What is the Quality Coast Award?
Launched in April 2007 the Quality Coast Award recognises different types of beaches throughout England that achieve the very highest standards. When you visit a beach that displays this award it is an indication that you will enjoy a quality coastal experience.

People visit the beach for many different reasons – swimming, playing on the sand, walking or simply getting away from it all. Quality Coast Award winning beaches may vary considerably in the facilities and type of beach experience that they offer but they all have one thing in common – they have been recognised for providing the very best standards for their visitors needs.

How are Quality Coast Award beaches chosen?
For a beach to gain the prestigious Quality Coast Award, it must meet a strict criteria of recommendations and the beach manager must look to continually develop the beach over a three year period.

The first stage in the process is that the beach manager must apply for a Quality Coast Award. All beaches in England are eligible to apply for an award and there is no limit to the number of beaches that can be put forward. Beaches are then checked against a series of criteria to ensure that they meet the very highest standards. Recommended beaches are then sent to an independent panel of judges for verification.

Once a beach has been awarded a Quality Coast Award, trained surveyors continually monitor the beach over the three year award period to ensure that your visit to the beach will be of the very highest quality.

Find the best beach for you
This site allows you to search from over 100 criteria to find a Quality Coast Award beach that best meets your needs. By specifying which region you would like to visit, the facilities you require and the type of beach you would prefer you will be matched with the beach that most suits your needs. Each beach and its surrounding area will have a detailed profile and there are links to quality awarded accommodation and tips on nearby attractions that are likely to be of interest.

When you get to the beach of your choice there will be specific information on display that highlights exactly why it has been awarded this exclusive label. And remember, the Quality Coast Award recognises beaches for lots of reasons so always make sure you visit this site before you go to a beach to make sure it is the right one for you.