The 20 UK ‘no-go’ beaches for swimming to avoid this spring
The rush back to the sea feels like relief after months of grey skies, but a hidden rating is turning a simple dip into the kind of regret that sticks.
Some of Britain’s best-loved seaside resorts have been branded “no go” areas for bathers this spring due to the poor quality of water. With hotter weather finally arriving, sun-starved Brits have been flocking back to beaches with thousands ready to enjoy a refreshing dip.
But now the 20 stretches of English coastline where you officially shouldn't go in the water has been revealed. 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. The good news is that out of more than 400 designated bathing waters in England, just 20 beaches fall into this category.
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However, many of the nation’s traditionally busiest beaches including Blackpool North, Scarborough South Bay and Southsea, are among the recognisable names to fall foul of inspectors, 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 of its beaches making it onto the unwanted list. These are Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor West, Burnham Jetty North, Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway and Weston Main.
The second worst-performing country was Devon with three - Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary, Instow, and Ilfracombe Wildersmouth.
The remaining beaches to avoid 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.
The research was carried out by travel website experts Locals Insider, whose spokesperson Martin Danemaq said: “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.
“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.”
