As international Blue Flag award reaches its 39th year, Blyth South Beach has retained its status among this year’s winners.
Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy have confirmed the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2026.
The awards are primarily aimed at urban beaches and seaside resorts and a key part of the eligibility is the provision of lifeguards during busy holiday periods.
And further up the coast, Amble Little Shore has now been designated as an official bathing water site by the Government, one of 13 new locations across the country.
Bathing water sites are rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season, meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality.
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Rural and Environment with Northumberland County Council, said: “These are great awards for our stretch of our coastline and we’re delighted to be recognised in this way.
“For Blyth, with free parking, play facilities, a promenade and dune walks, toilets, lifeguards during busy periods and a range of cafe and hospitality venues it’s no surprise that it has retained its Blue Flag status – putting it amongst the best seaside resort beaches in the UK.
“And Amble, which is hugely popular with both tourists and local residents, to be named as an official bathing water site is fantastic.
“The application required the support of the County Council as we have legal obligations to install and maintain signage and information for bathers. We were fully supportive of the bid, and the award confirms our commitment to maintain, protect and improve the environment of our great county.
“At a time when parts of the country are in the news for the poor state of their waters, our shoreline and clean rivers are definitely something to celebrate.”
