UK ranked in the global top 10 for ‘best beaches’ alongside Spain and Turkey

UK weather: Weymouth Beach busy in heatwave temperatures

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A heatwave is in full swing across the UK, with scorching temperatures inspiring many for a trip to the seaside. The good news is, according to new research, the nation is home to some of the “best beaches” in the world.

In fact, the UK ranks within the global top 10 for the quality of its beaches.

Hotel booking platform hoo analysed Blue Flag award data to discover world beaches have received the prestigious accolade.

The Blue Flag award is globally recognised and given to beaches based on a stringent number of environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.

According to the expert data, the UK is home to 127 blue flag awarded beaches.

Sitting alongside the UK in the top 10 were Spain, Turkey, Italy, France, Portugal and Denmark.

Spain was crowned the country with the most Blue Flag awarded beaches, sitting at the top of the leaderboard with no less than 614.

Greece also ranks high with 545, while Turkey boasts 519.

Italy is home to 416 Blue Flag beaches, France has 410, Portugal has 371 and Denmark boasts 168.

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Ireland and Cyprus bring up the rear of the top 10, with 83 and 68 beaches respectively.However, the experts from hoo also looked at how many beaches there were in comparison with population size and concluded British beachgoers might be in for a squeeze this summer.With a population of roughly 67,215,293 as of 2020, there are just 0.19 Blue Flag beaches per 100,000 of the UK population.By comparison, in Spain, this number sits at 5.95.

For those who do want to visit one of the prestigiously awarded beaches this summer, Adrian Murdock, co-founder of hoo says the key is setting off as early as possible.

This is particularly true in the coming days when temperatures are expected to hit highs of around 29 degrees Celsius in southern parts of the country.

“With the UK finally enjoying some outstanding and prolonged periods of sunshine, another summer of staycations is suddenly looking like the best plan for what’s been another year of uncertainty surrounding foreign travel,” said Mr Murdock.

“Of course, the compromise with a relatively carefree holiday at home is the fact that our beaches are probably going to be rammed.

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“For those looking for a trip to the beach, planning ahead is the best way to ensure a day without any disappointment – and get there early.”

He also reminded Britons to be conscientious when visiting the beach during peak periods.

Though July 19 saw the relaxation of more Covid rules, figures are still on the rise in the UK.

The expert said: “It’s also important to remember that while restrictions have been lifted, COVID-19 remains a threat so take the necessary precautions in busy locations such as the beach.”

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