Bathing water quality at UK beaches has reached one of its highest levels in the past 25 years, according to the latest edition of the Good Beach Guide.  The Marine Conservation Society said 461 sites gained its top “recommended” award this year, 42 more than in 2010.

But 46 beaches failed to meet basic European standards so it is worth doing some research to find the cleanest beaches near you.  The Marine Conservation Societies have all the info and searchable maps here

Blackpool‘s south and central beaches, St Andrews’ east sands, the beach at Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, Wales, and Lyme Regis’s church beach were amongst the stretches of beach which did not meet the standards for current tests for water quality. But Bude’s Summerleaze beach and Par, both in Cornwall, went from failing the standards last year to being recommended this year.

Other beaches which where highly praised by the Good Beach Guide included Newquay in Cornwall, Bognor Regis in WestSussex, Sheringham in Norfolk, Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Portobello central beach in Edinburgh, and Portrush in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

If you want some inspiration for some beautiful beaches here are guides from the Independent and the Times, and if you want to get away for the half term without blowing the bank here are lots of great campsites by the beach.