Campsites by the beach

Whether you're a surfer, walker, water-skier or relaxed sunbather, there are hundreds of beaches around the country for you to visit. The Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards list 150 excellent beaches in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, honoured for their high environmental standards, faciilties and water quality.

You can find a beach that's perfect for surfing, friendly to dogs, or even suitable for naturists - whatever your criteria you'll find a beach somewhere to suit. And with Pitchup.com you can search for your campsite or holiday park according to which beach you want to visit. You don't have to wait for perfect days or a hot summer either - many beaches in the UK are part of National Parks or have World Heritage sites on them or nearby - you can take a beach trip at any time of the year. Alternatively, begin by searching for campsites within 15 miles of a beach.

We've also listed beaches according to their bathing water quality - while most beaches around the UK are of good quality, 78 failed the European Commission mandatory standards of clean water in 2009. The Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide also saw a drop in recommended beaches.

In 2010 Blue Flag awards were made to 71 Blue Flag beaches in England, grouped by region, 45 in Wales, seven in Scotland and nine in Northern Ireland. Torbay and the Isle of Wight have the highest number of awarded beaches, with 14 beaches given Blue Flags in 2010. Use the Pitchup.com guide to find the best beach in the area you're going to - and what campsites and parks are available nearby.