New awards recognise best beaches

A new award which recognises the quality of the coastline in England has recognised 15 beaches in the east.

The Quality Coast Awards are run by Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), and replace the Seaside Award.

In Essex, 13 beaches have been named among the best places for taking a dip, sandcastle building and for taking a seaside stroll.

Kessingland and Southwold Denes in Suffolk are recognised as best places for taking a coastal walk.

Seventy three beaches across England have received the awards.

Coastal isolation

ENCAMS chief executive Alan Woods said: "The traditional seaside experience of building sandcastles and snacking on ice cream is still favoured by many.

"But it is just one of the reasons why people go to the coast; others use the beach as a place to walk their dogs or get a breath of fresh air whatever the weather.

"The Quality Coast Award commends those beaches that can offer the best cleanliness, facilities and standards for the type of visitor their sandy stretch attracts."

In Essex, Thorpe Bay is named as among the best places for a bit of coastal isolation.

Also in the county, East Beach in Shoeburyness, Shoebury Common Beach, Three Shells Beach in Southend and Chalkwell Beach in Southend are the best for swimming.

Best for building sandcastles are Jubilee Beach, Bell Wharf Beach, West Beach and Martello Bay in Clacton on Sea, Frinton Beach, and Albion Beach in Walton on the Naze.

Harwich Beach and The Naze are named as the best places for a seaside stroll.