Is it safe to swim?

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Cleanest beaches in New Forest

New Forest has 5 designated bathing waters. The regulator's latest classifications are 4 Excellent and 1 Poor.

Updated August 2026

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Top rated

A selection rated Excellent or Good in the regulator's latest annual classification. Open any beach for today's live verdict.

Rated Excellent Calshot New ForestRated Excellent Christchurch Bay New ForestRated Excellent Lepe New ForestRated Excellent Milford-on-sea New Forest

Every bathing water in New Forest

Rated Excellent Calshot New ForestRated Excellent Christchurch Bay New ForestRated Excellent Lepe New ForestRated Excellent Milford-on-sea New ForestRated Poor River Avon at Fordingbridge New Forest

Common questions

Which beach is cleanest in New Forest?
Calshot holds an Excellent classification, the regulator's top tier. 4 of the 5 bathing waters in New Forest are rated Excellent or Good.
How many bathing waters are in New Forest?
5. The regulator's latest classifications are 4 Excellent and 1 Poor.