Popular beach wins Blue Flag award for 38th year

Five other beaches in Torbay also earned the award for 2025, including Broadsands Beach and Torre Abbey Sands

A popular shingle beach has won an internationally recognised Blue Flag award for the 38th year in a row.

Oddicombe Beach in Torquay has been featured by the programme, which recognises well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, since it began in 1987.

Five other beaches in Torbay also earned the award for 2025, including Broadsands Beach and Torre Abbey Sands.

Councillor Jackie Thomas said the accolades "would not be possible without the continued hard work" of the harbour authority and other partners.

'England's favourite'

She said: "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."

"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."

To qualify for the Blue Flag award, beaches must satisfy standards in four categories with 33 individual targets covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.

Blue Flag beaches also have to run a minimum of five educational activities each year making people aware of the importance of looking after the natural environment.

A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "All six of the Blue Flag winners have also been awarded the Seaside Award, alongside Goodrington Beach in Paignton.

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