The UK's cleanest beaches have been identified amid a deepening water crisis, as Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) received a record number of sickness reports from beachgoers. New research from the Foundation for Environmental Education has pinpointed 63 beaches in England and nine in Northern Ireland with the highest water quality, including popular spots such as Hastings, Saltdean, Sandbanks, and Blackpool Sands.
Record Sickness Reports Amid Pollution Crisis
The Environment Agency recently revealed that almost all of England's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters are contaminated with toxic chemicals. Jo Morley, SAS's head of campaigns, accused water companies of 'making us sick' after decades of pumping sewage into open waters. The affected beaches include several Blue Flag locations, which are awarded for the highest water quality, biodiversity levels, and safety standards.
According to SAS, the surge in sickness reports highlights the urgent need for action. "Water companies are making us sick," Morley said, emphasizing that the public has a right to clean bathing waters.
Top Clean Beaches in England
Among the cleanest is Hastings beach, which stretches from the fishing quarter and Old Town in the east, past amusement arcades and the pier, to the Marina and St Leonards-on-Sea. Regular cleaning efforts are organized by volunteers from Plastic Free Hastings, alongside routine maintenance by Hastings Council and a litter reporting service.
Visitors have praised the beach on TripAdvisor. @hallidayny described it as a 'lovely wide beach to go running,' adding the water was 'very inviting.' Another user, @lady_britts, said it was 'lovely and clean,' noting activities for everyone, including crazy golf, trampolines, and restaurants.
Other Notable Clean Beaches
Saltdean Beach, just five miles from Brighton, offers a quieter alternative with rock pools at low tide and cafes along the chalk cliffs. Sandbanks in Dorset, known for its upscale reputation, boasts glittering blue waters and immaculate sand, with daily tractor sifting during high season and a no-smoking policy.
Minnis Bay in Kent is another standout, famous for its beach chalets and the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie, which serves seafood favorites. Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex made the list for its cleanliness and fossil-hunting opportunities.
Beaches to Avoid
Conversely, recent research identified 20 'no-go' beaches across the UK where swimming is not advised due to sewage and dump waste pollution. These beaches have been classified as 'poor' for water quality, the lowest rating by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The full list of England's Blue Flag beaches for 2026 includes Avon Beach Christchurch, Beer, Blackpool Sands, Blyth, Botany Bay, Branksome Chine Poole, Breakwater Beach, Brightlingsea, Broadsands Beach, Budleigh Salterton, Canford Cliffs Poole, Carbis Bay Beach, Challaborough, Cromer, Crooklets Bude, Croyde Bay, Dawlish Warren, Dovercourt Bay, Durley Chine Bournemouth, East Runton, Exmouth, Felixstowe North, Felixstowe South, Fishermans Walk Bournemouth, Friars Cliff Christchurch, Frinton-on-Sea, Gyllyngvase, Hastings, Hayling Island, Highcliffe, Hornsea, Hove, Joss Bay, King Edward's Bay (Tynemouth), Longsands Tynemouth, Mablethorpe, Meadfoot, Minnis Bay, Mundesley, Oddicombe Beach, Polzeath, Porthmeor St Ives, Porthminster St Ives, Porthtowan, Preston Sands (Paignton), Ramsgate Main Sands, Roker (Whitburn South), Saltdean, Sandbanks, Sea Palling, Seaton, Sheerness Beach, Sheringham, Shoebury East, Shoeburyness, Shore Road – Sandbanks Poole, Sidmouth, Skegness, Southwold Pier, St. Mildred's Bay, St. Leonards, Summerleaze Bude, Sutton-on-Sea, Swanage, Tankerton Beach, The Bay Margate, Three Shells (Southend), Torre Abbey, Trevone Bay, Walton-on-the-Naze, West Runton, West Wittering, Westward Ho, Whitby, Whitley Bay, Widemouth Bay, and Withernsea.
Impact and Advice
The revelation of clean beaches offers some respite for families planning summer outings. However, the broader issue of water pollution remains a pressing concern. SAS continues to campaign for stricter regulations on water companies and improved sewage treatment infrastructure.
For those seeking a safe swim, the listed Blue Flag beaches provide a reliable guide. Meanwhile, beachgoers are advised to check water quality updates before visiting any coastal location, as conditions can change rapidly.
