For a beach to be given a prestigious Blue Flag award, it must pass a selection of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria.
These two beaches in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight have passed with flying colours.
Central Beachlands, Hayling Island
Beachlands is a pretty pebble beach popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts namely practisers of stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. It is also home to the popular Funland amusement park for a traditional British seaside day out.
This year's blue flag season will be running from Sunday 15th May to Monday 5th September.
Sandown, Isle of Wight
Sandown is a gloriously sandy beach that is the perfect location to while away the day basking in the sun or taking a dip in the sea. Refuel at The Beach Shack which is now open seven days a week for great food and stunning views over the beach.
This year's blue flag season will be running from Friday 1st July to Friday 30th September.
Read more of the best Hampshire content here:
5 of the best summer walks in Hampshire
7 of the best places for ice cream in Hampshire
10 of the best places to eat and drink on the Hampshire coast
