The Truth Bar

The recession may be biting, but one ‘r’ word is putting a smile on English faces over the summer - ‘resorts’. This year is officially one of the best on record for the quality of our beaches, and in Devon they’re providing the perfect setting for a low-cost, stress-free cottage holiday. People considering taking British holidays need to consider the quailty of the city they will visit.

Results just released by Keep Britain Tidy reveal that a total of 184 Blue Flags and Quality Coast Awards have been given to beaches in recognition of their environments and facilities.

In the south of England the seaside is in fine fettle - Devon has 12 Blue Flag winners, including the beaches at Woolacombe, Westward Ho! and The Tunnels, Ilfracombe.

The 71 Blue Flags awarded across England this year represents a fall of 11 from 2008, with the decrease blamed largely on flooding over the past couple of years. But the latest figures on QCAs show a major success story, with a rise from last year of almost 40% to 113 highlighting the overall quality of our coastline.

“Holidaying in this country is the perfect way of saving money and having a great time,” said Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which runs Blue Flag and QCA in England. Whether it’s a question of variety, accessibility or value for money, enjoying our wonderful beaches is the ideal way to recharge your batteries.

So instead of worrying about exchange rates, baggage handlers or forgetting passports, we’re urging people in England to make the most of their own magnificent coastline.