Seaside Awards

The Environmental Campaign (Encams) administers the Blue Flag Campaign in the UK, but it also hands out its own gong – the Seaside Awards flag, currently being flown by 317 British beaches. The website lists all these beaches and labels them either 'resort' (busier and usually more accessible) or 'rural' (more remote). You can almost hear the sea lapping gently at your ankles on the pastel blue homepage. It's practical, attractive and offers several ways of finding a beach: you can search for your ideal beach and facilities or click on the UK map or alphabetical list. All routes lead to a detailed description of the beach, including info about access, sand quality, activities, parking, Blue Flag status and an Ordnance Survey grid reference. The site also invites you to vote for your favourite beach and includes news, a comprehensive beach-goers FAQ and excellent links in categories like Tourism and Conservation. However, the site isn't easy to browse. And while the beach info is detailed, we'd like to see some local photos or read what other beach-goers had to say. Encams is doing an invaluable job, but with a very straight face.