And as most of us can't really go abroad at the moment anyway, now seems like the perfect time to make the most of the beautiful beaches near Leeds (well, when the weather gets warmer anyway). A total of 76 beaches in England have been given the status, which means they conform to safe and clean standards relating to water quality and the environment. Here we reveal the four Blue Flag beaches in Yorkshire and three just across the border in Lincolnshire.
1. Scarborough North Bay
The Blue Flag season for this beach is between May 15 and September 30, so it's just getting started. There is also a kiosk and lifeguards, while it is also classed a disabled friendly. North Bay is a sandy beach with rocky outcrops to the north and flat sandy areas to the south. Drive time: 1hr 50mins
2. Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Again, the Blue Flag season lasts until September 30 and is open to the public for free. It has a kiosk, is disabled friendly, has lifeguards on the beach and is free for all members of the public. The Victorian seaside resort offers long stretches of sandy beach with rugged sea cliffs providing breath-taking views. Drive time: 1hr 30mins
3. Whitby West Cliff
Whitby's Blue Flag season also kicks off this weekend. This long sandy beach, with some rocks, is also free for all members of the public, and has a kiost, lifeguards and is disabled friendly. There are also areas where disabled people can access the water. Drive time: 1hr 50mins
4. Hornsea
The Blue Flag site says: "Hornsea beach is a traditional family friendly sandy beach with some shingle. The beach has split levels due to groynes which trap the moving sands but there are access points for less able bodied visitors." Drive time: 1hr 35mins
5. Central Beach, Mablethorpe
Blue flag season for this beach is from May 22 to September 5. The beach is free to the public and boasts fine golden sand - an ideal family location with plenty to do. On the promenade there is a traditional funfair and a crazy golf course. The Donna Nook Seal Colony is nearby. Drive time: 2hr 15mins Photo: Keith Lindley
6. Central Beach, Sutton on Sea
Blue flag season at Sutton-on-Sea's Central Beach runs from July 1 to September 5. The sandy beach is disabled-friendly, with soft golden sands that in places are backed by grassy sand dunes. Nearby Mablethorpe has its own lifeboat station and the beach is patrolled at regular daily by RNLI Lifeguards during the main season. Drive time: 2hr 20mins Photo: Google