The 20 UK ‘no-go’ beaches for swimming this spring revealed 

With spring underway and the nation heading back to the beach, travel site Locals Insider has revealed the 20 stretches of English coastline where you officially shouldn’t go in the water.  

Highlights:

• Just 20 beaches across England rated ‘poor’ for water quality 

• Includes major seaside spots like Blackpool, Scarborough and Weston-super-Mare 

• ‘Poor’ is the lowest classification – meaning swimming is not advised 

• Somerset has the highest concentration, with five beaches on the list 

 The analysis highlights the small number of beaches across England currently classified as ‘poor’ for water quality – the lowest rating issued by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and meaning swimming is not recommended.  

Out of more than 400 designated bathing waters in England, just 20 beaches fall into this category. Blackpool North, Scarborough South Bay and Southsea are among the most recognisable names, highlighting that water quality can vary even in some of the UK’s most popular coastal areas. 

Somerset stands out as the worst-affected county, with five beaches making the list – Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor West,  Burnham Jetty North, Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway and Weston Main. For context, the next worst-performing country was Devon with three: Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary, Instow, and Ilfracombe Wildersmouth. 

The remaining beaches are spread across the country, from Haverigg in Cumbria to Clacton (Groyne 41) in Essex. The North East contributes Littlehaven Beach in South Shields and Cullercoats Bay in Tynemouth, while Dorset’s Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach also features.  

Elsewhere, the list includes Littlestone and Dymchurch on the Kent coast, and Worthing Beach House and Bognor Regis (Aldwick) in West Sussex. 

 As temperatures rise across the UK and more people head to the coast for spring, it’s important to be aware that a small number of beaches nationwide should be avoided for swimming. 

Just 20 beaches in the UK remain unsuitable for entering the water out of the 400 official bathing spots nationwide – some of which are nestled within the most popular coastal areas in the country.  

UK Beaches with ‘Poor’ Water Quality Classification (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs): 

The good news is that only a very small number of beaches across England fall into this category, and there are still hundreds of great options for swimming. However, be sure to check whether entering the water is advised when you’re planning your next domestic trip to the beach.