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Where Are the Blue Flag Beaches in Kent?
When planning a coastal day out, nothing beats a Blue Flag beach. These globally recognised awards guarantee clean water, excellent facilities, safety, and sustainability. For 2025, nine beaches in Kent have earned this prestigious title, and many have held the award in multiple consecutive years.
Plus, most of these beaches also received the Seaside Award 2025, a national badge for well-managed, family-friendly beaches. Below, we break down the full 2025 Blue Flag beach list including their recent history.
What Is the Blue Flag Award?
It’s the most respected beach award worldwide. To earn it, a beach must meet 33 criteria, including:
- Excellent water quality
- Lifeguard presence or effective safety protocols
- Environmental education and information
- Cleanliness and waste disposal
- Accessibility and facilities
Let’s dive into the list.
Kent’s Blue Flag Beaches for 2025
Minnis Bay, Birchington
📍Thanet District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
This long sandy beach is ideal for picnics, paddling and kite surfing. A family favourite with lifeguards in summer, toilets, and a large grassy area for games and barbecues.
Ramsgate Main Sands Beach
📍 Thanet District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2015
🏅 Seaside Award 2025
Set against the historic Royal Harbour, Ramsgate Main Sands offers a traditional seaside setting with amusements, cafes, and safe, supervised swimming areas. Great for a lively day out.
St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
📍 Thanet District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2023, 2013, 2012, 2011
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
This sheltered beach has a natural tidal pool, flat walking routes, and cafes nearby. Loved by swimmers, families, and anyone after a gentle coastal stroll.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
📍 Thanet District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
Arguably Kent’s most photogenic beach, known for its chalk stacks and fossil hunting. Its remote vibe and wide golden sands make it an explorer’s dream.
Margate Main Sands Beach
📍 Thanet District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2023
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
A traditional family favourite packed with entertainment. It features arcades, safe swimming, lifeguards and easy access from the town centre.
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
📍 Thanet District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
Kent’s top surf beach, with on-site board hire, lessons, and a beach café. Despite its activity, it retains a clean, relaxed vibe, ideal for all ages.
Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
📍 Canterbury District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
A shingle beach lined with pastel beach huts and a gently sloping promenade. Great for paddleboarding, crabbing and spotting “The Street” at low tide.
Sheerness Beach, Isle of Sheppey
📍 Swale District
✅ Blue Flag 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
🏆 Seaside Award 2025
A pebble and sand beach with good accessibility and plenty of space. Close to the high street and train station, it offers all the perks of a classic seaside town.
Why Visit a Blue Flag Beach?
With 8 Blue Flag winners in 2025, Kent’s coast offers some of the cleanest, safest, and most scenic beaches in England. Add in Seaside Awards, and you’ve got top-tier places for:
- Instagram-worthy adventures
- Family outings
- Swimming and water sports
- Dog walking and beachcombing
Quick Comparison Table
| Beach | District | Blue Flag 2025 | Seaside Award 2025 | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnis Bay | Thanet | ✅ | ✅ | Family-friendly, west-facing sunsets |
| St Mildred’s Bay | Thanet | ✅ | ✅ | Tidal pool, quiet walks |
| Botany Bay | Thanet | ✅ | ✅ | Iconic chalk stacks, fossils |
| Margate Main Sands | Thanet | ✅ | ✅ | Arcades, central location |
| Joss Bay | Thanet | ✅ | ✅ | Surfing hub |
| Tankerton Beach | Canterbury | ✅ | ✅ | Beach huts, sandspit |
| Ramsgate Main Sands | Thanet | ✅ | ✅ | Royal harbour, family- friendly |
| Sheerness Beach | Swale | ✅ | ✅ | Shingle, great access, long promenade |
Explore More
Discover Kent’s full beach directory, hidden gems, and practical travel tips.
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