Tenby’s much-loved North Beach has failed to gain a Blue Flag award due to a drop in water quality. It has been confirmed that North Beach whose responsibility lies with Pembrokeshire County Council, did not apply for, and was therefore not awarded, a Blue Flag Award in the 2026 Wales Coast Awards. This is due to a drop in water quality from ‘excellent’ to ‘good’. North Beach also failed to retain the award in 2022 and 2023 for the same reason, after more than 25 consecutive years of being recognised as one of the best beaches in Wales. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards, requiring beaches and marinas to adhere to specific criteria ensuring the beach or marina is clean, safe, and well-managed, promoting sustainability and attracting visitors. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, confirmed that Tenby’s South and Castle beaches, both picked-up the Blue Flag Award this year. Natural Resources Wales is said to be currently actively investigating the reason for the drop in water quality but a cause has not yet been determined. Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said the news was ‘incredibly disappointing’ and that the organisation is committed to working with authorities across Wales to support North Beach in restoring its water quality and regaining its Blue Flag Award. “Like many people in Wales, Tenby’s North Beach holds happy memories for me and I share the sadness of all those who will be disappointed by this news,” he remarked. “It is an important local beauty spot and key tourist attraction, and the announcement will come as a blow to local residents, business owners who rely on tourism and, of course, the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the beach every year.
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