20 UK Beaches to Avoid Swimming: Poor Water Quality

As summer approaches and more people head to the coast, recent analysis highlights 20 UK beaches classified as ‘poor’ for water quality by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. These spots pose risks for swimming or even wading, making them best avoided during beach outings or staycations.

Contents

Littlehaven Beach Leads the Concerns High-Profile Spots on the List Worst-Affected Counties Expert Insights Full List of 20 No-Go Beaches

Littlehaven Beach Leads the Concerns

Littlehaven Beach in South Shields, near Gateshead in Tyne and Wear, tops the list. Controversy persists over its cleanliness, with House of Commons statistics recording 15,977 hours of sewage dumping in 2023—a 162% rise from 2022, as noted by Gateshead Liberal Democrats.

Local frustration peaked last year when the Paddle-Out Campaign, organized by Surfers Against Sewage, drew thousands of North East residents to protest at the beach. The group offers a real-time app to check live pollution levels before swimming.

High-Profile Spots on the List

Other prominent beaches include Lyme Regis, Ilfracombe, Weston-super-Mare, and Blackpool. In 2024, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb urged the Environment Minister to address pollution, stating: “My constituents should be able to reap all the benefits of our town’s greatest natural asset. The pollution of our seas and beaches not only threatens our health, but our well-being and sense of local pride.”

Worst-Affected Counties

Somerset faces the most issues, with five beaches flagged: Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor West, Burnham Jetty North, Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway, and Weston Main. Devon ranks second, listing Coastguards Beach along the Erme Estuary, Instow, and Ilfracombe Wildersmouth.

Expert Insights

Martin Danemaq, spokesperson for Locals Insider, which conducted the research, emphasized: “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.”

He noted the positive side: only 20 out of 400 official bathing sites fall into this category, leaving plenty of safe alternatives. “However, be sure to check whether entering the water is advised when you’re planning your next domestic trip to the beach,” he added.