London's first-ever bathing spot on the River Thames opens today as the official bathing season begins. The site at Ham and Kingston becomes the first on the river in London to have designated status, marking a milestone for improved water quality in a river declared biologically dead in the 1950s due to pollution.
New Bathing Sites Across England
The Ham and Kingston site is among 13 new locations opening on Friday. Across the season, which runs until September 30, 464 sites across England's coasts, rivers, and lakes will undergo regular water quality testing. This initiative aims to provide better information for swimmers, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Other new spots include the filming location for the TV drama Broadchurch, popular beaches, a meadow and river site that inspired The Wind in the Willows, and a Yorkshire location where the River Swale flows in waterfalls over limestone steps. The designations follow a public consultation where 90% of responders supported them, with record endorsement for the Ham and Kingston site.
Government and Environmental Agency Response
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers. Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this Government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector. We're committed to generational reform of our water industry and won't stop until the job is done."
The Government recently reformed the designated bathing water system to introduce more flexible monitoring dates reflecting when people use sites. It also expanded the legal definition of "bather" to include paddle boarders and surfers. Additional funding will improve signage at new sites for clearer access.
Alan Lovell, Environment Agency Chairman, said: "The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality. If you're planning on going open water swimming this summer, I'd advise everyone to get informed – checking water quality and conditions before you go."
Throughout the summer, Environment Agency officers will visit sites weekly to sample and monitor water quality, publishing results online. The regulator evaluates whether action is needed to reduce pollution and works with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve quality. In 2025, 87% of designated sites were rated excellent or good, and 93% met at least the minimum grade, but 7% (32 sites) failed to meet minimum standards.
The Thirteen New Sites
- Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland – a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea, popular with locals.
- Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon – a narrow tidal inlet off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex – a family-favourite sandy beach.
- Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent – a shingle beach used by swimmers and kayakers.
- Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire – where the River Avon flows through a green space opened in the early 1960s to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
- East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset – filming location for ITV drama Broadchurch.
- Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire – a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows.
- River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall – a tidal river flowing through the heart of the town.
- River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire – with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps.
- Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk – a riverside community space on the River Waveney.
- River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London – London's first river bathing site on the Thames.
- New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside – a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary.
- River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire – a popular spot for families and water sports.
