It's official - Honiton is surrounded by some of the UK’s nicest beaches

Seaton, Sidmouth and Exmouth have been named as having some of the best beaches in the UK.

The Blue Flag beach award is widely considered the gold standard for beaches and it is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Seaton is just a twenty minute drive from Honiton and it takes approximately the same amount of time to drive to Sidmouth. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get to Exmouth.

It means that the South West has more Blue Flag beaches than another other region the UK, with a total of 36 beaches awarded with the prize.

This is the third year in a row that Sidmouth has won the prestigious Blue Flag award and the forth consecutive year for Exmouth.

Seaton has won the award for the very first time, adding to the list of local beaches which have been recognised as outstanding.

115 towns across the UK received the Blue Flag award, which is awarded to the beaches which are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards.

As well as this, the Seaside Awards were given to Exmouth for the fifth year running, Sidmouth (forth), Budleigh Salterton (fourth year), Seaton (fifth year).

National charity Keep Britain Tidy awarded Beer an award for the first time.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC's portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "I'm really pleased that not only have we been awarded yet again 'Blue Flag' and 'Seaside Awards' at our popular beaches, but a first-time Blue Flag for Seaton and a first-time for a Seaside award to Beer.

"I would like to thank the whole team from the officers, to the StreetScene staff, the many volunteers and the lifeguards for their hard work and dedication to achieving these accolades. So, thank you team EDDC."

Councillor Nick Hookway, EDDC's portfolio holder for culture, tourism, leisure and sport, said: "These awards are great news for tourism in East Devon. To gain not one but two sets of awards for our beaches year after year is fantastic and shows what a lovely place East Devon is.

"My thanks must also go to all those businesses who cater for tourists. I hope that these awards will help them in their efforts to have a successful season. 

"Finally, to all our visitors, I offer a warm welcome to East Devon and hope that you enjoy the outstanding environment that is on offer."

You can read the full list here.

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