Sunday 17th May 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

Bridlington’s coastline is celebrating national recognition after both Bridlington South and Bridlington North were awarded Seaside Awards for 2026, confirming their place among the country’s best‑managed and most welcoming beaches.

The announcement was made today (Friday 15th May) by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, as part of its annual Blue Flag and Seaside Awards programme.

For Bridlington South, the accolade marks its first Seaside Award since 2022, while Bridlington North continues its strong record with another successful year. Wilsthorpe, just south of the town, also secured a Seaside Award.

Elsewhere along the East Riding coast, Hornsea and Withernsea once again achieved the internationally recognised Blue Flag status — Hornsea for the sixth consecutive year and Withernsea for the fourth.

Water quality results formed a key part of the judging. Hornsea, Withernsea and Wilsthorpe all achieved the top rating of ‘excellent’, while Bridlington North was rated ‘good’ and Bridlington South ‘sufficient’, meeting the required standard for Seaside Award status.

Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said he was delighted with the results.

“I’m extremely proud that our beaches have once again won Blue Flags and Seaside Awards to show they are among the best in the country.

“For Hornsea and Withernsea to be able to fly Blue Flags for the 2026 season is a superb achievement, and for Bridlington’s two beaches to earn Seaside Awards, alongside Wilsthorpe, proves that water quality progress is being made.”

He added that the East Riding’s coastline is already one of its greatest assets, and these awards are “the icing on the cake”.

All five awards applied for by the council’s coastal services team were achieved this year. The awards, now in their 39th year, recognise beaches that meet high standards in cleanliness, safety, environmental management and public facilities.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden‑Newton OBE, praised the East Riding’s success, saying the awards highlight the dedication of those who care for the region’s “important local blue spaces”.

Testing of bathing waters is carried out by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season from May to September, with results published on the Swimfo website.