The region had seven "ideal places" for building sandcastles

In the Quality Coast Awards, the region received two good places for isolation, three for taking a dip, and four named as good for seaside strolls.

But it had seven "ideal places" for sandcastle building and paddling.

The awards have been set up to highlight the rural hideaways that have been in the shadow of bigger seaside resorts.

Alan Woods, chief executive of Encams, the environmental charity behind the awards, said: "The traditional seaside experience of building sandcastles and snacking on ice cream is still favoured by many.

BEST BEACHES FOR SANDCASTLES Dymchurch, Kent Littlehampton, West Sussex Pelham Beach, East Sussex Ramsgate Main Sands, Kent Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Kent Walpole Bay, Kent Worthing, West Sussex

"But it is just one of the reasons why people go to the coast - others use the beach as a place to walk their dogs or get a breath of fresh air whatever the weather."

He said the awards were based on the experiences of seaside visitors who "told us what they need from their beaches and beach awards, and we listened".

The two beaches named as good for "a bit of coastal isolation" were Holywell in Eastbourne and Normans Bay, both in East Sussex.

The region's three best beaches for taking a dip were in East and West Sussex - the stretch from Eastbourne Pier to Wish Tower, Camber, and West Wittering.

Canterbury had two beaches named as good for "a nice seaside stroll" - Herne Bay East and Reculver.

Seaside strolls were also good at Bexhill and Cooden, both in East Sussex.