Map reveals UK's filthiest beaches where YOUR kids will play this summer with waste-ridden waters & grim sewage levels
THE UK'S dirtiest beaches have been revealed with parents warned to be aware when letting their kids play in the sea this summer.
The 19 most filthy seaside spots were measured using the Environmental Agency's water quality data and marked on a map.
Advertisement
4
The 19 filthiest beaches have been revealed using water quality data
Credit: Alamy
4
All of Blackpool's beaches were found to have a 10/10 pollution risk last year
Credit: Alamy
It emerged that the number of "Brown Flag Beaches" has soared by 46 per cent this year.
Brown Flags are a "poor" rating by the EA and are usually caused by the amount of sewage in the water.
The news comes ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, when families will flock to their local beach for children to play in the sea.
Sunseekers have spent the last few days in rivers and beaches to cool off from the
Advertisement
The worst counties for these beaches are Somerset and Kent, so families may want to stay wary of where they plan a seaside trip.
But those in
Dorset, Devon and Cornwall also scored well when it came to cleanliness although each of the counties is also home to a Brown Flag beach.
Lincolnshire and Hampshire also scored well for water cleanliness.
Advertisement
Most read in The Sun
Holidayparkguru.co.uk analysed the data from the Environmental Agency.
Spokesperson Robbie Lane told the
"We had hoped that we'd handing out fewer Brown Flags this year - but the numbers have surged.
"Do your research this summer and you'll be saying 'wish you were here' rather than 'wish I'd worn a hazmat suit'."
Advertisement
Three stretches of
Blackpool North was the worst offender, returning 4.85/10 for overall water cleanliness, making in
All of Blackpool's beaches were found to have a 10/10 pollution risk by DEFRA.
Advertisement
Read more on the Irish Sun
In June 2023, Blackpool North - which sits in front of Blackpool Tower - was
It was among four Blackpool beaches which advised people not to swim
4
Lyme Regis in Devon was ranked on the list of dirty beaches
Credit: Getty
4
The beach in Weston Super Mare, Somerset was also named and shamed
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
England's filthiest beaches, revealed:
MANY popular beaches appeared on the Brown Flag list.
1 Porthluney, Cornwall
2 Coastguards Beach, Devon
3 Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach, Dorset
4 Southsea East, Hampshire
5 Deal Castle, Kent
6 Dymchurch, Kent
7 Littlestone, Kent
8 Blackpool North, Lancashire
9 St Annes North, Lancashire
10 Heacham, Norfolk
11 Weston Main, Weston Super Mare Sand Bay and Weston Super Mare Uphill Slipway, Somerset
12 Dunster Beach, Somerset
13 Blue Anchor West, Somerset
14 Bognor Regis, Sussex
15 Worthing Beach House, Sussex
16 Tynemouth Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear
17 Littlehaven Beach, Tyne and Wear
18 Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire
19 Bridlington South Beach, East Riding of Yorkshire
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I swapped Costa del Sol for this local Spanish beach spot – it's cheaper, calmer and there's no Brits in sight
AFTER years of bouncing between the usual Spanish hotspots like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Costa del Sol, there's one beach town I keep going back to - and hardly any Brits know about it. Called El Palmar de Vejer - or just El Palmar by locals - this little surf town on the south-west coast in the province of Advertisement 7 I've found the quieter side of Spain without the Brits Credit: Alamy 7 It's not easy to get to, but that's exactly why it still feels like a secret Credit: Lee Bell 7 There's no high-rise developments, no big hotel chains, no resorts Credit: Alamy It's laid-back, raw, and totally free of the usual Brits-abroad buzz. And that's exactly why it's so good. It's not easy to get to, but that's exactly why it still feels like a secret. Spanish locals love it - especially those from Madrid, who drive down for the summer holidays . But it's rare you'll hear anyone speaking English, and I've never once seen a big group of British tourists here. Advertisement Read more on Spain If you want sun, space, proper Spanish food and a bit of surf, this is the place. El Palmar is all about the beach - and it's a big one. It's long, wide and open, with soft golden sand and a breeze that rolls in off the Atlantic. Locals even call the area 'Cádizfornia' because it's got that same laid-back, surfy vibe you get in And they're not wrong - it really does feel like Spain's answer to the west coast of the US. Just less polished - and no loud Americans. Phew. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays What's more, there's no high-rise developments, no big hotel chains, no resorts. Instead, you'll find only small holiday apartments, beachside glamping sites and independent surf lodges. A lot of the accommodation is low-key - think bungalows behind the dunes or boutique guesthouses a short walk from the beach. One of Spain's oldest beach bars that was loved by A-List stars forced to close — as fans say goodbye to €4 beers and sea views 7 It feels more like California Credit: Alamy The town itself is more of a strip - a few shops, surf schools , and beach bars, all built into the landscape. There's no real centre, but that's part of the charm. Advertisement It's the kind of place where you can go barefoot all day and no one would batter an eyelid. The whole of El Palmar feels peaceful and raw in the best way. It's not overly polished or fancy, but that's the appeal. You wake up to the sound of waves, stroll out to a café for breakfast, hit the beach, maybe do a surf lesson or just lie in the sun, then head to one of the chiringuitos for lunch. These chiringuitos are what make it for me. These are beach bars right on the sand, serving cold drinks and some of the best seafood I've had in Advertisement You can get a table with your feet in the sand, order a plate of prawns or tuna tartare, and just sit watching the waves roll in and the sun in your face. Locals even call the area 'Cádizfornia' for the surfy vibe Most places also do proper Andalusian In the evenings, some bars have live music - usually acoustic, sometimes a bit of flamenco. It's never full-on party mode, but it's sociable and fun. You won't find bar crawls or club reps here - just locals and in-the-know visitors enjoying the sunsets, which are nearly always amazing. Advertisement El Palmar's great for doing absolutely nothing. But if you fancy mixing things up, there's a lot to explore nearby. About 15 minutes inland is the whitewashed hill town of Here you'll find quaint narrow streets, flower-filled balconies and sweeping views. 7 Visit the nearby Vejer de la Frontera Credit: Alamy Advertisement 7 Make sure to explore the Old Quarter too Credit: Alamy You can head up for lunch or dinner, wander the old quarter, and enjoy a change of scenery without going too far. Further down the coast is It's a great spot if you want something a bit more lively for a day or two - or even to bolt onto your El Palmar trip. Advertisement And just up the coast is Europe . Cadiz is full of history , with colourful buildings, crumbling castles, seafood markets and buzzing tapas bars. You could easily spend a day there before heading back to your beach base. How to get there El Palmar's not the easiest place to reach - but that's why you don't see many tourists there, adding to its charm. Hiring a car from airports Advertisement But if you're lacking a driving licence but have plenty of patience, you can still get there by public transport. From You can also go via Cádiz, which has a direct bus to El Palmar run by Transportes Generales Comes. It takes just over an hour and is fairly cheap, between €5–€14. However, buses aren't super frequent and can be even more limited outside of summer. Coming from Advertisement All doable, but if you want to avoid the faff, just hire a car. Where to stay, when to go You're not going to find anything super lux at El Palmar, but that's part of its appeal. If you want somewhere stylish but low-key, look at Nexo Surf House, it's got spacious, airy rooms, a restaurant and surf lessons all rolled into one. For something more rustic, the glamping options at Kampaoh are worth a look. Here you'll find safari-style tents with proper beds and private bathrooms, all a short walk from the beach. Advertisement There are also plenty of local Airbnbs scattered along the coast, many within walking distance to the beach. Some are simple studios, others are bigger houses that are ideal for groups or families. Wherever you stay, you're never far from the sea - and that's the whole point. In the busier summer months of July and August, however, be sure to book well in advance as rooms do get booked up fast by locals. Even then, it's mostly Spanish families, not hordes of tourists. The beach is big enough that it never feels rammed. It's not built for mass tourism, and that's why it's so good. Advertisement If you want a quieter vibe, I'd opt to go in June or September. The weather's still hot, the sea's warm, and there's lots of space. Flights to Seville from the UK start from around £25 return if you book early enough. If you want a break that's off the beaten track, full of charm, and free from the usual Brit holiday clichés, this is the place to go. 7 The best way to get there is via Seville Credit: Alamy Advertisement
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Victorian English seaside town with no arcades or loud rides that has one of the UK's best beaches & is loved by celebs
A PICTURESQUE town in Devon is home to one of the UK's most beautiful beaches - complete without arcades and rides. The Victorian town of Sidmouth in east Devon has a 200million-year-old coastline, being the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Advertisement 4 The Victorian town of Sidmouth in east Devon has a pretty beach and even has no arcades Credit: Alamy 4 The town and beach are part of the Jurassic Coast Credit: Alamy What's more is that the town is also loved by celebs including Fry stayed nearby the town when starring in the TV adaptation of Jeeves and Wooster. As for Jeremy Vine , the radio presenter got married nearby and spends summers returning to the town. In fact, when he set his first whodunnit novel called Murder on Line, in the town, he included a scene where a wave sweeps a radio station manager and her just-sacked DJ into the water together. Advertisement Vine noted in "It's chintzy in places, drab in others, but it feels real. "And real by the sea is a different kind of beauty." But celebrity visitors also extended to literary legends and royalty. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive Exclusive Jane Austen - famous for her novels Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey - spent the summer of 1801 in Sidmouth. The town had become a popular spot among high society due to its spa waters, Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' During the summer Austen was in Sidmouth, she had a fling with a young man - however, it had a tragic end. Her suitor caught typhus and died, ending the fleeting relationship. Advertisement Austen isn't the only writer to have spent some time in the town - JRR Tolkien, the creator of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit also holidayed at the Tolkien used to stay at Kennaway House, which is rumoured to be the location where he wrote the first parts of Lord of the Rings. And in the town itself, one of the pubs is believed to have inspired Aragon's introduction. Later, in April 1908, Beatrix Potter was also in Sidmouth. Advertisement On family holidays, the popular children's writer would stay at the Hylton - where there is now even a plaque commemorating her stays. Potter used to talk of the views, her 4 Celebrities including Jeremy Vine and royalty such as Queen Victoria have visited the town Credit: Alamy As for royalty, Queen Victoria (who at the time of visiting was Princess Alexandrina) also frequented the town. Advertisement In 1819, she stayed at Woolbrook Cottage - now known as the Royal Glen Hotel. However, the holiday was not particularly happy as her father became ill and died. For things to do in Sidmouth, there is plenty of choice, with the beach undoubtedly being the main attraction. This year Sidmouth Town Beach was awarded a Advertisement Being amongst the My own experience of Sidmouth GROWING up, I always associated Sidmouth with 'that place that had donkeys'. This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of. It's a great spot for children and learning about animal welfare. Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up. Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years. They are part of the Jurassic Coast - which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period. They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast. But if you aren't done with exploring, you could always head over to Hill View along the One particularly special thing about Sidmouth though, is that it doesn't have any amusement arcades, loud sports bars or dodgy street food vendors. Instead, the places that these would usually be have been filled with galleries and antiques shops, independent retailers and Advertisement To get to the quaint town, from London it takes around four hours to drive. Alternatively, also from London, you could hop on a train to Honiton, taking around two-and-a-half hours before catching a bus from Honiton to Sidmouth. Read more on the Irish Sun Plus, a Advertisement 4 Reporter Cyann Fielding has been to the town and loves it for it's unique feel Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The Sun travels to three cheapest Ryanair destinations this month – but which one was REALLY the best value overall?
FOR a cheap jaunt to Europe, Ryanair is first in line for a bargain break - with flights sometimes as low as £11 each way. But what if low-priced flights sometimes end up costing you more, arriving at the destination only to spend a fortune on food and activities when you're there? 14 Ryanair flights are cheap but what is the best budget destination? Credit: Getty The three cheapest places you can fly to on Ryanair this month are Milan, We asked three The Sun writers to spend the day exploring each city to find out how much the entire trip costs once you've bagged the bargain flight. From cheap pizza to £5 pints, the results are in - and you may be surprised to find out which break was best for your budget... Milan, Italy 14 Sun writer Bex April May says Milan can be easily explored on a budget Credit: Bex April May 14 Bex was able to get return flights to the stunning city for just £30 Credit: Getty Bex April May flew to Milan Bergamo from London Stansted for £30 return. Milan may be a designer capital of the world, and while it may have its fair share of daft designer prices, you can have a fantastic time I travel here at least once a month, and as editor of Forget splashing £20 on a sad sandwich by the Duomo - Milan's tastiest food is hiding in plain sight. Our first stop is Panzerotti Luini (Via Santa Radegonda), a hole-in-the-wall spot just behind the cathedral, famous for its deep-fried pockets of cheesy heaven. A piping hot, freshly made panzerotto will set you back just £2 - though you'll probably want to return for even more. The stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II), right beside the Duomo is a I visited the tiny island that is Italy's best kept secret and you can avoid the summer crowds But, instead of wandering into the upscale restaurants by its entrance, take the lift up to the sixth floor and head to Their £10 aperitivo deal gets you a drink, and a huge Italian tagliere (meat and cheese board) for each person. It's the best bargain rooftop terrace in Milan. You can't go to Italy and An espresso at an everyday cafe in Milan will generally only set you back £1 - while a glass of wine or beer is around £4. If you are after a cheap tipple, historic standing bar, Cantine Isola (Via Paolo Sarpi), a century‑old staple in Chinatown - serves up even cheaper wine by the glass, at around £2-£3, with buzzy, if not slightly chaotic vibes. 14 Rooftop bars can offer a great view of the city and there are hidden gems to be found, says Bex Credit: Alamy 14 Food is cheap in the city with fresh pasta and pizza for as little as £8 Credit: Alamy No trip to Italy is complete without an Aperol Spritz in the sun so I took a stroll along the Navigli canals, where rows of buzzing outdoor cafés line the water. Stop at Spritz Naivligi (Ripa di Porta) where you can sip a cocktail and tuck into a generous sweet and savoury aperitivo buffet as part of their evening Happy Hour - all for just £9. Believe it or not, dinner is the biggest bargain in Milan. A delicious bowl of fresh pasta, such as a Rigatoni alla Norma, starts at £8 from fab people-watching spot That's your evening sorted, Italian-style. Best of all, some of the most beautiful things to do in Milan are totally free. Wander the canals of Navigli. Take in the majesty of the Duomo and the golden Madonna on top and chill out in the city's beautiful Parco Sempione, behind Sforzesco Castle - all without spending a penny. Milan might be stylish, but if you know where to go, you can enjoy Primark prices in a Prada World. Milan's cheap checklist: Getting from the airport: A bus from the airport to the centre of Milan is £10 each way Lunch: £4.25 Cup of coffee: £1 Glass of Beer: £4 Dinner with wine: £12 Best free activity: A stroll through Navigli TOTAL: £41.25 Belfast, Northern Ireland 14 Eimear is from Belfast and shares a few of her favourite places Credit: Eimear O'Hagan 14 Belfast has an incredible history, especially along the river Credit: Getty Eimear O'Hagen flew from Edinburgh, Scotland to Belfast, Northern Ireland for £31 return . I may have lived away from Whenever I get the chance to get back there for a visit, I grab it, so I've almost become a 'local' expert again. Whether it's visiting my old haunts or discovering new ones, Belfast always delivers. I love that it's now a buzzing destination and perfect for a city break. As it's grown in popularity, so has the perception that Belfast must be an expensive place to visit. However, if you know where to go, parts of the city still offer a great time on a budget. Getting from the airport is easy, and since it was the weekend, we headed straight to St George's Market. 14 St George's Market is a great place to get cheap eats at the weekend Credit: Alamy 14 The Botanic Gardens is free to explore Credit: Alamy This place really showcases the personality of the city with live music, food and craft stalls to peruse, and a buzzy, friendly atmosphere. As well as being a cool and colourful spot, St George's Market is a historic building that has been home to a market at weekends since 1604. Better still, lunch is sorted with huge potato bowls from one of the stalls, A generous portion of patatas bravas is topped with a chorizo skewer and pork belly bites for only £11. However, if it's your first time to Belfast, it's almost compulsory to try the Ulster Fry at The all-day 'Bumper Fry' will only set you back £11 and is a proper Irish breakfast/brunch that will keep you going for hours. After a good feed, we headed off to explore Belfast on foot, which is the best way to see it. If you just want to go for a wander and see if a particular bar or restaurant takes your fancy, the Ormeau Road and Botanic area as well as the Andersonstown and Falls Roads often offer a cheaper alternative to the more touristy city centre and Cathedral Quarter. From here, Belfast's beautiful Botanic Gardens offer a step away from city life and are completely free of charge. You can also explore Belfast's historic waterfront area for zero pennies by doing the maritime mile walk, which includes iconic locations from Game of Thrones too. Stop at Paper Cup on the route for a £2.50 coffee to take along with you. If you plan on spending more than one day in Belfast, I highly recommend taking a £5 train to the beach. Holywood Beach, or 'Sea Park' as the locals call it, is only 15 minutes by train and is a beautiful spot on the coastline for a stroll and a paddle on a sunny day. Back in the city, I stopped in for some Irish charm at the It's a favourite of mine for a great atmosphere and live music, plus a pint of Guinness is only £5.50. Or if wine's your tipple, at While some restaurants in Belfast's tourist areas have a reputation for being inauthentic and overpriced, Kelly's is a local institution. This is one of the oldest pubs in Belfast, dating back to 1720, and about as proper an Irish pub you'll get. They only serve one thing - Irish Stew - and it's really good. Tuck into a hearty bowl with a wedge of fresh warm bread for just £7.20. You'll leave feeling like a local yourself. Belfast's Cheap Checklist: Getting from the airport: A return bus ticket from Belfast International Airport to the city centre costs £13.50 Lunch: £11 Cup of coffee: £2.50 Glass of Beer: £5.50 Dinner with wine: £12 Best free activity: An afternoon on Holywood Beach TOTAL: £42.50 Gdansk, Poland 14 Helen thinks Gdansk is an underrated European city Credit: Helen Wright 14 Gdansk Old Town is beautiful and ideal for a short break Credit: Getty Helen Wright flew from London Stansted to Gdansk, Poland for £29 . Finding a cheap city break and spending as little as possible while I'm there is one of my special skills as a travel writer. I love living in the UK and being able to explore Europe so cheaply and easily. But, if you don't do your research, a cheap flight can lure you in and end up costing you a fortune in food, drink and accommodation. Gdansk, Poland, is definitely not one of those places. Flights to Gdansk on Ryanair are always cheap and the city is beautiful, easy to explore, and inexpensive. If you've never been, it's the 14 I start off with a walk through Gdansk Old Town and along the historic Mariacka Street, which is one of the oldest streets in the city. You'll be surprised by the architecture, which looks more like a fairytale village in Scandinavia than a Polish city. Along Mariacka street, there are lots of cafes and bars, so I stop off a Cafe Kamienica for a £1 coffee on the sunny balcony. From here, it's a short walk to the Waterside Area which is lined with bars and restaurants but you'll pay extra for the sprawling patios and the river views. Instead, head into the Main City and grab a table at Pierogarnia Mandu, a modern restaurant that serves traditional pierogi, Polish dumplings. My favourite is the chicken, dried tomatoes and feta cheese pierogi, served with paprika-olive sauce and you get a huge bowl for £8. If you have kids with you, they also do a cheeseburger dumpling, which was a hit with my four-year-old. If you'd rather eat-while-you-walk, Ketili Puri is a Georgian bakery that sells the most delicious pastries to go. Pick up the khachapuri, creamy cheesy bread. For only £3, two people could share this for a tasty snack as you stroll in the sun. My top tip is to go to Gdansk Sunday to Tuesday if you can. This is because museums in the city are free on Mondays (some are free on Tuesdays). While fantastic museums like the European Solidarity Centre and the Museum of the Second World War are not expensive to enter anyway, you can get your culture fix without spending anything if you go at the start of the week. By now, it was time for a drink. Beer and wine in Poland is typically cheap and surprisingly good. Pull up a stool at Red Light in Chlebniczka, hidden on a backstreet between Piwna and Dlugaand, and sample the local bottled beer. Usually packed with locals, this kooky bar has a great atmosphere with a small dancefloor in the basement and a mismatch of seating upstairs. They also sell coffee if you're not ready to booze. 14 Helen and her daughter, Isobel, explored Gdansk on foot Credit: Helen Wright 14 Neptune's Fountain is one of Gdansk's most famous monuments Credit: Alamy Despite being a small city, there is something around every corner here. A look at the beautiful Neptune's Fountain is a must since it's one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city. The fountain is located at the Długi Targ, in front of the entrance to the Artus Court. This area is usually buzzing with people, buskers and street performers. My top spot for dinner is It's a fantastic place to sit and people watch, too. Dinner was a bargain with three courses, a glass of Prosecco or a cocktail for only £20. The food is beautifully presented and definitely feels fancier than the prices suggest. A meal here is half the price of the tourist traps along the river, but it's only five minutes away so you can walk it all off by the water, which is beautifully illuminated and looks stunning after-dark. Gdansk Cheap Checklist Public bus to Gdansk £1.40 or taxi is £15 each way (20 mins) Lunch: £8 Cup of coffee: £1 Glass of Beer: £3 Dinner and a drink: £20 Best free activity: A stroll along the waterfront TOTAL: £67 So if you're after a cheap getaway in Europe this summer, a flight to Milan to enjoy Aperol Spritz and a fresh plate of delicious pasta is certainly a good idea.
