UK's 'No-Go' Beaches for Bank Holiday Swimming Revealed

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, Brits are slowly returning to the beach. However, several UK seaside spots are best avoided this May bank holiday, as new research has identified 20 'no-go' zones where swimming — or even dipping a toe in the water — is not advised. The reason is sewage and dump waste polluting the sea, classifying these beaches as 'poor' for water quality, the lowest rating from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Top of the List: Littlehaven Beach

At the top of the list, which does not run in any particular order, is Littlehaven Beach in South Shields, near Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. This beach has long been controversial regarding cleanliness. According to House of Commons statistics, 15,977 hours were spent dumping sewage into the area in 2023 — a 162% increase on 2022, according to Gateshead Liberal Democrats. Residents are fed up. Last year, the Paddle-Out Campaign, organized by Surfers Against Sewage, saw thousands of North East locals paddling out in protest. Surfers Against Sewage has a real-time app for checking live pollution levels before swimming.

Other High-Profile Beaches Affected

The list includes well-known spots such as Lyme Regis, Ilfracombe, Weston-super-Mare, and Blackpool. In 2024, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb wrote to the Environment Minister expressing concern over water pollution. He stated: '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.'

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Counties Most Impacted

Somerset is the worst-impacted county, with five beaches on the list: Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor West, Burnham Jetty North, Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway, and Weston Main. Neighboring Devon is second-worst, with three beaches: Coastguards Beach along the Erme Estuary, Instow, and Ilfracombe Wildersmouth.

Expert Commentary

Martin Danemaq, spokesperson for Locals Insider, which commissioned the research, 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.' He added that there is good news: a relatively small number of beaches fit this category, leaving hundreds of options for a decent swim. However, he advises checking whether entering the water is recommended when planning a domestic beach trip.