The Welsh coastline continues to shine when it comes to clean beaches, boasting more Blue Flags than any other stretch of UK coast.

Forty-seven Welsh beaches were awarded Blue Flag status in this year’s awards, which are given to beaches that comply with a number of criteria, including water quality, environmental management, safety and services. Wales has also received 83 Seaside Awards, which recognise beaches that achieve the highest standard of beach management and, for bathing beaches, also meet the required standards for water quality.

The announcement comes as Wales celebrates 2018 as its “Year of the Sea”. Next month the Volvo Ocean Race will come to Cardiff, while this year also marks 30 years of the Blue Flag programme in Wales.

In England, 65 Blue Flags and 125 Seaside Awards were awarded with the south-west receiving 26 flags plus 50 Seaside Awards, with Great Western beach in Newquay was awarded a Blue Flag for the first time.

Feeling inspired? Then plan your next beach break with the help of our guides to the UK coast, from Pembrokeshire’s secret seascapes to an art adventure in Southend-on-Sea and a foodie tour of Whitby. We’ve also got selections of the best beaches chosen by readers, and the best of the UK seaside chosen by authors, writers and locals.