The golden-red sands of Paignton, the azure blue of the sea at Babbacombe and Oddicombe on a sunny day and the fascinating rock pools of the myriad of coves along the coastline between Maidencombe and St Mary‘s Bay have attracted visitors in their millions over the years.

Today’s visitor is discerning and demanding. With increasing fears about water pollution and the desire for better overall facilities for a day on the beach, how do you judge the best place to take your family?

In this country there are two nationally recognised awards which can be used to help you decide what is on offer when you see their flags flying above a beach.

Awards are based on quality of management, cleanliness, water quality and other criteria. The most prestigious being the Blue Flag Awards. Other awards made to Torbay beaches include the ENCAMS Seaside Awards and the Good Beach Guide recommendation from the Marine Conservation Society.

The European Blue Flag Awards - seen across all European Union countries

2008 Blue Flag Awards are held by:

• Breakwater Beach, Brixham
• Broadsands Beach, Paignton
• Goodrington Sands, Paignton
• Meadfoot Beach, Torquay
• Oddicombe Beach, Torquay
• Paignton Sands, Paignton
• Preston Sands, Paignton

The Encams Seaside Award - seen only in the UK. This award scheme ceased at the end of 2006.  However, in the final year awards were made to the following beaches:

• Breakwater Beach, Brixham
• Broadsands Beach, Paignton
• Corbyn Head, Torquay
• Goodrington Sands - South Sands, Paignton
• Maidencombe Beach, Torquay
• Meadfoot Beach, Torquay
• Oddicombe Beach, Torquay
• Paignton Sands, Paignton
• Preston Sands, Paignton
• St Marys Bay, Brixham
• Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay
• Watcombe Beach, Torquay

Good Beach Guide - Marine Conservation Society

2007 Awards have been made to:

• Ansteys Cove, Torquay
• Babbacombe Beach, Torquay
• Elberry Cove, Paignton
• Goodrington Sands, Paignton
• Hollicombe Beach, Torquay
• Maidencombe Beach, Torquay
• Meadfoot Beach, Torquay
• Paignton Sands, Paignton
• Preston Sands, Paignton
• Shoalstone Beach, Brixham
• St Marys Bay, Brixham

We strive hard to provide beaches that are pleasant, meet the highest international agreed standards and provide a high level of facilities.

There are a whole range of facilities which the judge’s critical eye appraises before the coveted flags are awarded, see internal links below for more information.