliffs and chalk stacks, forming a photographer's dream and one of the region's most distinctive features. ‌ READ MORE: Tourists fear sinking European holiday destination will end up 'like Atlantis' You can wander over to Kingsgate Bay and Joss Bay, just be cautious of the rising tide – you wouldn't want to get stranded for six hours like someone recently did. Botany Bay is also manned by daily lifeguard patrols from May 24 to September 7, between 10am and 6pm. Dog owners will be pleased that their furry friends are allowed on the beach outside these times, from May 1 to September 30, reports the Express. An impressed visitor recently described this hidden strip between Margate and Broadstairs as a real "gem" and enjoyed long walks along the sand and cliff paths, a definite highlight of their visit. If you're planning a first trip, remember: street parking near Botany Bay is prohibited, according to Kent Live. Not to forget, Margate itself is an excellent place to explore and enjoy. Broadstairs, with its unique mix of the traditional and the modern, along with an abundance of artistic touches and playful quirks, provides a cool, contemporary haven not to be overlooked by visitors. Reaching the bay, celebrated as the UK's most photographed last February is simple, thanks to the established path from the cliff top, or the concrete pathway by the water station at the end closest to the sea. The bay's water quality has been awarded an 'excellent' stamp for swimming in 2024, keeping up the high standards seen in previous years. Through 2025, testing of the waters will occur 15 times, the first taking place on May 7 with the year's final sample to be collected no later than September 30. ‌ A traveller recently shared their approval on Tripadvisor, where Botany Bay enjoys a 4.2 out of 5-star rating based on 546 reviews, commending the beach's cleanliness and the freedom it offers for dogs. Their review enthused: "We were able to walk along to Joss Bay passing the chalk formations and arch at Kingsgate Bay. In the summer, this beach would be world-class. Cannot fault it. I heard there's a naturist, if that's your thing, area in summer at the dunes area in the Margate direction." ‌ Be sure to time your trip right, as the low tide reveals enticing rock pools and allows passage to Kingsgate Bay. The local council has issued a tip for beachcombers and explorers: "When the tide is out, Botany bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay's shape the ends are cut off at high tide." For those who relish the idea of a picturesque walk, aim to visit Botany Bay during low tide early in the day. That's when you can meander along the extensive stretches of sand, flanked by dazzling white cliffs with skylarks soaring above. Surprisingly, the history behind the name 'Botany Bay' is not tied to its plant life; it's rooted in lore. The spot was reportedly notorious as a contraband hotspot during the 1700s, leading to the capture and deportation of smugglers to Botany Bay, Australia. Though this UK version of Botany Bay doesn't boast the warm temperatures of its namesake down under, it nevertheless entices with its distinctive allure. This charming bay in Kent is the most northerly of Broadstairs' seven bays.

Tenby among Britain's most genteel seaside towns
Tenby among Britain's most genteel seaside towns

Western Telegraph

time4 days ago

  • Western Telegraph

Tenby among Britain's most genteel seaside towns

From North Berwick (East Lothian) to Deal (Kent), the travel experts at The Telegraph have compiled a list of Britain's 10 most genteel seaside towns. Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "While there's a certain nostalgic joy to the type of coastal resort that's all candy floss, waltzers and slot machines, there's arguably greater pleasure in towns that have the seascapes and the golden sand but that are more cute than kitsch. "More sourdough than doughnut. More vibrant arts scene than end-of-the-pier innuendo. More artisanal ice cream than Mr Whippy." 🏖️ From the 'Biarritz of the North' to a perfectly-preserved medieval town, these coastal destinations make for a refined trip Find out more ⬇️ — Telegraph Travel (@TelegraphTravel) June 1, 2025 Britain's most genteel seaside towns The top 10 most "genteel" seaside towns in Britain, according to The Telegraph, are: North Berwick (East Lothian) Lymington (Hampshire) Padstow (Cornwall) Deal (Kent) Aberaeron (Ceredigion) Southwold (Suffolk) Lytham (Lancashire) Burnham Market (Norfolk) Lyme Regis (Dorset) Tenby (Pembrokeshire) Why Tenby is among Britain's most genteel seaside towns Tenby was named among Britain's top 10 most "genteel" seaside towns by The Telegraph, recommended for its beaches, pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses and "neat little shops". The news outlet explained: "Tenby's four, beautiful Blue Flag beaches are enough to attract anyone. "But the cliff-top town behind is a looker too. Here old stone walls encircle pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses, many of which are now neat little shops, bars and cafes. "For culture, pop into the Museum and Art Gallery and visit the 15th-century Tudor Merchant House before eating at Plantagenet, fine-dining in a 1,000-year-old building." The Telegraph isn't the only one to speak highly of Tenby. Visit Wales describes the Pembrokeshire town as "one of our best seaside towns". The tourism experts said you can expect "glorious" beaches, Victorian houses and "warm hospitality" upon visiting the coastal town. While Tripadvisor added: "Tenby is lovingly protected from the outside world by an embrace of 13th-century stone walls, which, ironically, attract—not repel—visitors from all over the world. "The town is simply adorable, teeming with the archetypes of pubs and shops one would expect to find in a U.K. city. "Adding further appeal are the miles of gorgeous beaches and the gently lapping waves of a blue-grey sea." Best beaches in the UK The best bars and cafes in Tenby The best bars and cafes in Tenby, according to The Telegraph, that are a must-visit include: Harbwr Brewery Môr Tenby Stowaway Coffee Things to do in Tenby As well as the beaches and shops, there is plenty more to see and do when visiting Tenby. The top-rated attractions on Tripadvisor included: The Dinosaur Park Manor Wildlife Park Heatherton World of Activites Tudor Merchant's House RECOMMENDED READING: While The Telegraph suggested taking a "fabulous" four-mile walk along the coast path to Saundersfoot and trying out Sea and Steam - a mobile woodfire sauna on the beach front. Best place to stay in Tenby If you are looking for somewhere to stay while in Tenby, The Telegraph recommended the 120-year-old cliff-top Imperial Hotel.

I've walked the whole UK coast and this often-mocked island one hour from London is the friendliest seaside town
I've walked the whole UK coast and this often-mocked island one hour from London is the friendliest seaside town

Scottish Sun

time6 days ago

  • Scottish Sun

I've walked the whole UK coast and this often-mocked island one hour from London is the friendliest seaside town

Plus, he reveals the bay that looks like it's from the Bahamas OFF THE COAST I've walked the whole UK coast and this often-mocked island one hour from London is the friendliest seaside town WHEN Quintin Lake travelled for five years around the UK, he encountered all sorts of coastlines, and people too. For his new book The Perimeter, Quintin ventured across entire coastline of mainland Britain which covered 6800 miles and found what he called the "friendliest place I've ever been." 7 Quintin Lake travelled the entire UK coastline Credit: Quintin Lake 7 He called Canvey Island the 'friendliest' place in the country Credit: Alamy Talking to Sun Travel about his coastal adventure, Quintin told us: "I thought Canvey Island in Essex was the friendliest place that I'd been. "I wouldn't knock places like that either because it's really easy to get to from London." The Essex island in the Thames Estuary near Southend-on-Sea that's separated from Essex by a network of creeks. The island's main attraction is an abandoned oil refinery which has since been turned into a nature reserve. It's now home to thousands of rare insects and plants, as well as nightingales, lizards and adders. Almost surrounded by water, it's no surprise that Canvey Island has lots of coastal spots that are popular with tourists. Concord Beach is a hotspot for crabbing, and there's even a tidal swimming pool. Just along the coast is Thorney Bay Beach which in 2021 received a Blue Flag award. The Canvey Seafront is a classic seaside resort, home to museums, cinemas, bingo halls, and a miniature railway. For kids, there's also Fantasy Island attractions, with rides and rollercoasters. Scotland's number one secret beach revealed 7 Canvey Island can be very popular during the summer months Credit: Alamy 7 On the front is a huge 1930s cafe Credit: Alamy It's now the only theme park on Canvey Island after the closure of Leisure Island Fun Park. One of the biggest buildings on the front is Labworth Cafe, dating back to the 1930s, has been renovated and remains a beachfront dining area. To get to the island, visitors can get the train to Benfleet train station which takes 40 minutes from London Fenchurch Street, and then a bus from there, taking around 45 minutes. It wasn't just Canvey Island that Quintin was charmed by, he even went so far as to say that Essex was the most "underrated" county in the UK. He added that during his trip, he bumped into locals who were "really fun." He said: "It makes me laugh because all the counties next to each other have a real rivalry. "Everyone in Suffolk says Essex is horrible, and everyone in Suffolk says don't go to Essex. "But I find it quite endearing that every single county reckons that theirs is the best." 7 Quintin loved the rest of Essex too Credit: Alamy 7 Quintin compared Achmelvich Bay in Scotland to the Bahamas. Credit: Quintin Lake Photographer Quintin travelled through Wales, Scotland and England, finding incredible and sometimes hidden coastal spots. All in all, he took 1,300 pictures and spent a lot of time wild camping. Along the way he found some incredible spots like Achmelvich Bay which he said looked like it belonged in the Bahamas. There's white sands and bright blue seas - the only big difference will be the weather. Quintin's book, The Perimeter is out now and available to buy here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store