Thirteen New Bathing Sites Designated Across England Including First on the Thames

England has expanded its list of officially designated bathing waters by adding thirteen new sites, bringing the total to over 460. Among the new locations is the River Thames at Ham and Kingston in Greater London, marking the first time a section of the Thames has been recognised as a bathing site.

The new designations cover a wide geographic range, including coastal counties and inland waterways, reflecting a nationwide effort to improve water quality and increase public access to safe swimming areas. Each site will be subject to regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency during the bathing season, which runs from 15 May to 30 September.

This expansion follows a public consultation that received strong support, with 90% of participants backing the new designations. The Ham and Kingston site notably attracted a record number of endorsements, highlighting significant local enthusiasm for the initiative.

Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing water quality and monitoring. She 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 Environment Agency will conduct weekly water sampling and assessments at each designated location throughout the summer months. Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, stressed the importance of community involvement, stating: “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.”

During the bathing season, the Environment Agency will carry out over 7,000 water quality tests across the 460-plus sites. Lovell added that through robust regulation and accurate data collection, the agency aims to continue improving bathing water standards by working closely with local partners to direct investment and focus action where it is most needed.

Among the new sites is East Beach at West Bay in Bridport, Dorset, known for its role as the filming location of the ITV drama Broadchurch. The government will also fund signage to ensure clear access to these newly designated bathing waters.

These designations serve to protect valued rivers and beaches while promoting social and health benefits by encouraging people to connect with nature. They also support local economies through increased tourism and align with the government’s broader goal of empowering communities to manage their local environments.

The new sites coincide with recent updates to bathing water regulations designed to modernise the system and better reflect current patterns of river and beach use. In 2025, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. The government’s reforms aim to replace a ‘one size fits all’ approach with more flexible, site-specific monitoring aligned with actual usage.

This announcement supports the forthcoming Clean Water Bill, introduced in the King’s Speech, which seeks to maintain momentum on comprehensive water sector reforms. The bill aims to end weak oversight, prevent water companies from self-regulating, and restore public trust in water management.

The newly designated bathing waters include:

• 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 unique family-favourite sandy beach
• Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent – a shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers and kayakers
• Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, Wiltshire – a cherished park opened in the early 1960s to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation
• East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset – filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch
• Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire – a meadow and river area that inspired The Wind in the Willows
• River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall – a scenic tidal river flowing through the town centre
• River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire – featuring 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

The Bathing Water Regulations were updated in November 2025 to prioritise public safety and water quality. Key reforms include removing the automatic de-designation of sites classified as ‘poor’ for five consecutive years, allowing waters with recovery potential to remain designated. The reforms also require consideration of a site’s ability to achieve a “sufficient” standard before designation, alongside any significant safety risks or environmental impacts. Additionally, the new rules permit flexible, site-specific bathing seasons to better align monitoring with actual water use.