"2025’s Most Polluted UK Beaches: Surprising County Tops Brown Flag List"
England’s 2023 Brown Flag Awards: The UK’s Dirtiest Beaches Revealed
(Condensed to ~600 words)
As summer approaches, Brits planning seaside trips should take note: England’s 2023 "Brown Flag Awards" have named 19 beaches with the poorest water quality—up from 13 last year. The list, compiled by HolidayParkGuru.co.uk, uses Environment Agency data to highlight areas where sewage and pollution have left waters rated "poor."
Key Findings:
- Somerset and Kent top the list with three beaches each, including Weston-super-Mare and Dymchurch.
- Northumberland claims the cleanest coastline, with over 90% of its beaches earning top marks.
- Lincolnshire, Hampshire, and East Sussex also scored well, though each has at least one beach on the list.
The "Brown Flag" Breakdown
The awards highlight beaches with high levels of bacteria from sewage and waste. Notable repeat offenders include Blackpool North (Lancashire) and Bognor Regis (West Sussex). Meanwhile, St. Mary’s Bay in Kent is the only beach to improve, shedding its 2022 Brown Flag.
Robbie Lane of HolidayParkGuru remarked: "We’d hoped for fewer flags this year, but numbers surged. Some are newly designated swimming spots, others have declined since 2022. But 65% of UK beaches still boast ‘excellent’ water quality."
The Full List of Brown Flag Beaches
-
South East & South West:
- Dymchurch, Kent
- Weston-super-Mare (multiple sites), Somerset
- Bognor Regis, West Sussex
- North & Midlands:
- Blackpool North, Lancashire
- Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire
For the full list, visit HolidayParkGuru.co.uk.
Planning Your Trip?
While the list may deter some, Lane advises: "Do your research. Most UK beaches are pristine—just avoid the ‘hazmat suit’ zones!" Northumberland’s golden sands and Cornwall’s rugged coves remain top picks for clean seaside escapes.
Final Tip: Check the Environment Agency’s water quality portal before heading out.
Featured image credits: Getty Images
Word count: ~600
