The UK's cleanest beaches have been identified by the Foundation for Environmental Education, following a record number of sickness reports from beachgoers. The list includes 63 beaches in England and nine in Northern Ireland, with notable locations such as Hastings, Saltdean, Sandbanks, and Blackpool Sands.
Water Quality Concerns
The announcement comes after the Environment Agency revealed that almost all of England's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters are contaminated with toxic chemicals. Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) reported receiving a record number of sickness reports from beachgoers, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Jo Morley, SAS's head of campaigns, accused water companies of 'making us sick' after decades of pumping sewage into open waters. Several Blue Flag beaches, which are recognized for high water quality, biodiversity, and safety, have been affected by pollution.
Top Clean Beaches
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 Leonard-on-Sea, is among the cleanest. Volunteers from Plastic Free Hastings organize regular cleaning efforts, supported by routine maintenance from Hastings Council.
Saltdean Beach, about five miles from Brighton, is quieter and features rock pools at low tide, with cafes along the chalk cliffs. Sandbanks in Dorset, known for its expensive property, is famously clean with glittering blue waters and immaculate sand, maintained by daily tractor sifting during high season and a no-smoking policy.
Minnis Bay in Kent, with its beach chalets and long expanse, also made the list, as did Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, noted for its cleanliness and fossil-hunting opportunities.
Beaches to Avoid
In contrast, recent research has revealed the UK's 'no-go' beaches, where swimming is not advised due to sewage and waste pollution. These beaches have been classified as 'poor' for water quality, the lowest rating from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. There are 20 such beaches across the UK.
