Twenty coastal locations in England have been classified as having 'poor' water quality by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), leading the Environment Agency to advise against swimming in these areas. The designations come as the summer beach season begins, with many Britons heading to the coast.
These 20 bathing waters have received Defra's lowest possible rating. The reasons for the poor water quality vary, including sewage, agricultural runoff, urban drainage, and industrial activity.
In South Shields, Littlehaven Beach was newly classified as a swimming water in 2024 and has a 'poor' rating. Plastic pellets were recently found on the beach following the collapse of a crane at a nearby dock, prompting an assessment of contamination by local authorities and the Environment Agency. Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside has consistently received the lowest rating from the Environment Agency since 2018, with contaminated groundwater cited as a long-standing issue.
Scarborough South Bay in North Yorkshire has also struggled with poor water quality for years, with pollution sources identified as sewage, seabirds, dogs, local industry, and the harbor. Clacton (Groyne 41) in Essex, previously named one of the UK's worst seaside towns, is not recommended for swimming due to its water quality.
In Kent, Littlestone and Dymchurch beaches have been flagged for poor water quality. Visitors have described the water at Littlestone as 'disgusting,' with concerns raised about water companies dumping waste. Dymchurch's water cleanliness has been rated as poor, with bathing not advised.
West Sussex sees Worthing Beach House and Bognor Regis (Aldwick) beach on the list. At Worthing, bathing may be affected by surface water and urban drainage, particularly after heavy rainfall. Aldwick beach's poor classification, ongoing since 2022, is suspected to stem from surface water drainage.
Southsea East in Portsmouth, a popular spot for activities, has a stretch of water between the Pyramids and South Parade Pier classified as 'Poor' by the Environment Agency, with warning signs in place. Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach in Dorset has experienced litter, including sewage debris and tar, over the past decade. Faecal indicator bacteria from the River Lim, predominantly of human origin, have been identified as a contamination source.
Devon includes Coastguards Beach in Erme Estuary and Ilfracombe Wildersmouth Beach. Campaigns have been run to improve water quality at Coastguards Beach, but its 'poor' rating remains. Ilfracombe Wildersmouth Beach has frequently been cited for high bacteria levels.
Instow in Devon also advises against swimming due to poor water quality.
Somerset has several beaches with 'poor' ratings: Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor West, Burnham Jetty North, Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway, and Weston Main. Burnham Jetty North has been rated on 'Top of the Poops' for sewage pollution and is no longer designated as a bathing water, with permanent advice against bathing in place. Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway is also not designated bathing water, and Weston Main has faced issues with seagulls and litter.
In Blackpool, Blackpool North beach has been rated 'poor' by the Environment Agency, with advice against swimming. Finally, Haverigg in Cumbria, a gravel and sandy beach, rounds out the list with 41 pollution risk warnings issued in 2025 and litter present on 50% of site visits.
The Environment Agency monitors bathing water quality at designated sites across England. Classifications are based on regular water sampling and assessments of potential pollution sources. Pollution risk warnings may be issued for bathing waters affected by short-term pollution, such as after heavy rainfall.