Where are Kent's Blue Flag beaches? Head to Thanet, Sheppey and Whitstable

Ten beaches around Kent, including seven in Thanet, have been named among some of the best in the world.

Families looking for a summer by the sea may wish to take note of the award-winning parts of the county's coastline crowned 2019 Blue Flag winners.

The status acknowledges high environmental standards and water quality as well as involvement in educational activities for the community to learn about caring for the environment.

Minnis Bay in Birchington, West Bay and St Mildreds in Westgate-on-Sea, Botany Bay and Stone Bay in Broadstairs, Westbrook Bay in Margate and the town's Main Sands will all fly the blue flag.

Tankerton, near Whitstable, and Sheerness and Minster Leas are the only beaches in Kent outside Thanet to feature on the list.

Gavin Waite, director of operational and commercial services at Thanet District Council, said: “Our 19 miles of stunning coastline provide a fantastic place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

"We are immensely proud to have achieved so many prestigious awards for our sandy beaches, the most in the south east."

The county also has 21 places given the Seaside Award, which recognises the quality of beaches meaning visitors are assured of clean and safe water and bathing standards.

Thanet again recorded the highest number of beaches with a total of 14, including some beaches which have never received awards before - Dumpton Gap and Louisa Bay in Broadstairs, Walpole Bay in Margate and Ramsgate's Western Undercliff.

Reculver near Herne Bay was also handed a Seaside Award along with the town's main beach and Sandgate beach near Folkestone is among the others.

A total of 71 beaches around the UK are now registered with Blue Flag status.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton, said: "We as individuals feel emotionally connected to the environment more than ever, with so many experiencing eco-anxiety. Keep Britain Tidy continues to push for more environmentally responsible beaches, where visitors needn’t feel this stress.

"From environmental education for the local community and ensuring responsible beach use, to cleaning regimes and an increasing number of recycling facilities, it is a full-time commitment to create beaches worthy of the awards."

For a guide to Kent's outdoor pools and lidos just perfect for a summer splash please click here.