Folkestone and Hythe, a coastal area in Kent lauded as one of Britain's best places to live, also harbors some of the country's most polluted beaches, according to recent research. Water quality tests have identified bacteria levels in some local bathing spots as more than three times higher than the national average.
The Environment Agency monitors coastal water quality, rating sites from 'poor' to 'excellent.' A study examining beaches across England found that sites within Folkestone and Hythe recorded a mean bacteria score of 3.273, significantly exceeding the national average of 1.033. This testing focuses on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci, indicators of fecal matter in the water, which can cause illness.
According to research by holiday tour operator Exoticca.com, the local authority ranked 20th for beaches with potentially contaminated water. In 2025, the water quality at Folkestone beach was classified as 'sufficient,' earning one star out of a possible three.
Further findings highlighted Littlestone, a shingle-and-sand beach in the area, as the third dirtiest in the country with a bacteria score of 8.213. Dymchurch beach also received a 'poor' quality rating, ranking tenth with a score of 4.173. Conversely, Hythe and Seabrook beaches achieved an 'excellent' overall rating.
A spokesperson for Folkestone and Hythe District Council stated that the council continues to promote the area's attractions, including its coastline. The council advocates for out-of-season testing between October and April to better understand the reasons for deteriorating bathing water classifications and is urging the Environment Agency and Southern Water to consider this. An Exoticca.com spokesman noted that local authority averages may not reflect the conditions at every specific beach, as coastal water quality can vary significantly over short distances.
These findings emerge as marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) reports a surge in illnesses linked to UK beaches. The charity received over 700 reports of sickness across 406 locations in the current year alone, with some cases occurring even on 'Blue Flag' beaches that meet strict cleanliness standards. Since 2019, more than 15,000 days of work have been lost due to illnesses contracted from UK waters, including gastroenteritis and ear infections.
In 2026, 765 individuals contacted SAS regarding their illness, with nearly half of these reports, 322, occurring after temperatures rose on May 1.