Seven parks across Torbay have been awarded prestigious Green Flag Awards this year, officially recognising them as some of the best in the country.

The announcement comes as the internationally recognised scheme celebrates its 30th year. The Green Flag Award Scheme, which is managed by Keep Britain Tidy, rewards well-managed parks and green spaces which meet the environmental charity's standards of beauty, facilities and maintenance.

The parks in Torbay that have earned the Green Flag Award are:

• Babbacombe Downs
• Clennon Lakes
• Cockington Country Park
• Princess Gardens & Royal Terrace Gardens
• St Mary’s Park
• Stoodley Knowle Meadow
• Tessier Gardens

Cockington Country Park is one of the few parks across the country to have achieved Green Flag status every year since the awards were launched.

Along with Princess Gardens & Royal Terrace Gardens, and Tessier Gardens, this year it has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management and promotion of its historic features.

The seven parks are among a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year.

Each of the seven award-winning parks in Torbay offers something unique:

• Babbacombe Downs: A clifftop promenade with year-round floral displays and panoramic views over Babbacombe Bay.
• Clennon Lakes: Features four ponds, nature trails, and sightings of swans, ducks, kingfishers, and herons.
• Cockington Country Park: Spanning 450 acres, the country park estate includes ornamental lakes, woodlands, gardens, traditional cottages, and an 11th-century church. At its heart also sits Cockington Court, a thriving centre of creativity with a year-round programme of events, alongside a gallery, café, shop and working studios showcasing talented local artists and makers.
• Princess Gardens: A Grade II listed heritage garden with vibrant flowerbeds, a water fountain, and community events all year.
• St Mary’s Park: Located in Higher Brixham, this park includes bowling greens, tennis courts, wildflower areas, and a children’s play zone.
• Stoodley Knowle Meadow: Home to a community café, a play area, and wildflowers planted by the Friends of Stoodley Knowle.
• Tessier Gardens: A quiet, adult-only park featuring a Sun Temple, a Dementia Friendly Sensory Garden, and diverse plant life.

The Green Flag Award scheme, which is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:

“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“These Green Flag Award winners have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved."

Councillor Adam Billings, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said:

"We are incredibly proud that seven of Torbay’s parks and green spaces have once again achieved Green Flag Award status. This continued recognition is a testament not only to the outstanding natural beauty of our bay, but also to the dedication, expertise and hard work that goes into caring for these spaces throughout the year.

"Our parks and open spaces play a vital role in the lives of our residents and visitors, and maintaining Green Flag standards demonstrates our commitment to managing these spaces to the highest possible level for everyone to enjoy.

"I'd like to thank SWISCo, our volunteers, community groups and local residents whose passion, commitment and excellent partnership working help keep our parks looking their very best."