Is your local beach on the 'no-go' list? The 20 coastal spots in England with the worst water quality - where swimming is NOT recommended

Summer is peak beach season, with Britons flocking to the coast to make the most of the sunshine.

But before taking a dip, it may be worth checking the water quality.

Twenty designated bathing waters in England have been handed Defra’s lowest possible rating, meaning the Environment Agency advises against swimming there.

From popular seaside resorts to quieter stretches of coastline, these are the beaches where the water has been classified as ‘poor’.

Here’s a rundown of the no-go spots across the country…

Littlehaven Beach, South Shields

Littlehaven Beach in the coastal town of South Shields has a ‘poor’ water quality rating

Littlehaven Beach in South Shields is the first entry on the list, with the water quality rated as ‘poor’.

The beach was newly classified as swimming water only in 2024, so it is unsurprising its rating is still low.

Just two weeks ago, plastic pellets washed up on the beach after the collapse of a crane at a nearby dock.

The local authority said it was working alongside the Environment Agency, Maritime Agency and Port of Tyne to assess the ‘extent of contamination’ – as well as the potential environmental impact, the BBC reported.

Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside

Also in the ranking of no-go beaches is Cullercoats in North Tyneside

Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside has hit the headlines before for its bad water quality, with the EA advising against swimming.

Since 2018, water quality at the beach has been given the lowest possible rating by the EA.

The ‘poor’ rating has long been blamed on contaminated groundwater, prompting Northumbrian Water to drill a network of boreholes in an attempt to work out the source of the pollution.

Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire

Joining the list is Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire

Scarborough South Bay has consistently poor water quality – and swimmers are encouraged not to take a dip in the water here.

According to the EA, Scarborough South Bay and its beach are one of England’s best-loved seaside destinations – but the issue of the quality of the bathing water has troubled the bay for years.

The source of the pollution? Sewage, seabirds, dogs, agriculture, local industry and the harbour.

Clacton (Groyne 41), Essex

The sandy beach in the coastal town of Clacton-on-Sea is next up on the list

Clacton-on-Sea was named one of the UK’s worst seaside towns in a Which? survey.

Clacton (Groyne 41) beach, located near the pier, has even been called Essex’s worst beach by EssexLive.

Swimming is not currently advised here due to poor water quality.

Littlestone, Kent

Grey, dreary Littlestone beach at Romney Marsh shows views of the English Channel

Elsewhere in England, Littlestone beach in Kent is not recommended for swimmers.

Lots of visitors have pointed out the disgusting water, with one writing on Facebook last year: ‘The water is disgusting and yet water companies [are] still allowed to dump waste. Lots of people live in the area and a popular tourist spot.’

Another added: ‘Just read that following the latest water quality reports from the EA, both Dymchurch and Littlestone beaches have made it onto the 20 dirtiest beaches list. Not good for the tourism trade this summer!’

Dymchurch, Kent

Cloudy skies and ‘poor’ water are on display at Dymchurch, Kent

Similarly, Dymchurch in Kent has been plagued by poor water quality, earning it a place on the list.

The Folkestone and Hythe District Council website adds: ‘The cleanliness of the water has been rated as poor and bathing is not currently advised.’

Aside from swimming, though, the sand and shingle beach is popular among locals and visitors, especially thanks to its classic British seaside town charm.

Worthing Beach House, West Sussex

Parts of the coast at Worthing seafront should be avoided

Water quality at Worthing Beach House is rated as ‘poor’ – although other parts of this coastline are good for swimming, such as Goring beach.

Bathing may be affected by surface water and urban drainage during and after heavy rainfall.

This mainly applies to the waters off the promenade and behind the popular Splashpoint Leisure Centre.

Bognor Regis (Aldwick), West Sussex

Bognor Regis Aldwick Beach in West Sussex joins the ranking

Bognor Regis, named by consumer group Which? as the joint-worst seaside resort in Britain last year, receives many critical reviews – and one beach in the region is even considered unfit for swimming.

The bathing water at Aldwick beach has been classified as poor since 2022.

The EA has said: ‘The surface water drainage is suspected of being a significant source of contamination to the bathing water. The investigations have involved sampling the numerous surface water outfalls to the beach during wet weather events.’

Southsea East, Portsmouth

Southsea East is in the city of Portsmouth – but has low quality water

Southsea East, Portsmouth is a popular beach that’s filled in the summer months with kite flying, picnics and Brits soaking up sunshine – but as for the water itself, it’s not quite as appealing.

According to Portsmouth City Council: ‘Southsea seafront has two designated bathing areas where the Environment Agency has water sampling points: Eastney and Southsea East.

‘The Environment Agency has classified the stretch of water between the Pyramids and South Parade Pier as ‘Poor’. They advise against swimming in this area. Warning signs are in place on this beach with information for visitors.’

Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach, Dorset

Church Cliff Walk and Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis leave much to be desired

Litter has been present on Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach, involving everything from sewage debris to tar, over the last decade.

According to the EA, this poorly rated beach has levels of faecal indicator bacteria (E. coli and intestinal enterococci) from the River Lim, which increase as the river flows through the town.

It added: ‘DNA analysis of water samples collected from the stream indicate that the source of this contamination is predominantly human in origin (i.e. sewage). We have identified several contaminated surface water outfalls in Lyme Regis that discharge to the River Lim. Work by South West Water to stop this contamination is ongoing.’

Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary, Devon

Coastguards Beach in Erme Estuary, Devon is next up on the list

Coastguards is one of only a few swimming waters in Devon and Cornwall classified as poor.

Campaigns have been run to try to protect the water but the rating has yet to change.

Emily Woodley, who led the Coastguards Beach Bathing Water campaign, said: ‘The categorisation of Coastguards Beach as ‘poor’ is disappointing but sadly not a surprise’.

Instow, Devon

Also joining the list is the seaside fishing village of Instow

Visitors in Instow are advised not to swim as a result of the poor water quality – and the list of complaints goes on.

One Tripadvisor review read: ‘The place is ruined by loads of inconsiderate dog owners. Never seen so many dogs on one beach. Running amok. Awful experience.’

Another added in 2025: ‘Car park is the worst one [I’ve] ever been to, how can they charge to park in what is really one giant hole with some bits of road… embarrassing!’

Ilfracombe Wildersmouth, Devon

The rocky bay at Ilfracombe beach is another spot with ‘poor’ water quality

Ilfracombe Wildersmouth Beach is no stranger to poor reviews, especially relating to its water quality.

The beach is often listed among the so-called ‘winners’ of Brown Flag Awards, a list of coastal areas with high bacteria levels.

One reviewer wrote last summer: ‘Not a swimming or sandcastles beach… it’s not the most attractive of Ilfracombe’s beaches. The grey sand and outcrops of rock don’t exactly invite sunbathing or swimming.’

Dunster Beach, Somerset

The beach at Dunster, Somerset, lacks a tropical appeal

Often considered among the dirtiest beaches in the UK, Somerset’s Dunster beach is the next one up on the list.

According to Defra: ‘In 2025, 60 pollution risk warnings were issued for this bathing water. All bathing waters have the potential to be affected by a pollution incident.’

It added: ‘This bathing water is subject to short term pollution procedures. The Environment Agency makes a daily pollution risk forecast at this site based on the effects of rain, tide, wind and seasonality on bathing water quality.

‘These factors affect the levels of bacteria that get washed into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams and how they disperse.

‘When these factors combine to make short term pollution likely we issue a pollution risk warning on this website and the beach manager will display a sign advising against bathing at the bathing water.’

Blue Anchor West, Somerset

The stony beach at Blue Anchor in Somerset is often deserted and quiet

Another Brown Flag beach, Blue Anchor West, can also be found in Somerset.

Just two miles east of Dunster, it was classed as a ‘newcomer’ in the 2025 awards, as it only joined the list last year.

Much of the beach is backed by a concrete wall, and you can hunt for fossils here.

Burnham Jetty North, Somerset

Burnham Jetty is hardly a picturesque spot and fares badly when it comes to cleanliness

Burnham Jetty North fares pretty badly when it comes to cleanliness, having been rated on ‘Top of the Poops’ for being polluted by sewage a reported 115 times in 2025.

According to Somerset Council, Burnham Jetty is no longer designated as a bathing water under the Bathing Water Regulations.

As a result, permanent advice against bathing there is in place.

Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway, Somerset

Uphill Beach, looking out at Weston-super-Mare and Worlebury Hill, is not highly rated

While Weston-super-Mare is an example of a classic English seaside town, you might not want to swim in all areas.

Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway, for instance, is not designated bathing water – with the EA saying the most recent classification is poor, based on samples taken from 2022 through to 2025.

It added that in 2025, 38 pollution risk warnings were issued for this bathing water.

Weston Main, Somerset

Weston Main, Somerset, is the next beach to make the list

Nearby Weston Main is subject to the same fate – with advice in place against bathing.

In the past, seagulls have been a significant source of poor bathing water quality at Weston Main.

And the EA added: ‘At Weston Main for the four year (2022-2025) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 5 per cent of visits. Litter was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 3 per cent of visits, with 74 per cent of visits noting the presence of litter.’

Blackpool North, Blackpool

Blackpool’s North Pier is a popular attraction – less due to the sea and more to the attractions nearby

For many Brits, a seaside day in Blackpool will be a welcome treat – but swimming in the waters at Blackpool North might not be quite as warmly received.

Blackpool North is a large, sandy beach opposite the Blackpool Tower between the North and Central Piers – and has been rated as poor by the EA, with no-swim advice in place.

The EA explained: ‘After a short-term pollution event, levels of bacteria typically return to normal after a day or so but it’s possible to have several warning days in a row. Details of the work to reduce the sources of bacteria at this bathing water are detailed in this profile. In 2025, 50 pollution risk warnings were issued for this bathing water.’

Haverigg, Cumbria

Rounding out the list of 20 no-go beaches is Haverigg in Cumbria

Haverigg, a gently sloping gravel and sandy beach, is the final entry in the list of no-swim spots.

In 2025, 41 pollution risk warnings were issued for this bathing water.

Plus, litter was found to be present on the beach at 50 per cent of EA visits.

The 20 English ‘no-go’ beaches for swimming this summer

Littleheaven Beach, South Shields

Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside

Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire

Clacton (Groyne 41), Essex

Littlestone, Kent

Dymchurch, Kent