Devon beach awarded Blue Flag status for 38th year in a row
'England's favourite'
She said: "There's a reason the English Riviera remains one of England's favourite resorts, thanks in part to the quality of diversity of our coastline."Torbay's continued recognition from Keep Britain Tidy reflects the ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, water quality, safety, education, and beach management.""I'd also like to thank all of you who visit and enjoy our beaches for doing your part to keep them safe, clean, and beautiful."
To qualify for the Blue Flag award, beaches must satisfy standards in four categories with 33 individual targets covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.Blue Flag beaches also have to run a minimum of five educational activities each year making people aware of the importance of looking after the natural environment.A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "All six of the Blue Flag winners have also been awarded the Seaside Award, alongside Goodrington Beach in Paignton."55 sites were awarded both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award, meaning 11% of England's best beaches are here in Torbay," they added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
38 minutes ago
- The Independent
Best places in Britain to buy a cottage revealed
With their quirkiness and charm, living in a cottage is a dream for many people, and analysis by a property website has pinpointed locations in Britain where home buyers are most likely to snap one up at a bargain price. North Lanarkshire in Scotland topped Zoopla's affordability list, with a cottage typically priced at £83,500. This is followed by Sunderland in the North East of England where those looking for a cottage could expect to pay an average of £115,000. The 'cottagecore' aesthetic that romanticises rural life and encourages simple living and traditional skills has become a popular trend in recent years. Some cottage buyers may also have inspiration from the cosy, rural home depicted in romantic comedy film The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. Zoopla said that 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched for term on its website in 2024. Among those aiming for a lifestyle brimming with bucolic bliss, the analysis reveals where this is translating into market demand for cottages. In the North West of England, Blackburn with Darwen is a hotspot for buyer inquiries, with an average asking price for a cottage at £157,500, Zoopla said. It added that Southampton leads the way in the South East, with a median average asking price of £280,000. Other areas attracting significant attention include East Renfrewshire in Scotland, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000, Zoopla said. Neath Port Talbot in Wales appeals to buyers drawn to its beautiful coastal and valley landscapes, with an average price tag of £170,000, the website added. Bradford in West Yorkshire is another hotspot, with an average asking price of £200,000. Buyers are attracted by its rich industrial history, cultural scene and some of the most affordable prices in the region, according to Zoopla. For those looking for choice, Derbyshire Dales has the biggest proportion of cottages for sale, with around a fifth (21.4%) of homes on the market being cottages, the website's analysis found. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: 'There has always been a fan base of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage. 'Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs. 'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient. 'Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search – particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.' Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May 2025, with London generally excluded. Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the least expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, Amber Valley, £206,000 East of England, Fenland, £249,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500 Scotland, North Lanarkshire, £83,500 South East, Southampton, £280,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, £129,500 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, £238,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the most expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, South Northamptonshire and Gedling, £400,000 East of England, Welwyn Hatfield, £662,500 North East, Northumberland, £300,000 North West, Cheshire West and Chester, £375,000 Scotland, East Lothian, £381,000 South East, Slough, £824,500 South West, Gloucester, £531,500 Wales, Monmouthshire, £442,500 West Midlands, North Warwickshire, £615,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, York, £400,000 Here are the areas in each region or nation where cottages are attracting the biggest concentrations of buyer inquiries, according to Zoopla, with the median average asking price of a cottage: Scotland, East Renfrewshire, £100,000 Wales, Neath Port Talbot, £170,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 South East, Southampton, £280,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, £238,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 East of England, Hertsmere, £485,000 East Midlands, Leicester, £325,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Fans are convinced they know who Jamie Vardy's next club will be after his wife Rebekah's latest social media post
Rebekah Vardy has set the internet ablaze with speculation over her husband Jamie's next club after a playful social media post on Tuesday. The Leicester City legend drew the curtains on his 13-year chapter with the Foxes earlier this summer, after announcing his departure as a free agent. But with less than four weeks remaining before the start of the top-flight season in England, and even less before the resumption of the Football League, the 38-year-old remains without a club. However, fans are now convinced of the striker's next move after his wife Rebekah posted an image of three of their children wearing each of Inter Miami's kits on Instagram. The WAG accompanied the playful post with a 'smiling face with sunglasses' emoji. Rebekah's post has many convinced that the England international is set to join a star-studded roster led by Lionel Messi, that includes his former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as his Argentina colleague Rodrigo De Paul. But a source close to the club has poured cold water on the possibility, telling Daily Mail there is 'absolutely no way' Vardy is joining the MLS outfit. 'No one at inter Miami will have heard of him, they just signed Rodrigo de Paul who won the World Cup with Argentina,' they added. 'It was nice of them to buy the kits though.' While Vardy's next club is yet to be determined, the Foxes legend has been spotted enjoying his time away from the field this summer. Last month, he and Rebekah joined by his footballing pals Harry Maguire and James Maddison on a getaway to Portugal. Rebekah took to Instagram on to share a glimpse of her lavish holiday as she posed up a storm in a coral, strapless, two-piece. The couple took the time to enjoy a few weeks at their £9.7million villa in the Algarve. They've been joined by the England striker's former teammates, including Manchester United captain Maguire, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Maddison and also Andy King, who used to play for Wales and is now a coach at the trio's old club. Sharing more holiday pictures, Rebekah showed off her incredible figure last week in a skimpy bikini while larking around on a boat with a pal. She flaunted her toned frame in the swimwear while posing up a storm for a photo posted on social media, with her friend Grant Wheelhouse quick to poke fun at her antics.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
The English hotel that once welcomed famous first class passengers – and has undergone a £5million revamp
THE Queen at the Chester Hote l is a quiet oasis in the city, with a beautifully rich heritage and newly refurbished interiors. Here's everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant. 4 Where is the hotel? Found opposite Chester Train Station, its original purpose being to serve first-class passengers, the hotel has a prominent history. Just 10 minutes from the centre of Chester, and with easy access to and from the M53 and M56, this is the ideal base for a break in the city. What is the hotel like? The Queen at Chester Hotel has been welcoming weary rail passengers, including the author Charles Dickens, since its opening in 1860. This magnificent brick and stucco Italianate building was said to be the first skyscraper of its time, and has recently undergone a £5million refurbishment, with all bedrooms and meeting rooms now upgraded, along with a new central bar in its lounge. What are the rooms like? There are 104 rooms spread over 7 floors, but with one slow lift for the building, you'll want the ground floor. The actual bedroom was compact and cosy, with a comfortable king-size bed and ample wardrobe space. Meanwhile, the bathroom has a lovely big bath tub. Each room with its own individual comfort and style, there is something for everyone. Room options range from a Standard Double room to Suite. Rooms available starting from £71 per night on a standard double room basis. For more information, click here. 4 4 What is there to eat and drink there? With the hotel's prime location at the heart of Chester, there are plenty of restaurants on the doorstep, as well as Chester Market, serving every cuisine you could possibly imagine. But the hotel's V&A restaurant includes a three-course dinner in some of its room rates, and the food is delicious. All dishes cooked with fresh and seasonal ingredients, favourites range from the classic Queen's burger, all the way to the more sophisticated Grilled Seabass Fillets, there is something for everyone. And a must is to finish off with the sticky toffee pudding. For a more relaxed, casual atmosphere, head to the V&A Lounge Bar, serving nibbles and bites as well as some classic cocktails, and some with a twist. The buffet style breakfast, served in the King's Grill was also great. What else is there to do at the hotel? The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Chester's rich history. Guests can visit the area's two-tier medieval shopping galleries, The Rows, tour the cathedral or see the ruins of Britain's largest Roman amphitheatre. The hotel also offers seasonal packages, such as the Easter Holiday Special, the Christmas three/four night packages, and the New-Year two-three night packages. Is the hotel family-friendly? Yes, the hotel is family friendly, offering a Standard Family room to accommodate the extra space you may need for the utmost comfort during your stay. There is also a children's menu available at the in-house restaurant, where kids eat free. Pets are permitted on request only, at an additional charge. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, accessible rooms are available upon request. It is recommended that you contact the hotel in advance to inquire. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 4
