Tenby's North Beach, one of the UK's most celebrated beaches, has lost its prestigious Blue Flag status due to water quality concerns. The beach was absent from the list of award recipients in the 2026 Wales Coast Awards, while Tenby's South Beach and Castle Beach retained the accolade. Keep Wales Tidy confirmed that North Beach did not apply for the award following a decline in water quality from 'excellent' to 'good'.
This marks the third time in five years that North Beach has lost the Blue Flag, having previously missed out in 2022 and 2023 after more than 25 consecutive years of recognition. The Blue Flag, granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the world's most recognised awards for beaches and marinas, requiring strict criteria for cleanliness, safety, and environmental management.
Natural Resources Wales is investigating the cause of the water quality deterioration but has not yet identified a source. A Welsh Water spokesman noted that samples taken in July and August showed a drop in classification, but no storm overflow spills occurred in the area before the sampling. The spokesman emphasised that improving water quality requires coordinated action across sectors, including rural land use, urban runoff, and private septic systems.
Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, expressed disappointment, stating that North Beach holds happy memories for many and that the loss is a blow to residents, businesses, and tourists. He stressed that a 'good' water quality rating still places North Beach among the top beaches in Wales, and praised efforts in sustainability and visitor experience. He called for clear policy and renewed commitment to maintain high standards along the Welsh coastline.
