On just the Google Play platform, there are around three million apps to choose from. But when we talk about truly useful apps, that number is far less. Fortunately, the Beach Check UK app sits right at the top of the useful category and in this article, we’ll be explaining why.
2021 is the year when Brits will (in the main) be holidaying within the boundaries of the country’s extensive shoreline. Although holidays in 2021 are far from what most envisaged at the start of 2020, the simple fact that British people can still take a well-earned break is something not to be sniffed at.
Being an island, the UK has thousands of miles of shoreline, 7,723 miles to be precise, and within this, some stunning beaches. However, finding the best ones and particularly ones that aren’t filled with a mass of sweaty, noisy bodies is not so simple, that is, until now.
Beach Check UK is a brand new app, which has been designed to allow users to check the status of a beach before they arrive, thus avoiding overcrowded beaches and at the same time suggesting beaches that are quieter and without the annoying throngs.
With social distancing still recommended in the UK, Beach Check UK is one of those apps that will be invaluable. It works by using a traffic light system updated by on-the-ground authorised users who assign a colour code to the beach based on the number of visitors and other factors, including parking availability.
An example of the information you’ll receive when using the Beach Check UK app.
It is a free app and is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play, and unlike almost every other app, it thankfully has no in-app purchases, so this really is free. Once the app has been installed, users can see a map where they can check how busy individual beaches are via a simple colour-coded system.
Beaches showing red means it’s crowded, amber means it’s less congested and green, of course, means pack the sandwiches, grab the blankets and go.
Even though the Beach Check UK app is new to the market, it has already been downloaded more than 40,000 times. The app was piloted by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in summer 2020 and has since been funded by the UK government’s Local Digital Collaboration Unit at MHCLG, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help to roll it out nationally.
“We want everyone to safely enjoy a well-deserved summer this year while continuing to minimise the spread of the coronavirus,” said Local Government Minister Luke Hall.
“That’s why the Government is funding Europe’s first innovative beach check app to allow people to check whether beaches are busy before travelling to avoid a surge of visitors. This will allow coastal communities to carefully welcome back visitors and will help local areas bounce back from the hardship faced by the pandemic.”
The Beach Check UK app is currently available in the following coastal locations: Hayling Island, Hampshire; Camber Sands and Bexhill Beach, East Sussex; Thanet (Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate); Westward Ho!, Devon; West Wittering, West Sussex, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and Minehead Somerset.
The National Coastal Tourism Academy is supporting BCP Council in the rollout of their app and is encouraging resorts nationwide to adopt it.
“When temperatures have soared both this year and last, we have witnessed over-crowding on numerous hot-spot beaches around the country. This app developed by BCP Council allows users to plan ahead, travel to quieter areas to ensure safe social distancing,” says NCTA Director Samantha Richardson.
“We have one of the world’s most amazing coastlines, and this year we hope that many UK visitors will explore a new stretch of the coast and have the holiday of a lifetime.”
There are plans to sign up more coastal locations, and users are encouraged to contact their local authority if they feel their area would benefit.
For more information on the Beach Check UK app, please visit https://www.englandscoast.com/en/blog/beach-check-uk-app.
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