Is it safe to swim?

← Beaches by area

Worst beaches for sewage

English bathing waters ranked by the number of storm-overflow spills the Environment Agency links to them in 2025. Storm overflows are driven by rain, so they spill hardest in the months when nobody is swimming.

Spills in 2025

  1. 1 Wallasey Wirral 1,611 from 53 overflows +286% since 2021
  2. 2 Plymouth Hoe East City of Plymouth 1,417 from 38 overflows +32% since 2022
  3. 3 Walney West Shore Westmorland and Furness 1,279 from 29 overflows
  4. 4 St Annes Fylde 1,111 from 64 overflows -35% since 2021
  5. 5 Walney Sandy Gap Westmorland and Furness 1,066 from 21 overflows
  6. 6 Walney Biggar Bank Westmorland and Furness 975 from 19 overflows
  7. 7 Allonby Cumberland 863 from 14 overflows +11% since 2021
  8. 8 Steamer Quay, Dart Estuary South Hams 741 from 16 overflows -30% since 2024
  9. 9 Seascale Cumberland 573 from 9 overflows -26% since 2021
  10. 10 Spittal Northumberland 509 from 28 overflows -21% since 2021
  11. 11 Fleetwood Wyre 501 from 19 overflows -4% since 2021
  12. 12 Cowes Isle of Wight 487 from 16 overflows -18% since 2021
  13. 13 Morecambe South Lancaster 465 from 23 overflows -51% since 2021
  14. 14 Moreton Wirral 464 from 16 overflows +52% since 2021
  15. 15 Gurnard Isle of Wight 444 from 15 overflows -11% since 2021
  16. 16 Blackpool South Blackpool 433 from 27 overflows -52% since 2021
  17. 17 Southport Sefton 409 from 28 overflows -58% since 2021
  18. 18 Plymouth Hoe West City of Plymouth 396 from 10 overflows +86% since 2022
  19. 19 St Annes North Fylde 390 from 25 overflows -54% since 2021
  20. 20 Haverigg Cumberland 375 from 9 overflows -6% since 2021
  21. 21 Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary South Hams 347 from 11 overflows -61% since 2024
  22. 22 Mothecombe South Hams 347 from 11 overflows +12% since 2022
  23. 23 Readymoney Cove Cornwall 317 from 7 overflows -34% since 2021
  24. 24 St Bees Cumberland 315 from 13 overflows +86% since 2021
  25. 25 Formby Sefton 300 from 6 overflows -25% since 2021
  26. 26 Littlehampton Arun 282 from 9 overflows
  27. 27 Southsea East City of Portsmouth 264 from 25 overflows -19% since 2021
  28. 28 Morecambe North Lancaster 263 from 12 overflows -35% since 2021
  29. 29 Bognor Regis East Arun 251 from 10 overflows -35% since 2023
  30. 30 East Looe Cornwall 249 from 7 overflows -29% since 2022
  31. 31 Felpham Arun 249 from 10 overflows -45% since 2023
  32. 32 Long Rock Cornwall 236 from 6 overflows -4% since 2024
  33. 33 Seaton (Cornwall) Cornwall 232 from 5 overflows +77% since 2022
  34. 34 River Ribble at Edisford Bridge Ribble Valley 221 from 3 overflows
  35. 35 Stokes Bay Gosport 212 from 27 overflows -21% since 2021
  36. 36 Windermere, Rayrigg Meadow Westmorland and Furness 209 from 3 overflows -13% since 2023
  37. 37 Ryde Isle of Wight 193 from 18 overflows -35% since 2021
  38. 38 Warfleet Creek, Dart Estuary South Hams 186 from 5 overflows -21% since 2024
  39. 39 St Helens Isle of Wight 185 from 16 overflows -32% since 2021
  40. 40 Dawlish Town Teignbridge 178 from 9 overflows +44% since 2022
  41. 41 Middleton-on-sea Arun 173 from 6 overflows -21% since 2023
  42. 42 Blue Anchor West Somerset 169 from 7 overflows +35% since 2022
  43. 43 Seagrove Isle of Wight 169 from 16 overflows -46% since 2021
  44. 44 Exmouth East Devon 168 from 4 overflows +7% since 2021
  45. 45 Blackpool North Blackpool 160 from 8 overflows +76% since 2021
  46. 46 Shanklin Isle of Wight 156 from 6 overflows -50% since 2023
  47. 47 Newbiggin North Northumberland 153 from 3 overflows +13% since 2021
  48. 48 Newbiggin South Northumberland 153 from 3 overflows +13% since 2021
  49. 49 Sandown Isle of Wight 151 from 5 overflows -49% since 2023
  50. 50 Yaverland Isle of Wight 151 from 4 overflows -49% since 2023
  51. 51 River Severn in Shrewsbury Shropshire 146 from 8 overflows -27% since 2024
  52. 52 Bexhill Rother 144 from 10 overflows -59% since 2023
  53. 53 Dittisham, Dart Estuary South Hams 144 from 4 overflows -27% since 2024
  54. 54 Marske Sands Redcar and Cleveland 144 from 7 overflows -19% since 2021
  55. 55 Crimdon County Durham 142 from 3 overflows +71% since 2021
  56. 56 Whitecliff Bay Isle of Wight 140 from 2 overflows -47% since 2023
  57. 57 Portreath Cornwall 134 from 1 overflow +68% since 2022
  58. 58 Bembridge Isle of Wight 129 from 7 overflows -36% since 2021
  59. 59 Pagham Arun 129 from 6 overflows -61% since 2023
  60. 60 Clevedon Beach North Somerset 126 from 7 overflows +9% since 2022
  61. 61 Seaford Lewes 126 from 9 overflows -47% since 2023
  62. 62 Blackpool Central Blackpool 124 from 6 overflows +148% since 2021
  63. 63 Bispham Blackpool 123 from 3 overflows -13% since 2021
  64. 64 St Leonards Hastings 123 from 7 overflows -48% since 2023
  65. 65 Littlehaven Beach South Tyneside 118 from 7 overflows -33% since 2024
  66. 66 Budleigh Salterton East Devon 113 from 8 overflows +102% since 2022
  67. 67 Godrevy Towans Cornwall 111 from 2 overflows +34% since 2024
  68. 68 Gwithian Towans Cornwall 111 from 2 overflows +34% since 2024
  69. 69 Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach Dorset 111 from 6 overflows -24% since 2022
  70. 70 Meadfoot Torbay 109 from 2 overflows +35% since 2022
  71. 71 Pentewan Cornwall 108 from 2 overflows +46% since 2022
  72. 72 Harlyn Bay Cornwall 107 from 1 overflow +57% since 2022
  73. 73 Colwell Bay Isle of Wight 106 from 9 overflows +93% since 2021
  74. 74 Seaton Carew North Hartlepool 106 from 3 overflows +9% since 2023
  75. 75 Sandgate Granville Parade Folkestone and Hythe 105 from 4 overflows -26% since 2023
  76. 76 Hythe Folkestone and Hythe 104 from 3 overflows -21% since 2023
  77. 77 Sidmouth Beach East Devon 101 from 3 overflows +71% since 2022
  78. 78 Par Sands Cornwall 100 from 3 overflows +1900% since 2021
  79. 79 Teignmouth Holcombe Teignbridge 99 from 2 overflows +43% since 2022
  80. 80 Seaton (Devon) East Devon 96 from 3 overflows +57% since 2022
  81. 81 Eastney City of Portsmouth 95 from 3 overflows -18% since 2021
  82. 82 Hayling Beachlands Central Havant 95 from 4 overflows -17% since 2021
  83. 83 Hayling Beachlands West Havant 95 from 5 overflows -18% since 2021
  84. 84 Cleveleys Wyre 94 from 4 overflows +1% since 2021
  85. 85 Mill Bay South Hams 93 from 2 overflows -14% since 2022
  86. 86 Lynmouth North Devon 89 from 5 overflows +24% since 2022
  87. 87 Totland Bay Isle of Wight 89 from 7 overflows +128% since 2021
  88. 88 Bognor Regis (Aldwick) Arun 84 from 8 overflows -62% since 2023
  89. 89 Christchurch Avon Beach Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 84 from 12 overflows +40% since 2022
  90. 90 Friar's Cliff, Christchurch Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 84 from 12 overflows +40% since 2022
  91. 91 Ainsdale Sefton 83 from 5 overflows +361% since 2021
  92. 92 Gorran Haven Little Perhaver Cornwall 80 from 2 overflows +29% since 2022
  93. 93 Seaham Hall Beach County Durham 75 from 6 overflows -36% since 2021
  94. 94 Herne Bay Central Canterbury 74 from 6 overflows -56% since 2021
  95. 95 Charmouth West Dorset 72 from 3 overflows +9% since 2022
  96. 96 Crantock Cornwall 72 from 3 overflows -24% since 2022
  97. 97 Stoke Gabriel, Dart Estuary South Hams 71 from 2 overflows -46% since 2024
  98. 98 Fistral North Cornwall 70 from 2 overflows -4% since 2024
  99. 99 Fistral South Cornwall 70 from 2 overflows -4% since 2024
  100. 100 Great Yarmouth South Great Yarmouth 70 from 2 overflows +3% since 2021
  101. 101 Poole Harbour Rockley Sands Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 69 from 9 overflows +8% since 2021
  102. 102 Shoeburyness Southend-on-Sea 69 from 1 overflow -18% since 2024
  103. 103 Swanpool Cornwall 69 from 3 overflows +17% since 2022
  104. 104 Lowestoft (North of Claremont Pier) East Suffolk 68 from 4 overflows -22% since 2024
  105. 105 Trevaunance Cove Cornwall 68 from 3 overflows +66% since 2022
  106. 106 Tankerton Canterbury 67 from 4 overflows -54% since 2022
  107. 107 Holland Tendring 66 from 2 overflows -44% since 2024
  108. 108 Kingsand Cornwall 66 from 3 overflows +94% since 2022
  109. 109 Sheerness Swale 66 from 8 overflows -10% since 2022
  110. 110 Southend Jubilee Southend-on-Sea 66 from 10 overflows -70% since 2024
  111. 111 Druridge Bay North Northumberland 65 from 2 overflows -54% since 2021
  112. 112 Great Yarmouth Pier Great Yarmouth 64 from 1 overflow -3% since 2021
  113. 113 St Mary's Bay (Devon) Torbay 64 from 1 overflow +8% since 2024
  114. 114 Plymouth Firestone Bay City of Plymouth 63 from 4 overflows +13% since 2024
  115. 115 Amble Links Northumberland 62 from 7 overflows -56% since 2021
  116. 116 Saltburn Redcar and Cleveland 62 from 7 overflows -40% since 2023
  117. 117 Warkworth Northumberland 62 from 7 overflows -56% since 2021
  118. 118 Torre Abbey Torbay 61 from 4 overflows +110% since 2022
  119. 119 Brightlingsea Tendring 59 from 5 overflows +7% since 2024
  120. 120 Beer East Devon 58 from 2 overflows +45% since 2022
  121. 121 Millendreath Cornwall 58 from 1 overflow +16% since 2022
  122. 122 Porthtowan Cornwall 58 from 2 overflows +544% since 2022
  123. 123 Redcar Coatham Redcar and Cleveland 58 from 4 overflows -64% since 2021
  124. 124 Lee-on-Solent Gosport 55 from 7 overflows -43% since 2023
  125. 125 Sandy Bay East Devon 55 from 1 overflow +12% since 2021
  126. 126 Seahouses North Northumberland 55 from 4 overflows +28% since 2022
  127. 127 Windermere, Millerground Landing Westmorland and Furness 55 from 1 overflow -33% since 2021
  128. 128 Blyth South Beach Northumberland 54 from 4 overflows -11% since 2022
  129. 129 Combe Martin North Devon 54 from 3 overflows +6% since 2022
  130. 130 Salcombe South Sands South Hams 53 from 3 overflows +51% since 2022
  131. 131 Beacon Cove Torbay 51 from 3 overflows +31% since 2022
  132. 132 Perranuthnoe Cornwall 50 from 1 overflow +32% since 2022
  133. 133 Porthkidney Sands Cornwall 49 from 2 overflows -25% since 2022
  134. 134 Woolacombe Village North Devon 49 from 1 overflow +69% since 2022
  135. 135 Charlestown Cornwall 48 from 2 overflows +9% since 2022
  136. 136 West Beach, Whitstable Canterbury 48 from 6 overflows -11% since 2022
  137. 137 Shoreham Beach Adur 47 from 5 overflows -18% since 2023
  138. 138 Southwick Adur 47 from 5 overflows -18% since 2023
  139. 139 Minehead Beach Somerset 44 from 4 overflows +38% since 2022
  140. 140 Folkestone Folkestone and Hythe 43 from 3 overflows -32% since 2023
  141. 141 Thurlestone South South Hams 43 from 2 overflows +13% since 2022
  142. 142 Rottingdean Beach The City of Brighton and Hove 42 from 3 overflows -60% since 2024
  143. 143 Saltdean The City of Brighton and Hove 42 from 3 overflows -45% since 2023
  144. 144 Widemouth Sand Cornwall 41 from 1 overflow +24% since 2022
  145. 145 Slapton Sands Torcross South Hams 40 from 1 overflow -31% since 2021
  146. 146 Hove The City of Brighton and Hove 39 from 2 overflows -11% since 2023
  147. 147 Polzeath Cornwall 39 from 2 overflows +117% since 2022
  148. 148 River Frome at Farleigh Hungerford Somerset 39 from 1 overflow
  149. 149 Southend Three Shells Southend-on-Sea 38 from 6 overflows -17% since 2024
  150. 150 Seatown Dorset 37 from 2 overflows -5% since 2022
  151. 151 Cleethorpes North East Lincolnshire 36 from 3 overflows +44% since 2021
  152. 152 Seaham Beach County Durham 36 from 1 overflow -48% since 2021
  153. 153 River Tone at French Weir Park Somerset 35 from 3 overflows
  154. 154 Shorthorn Beach Cornwall 35 from 2 overflows +169% since 2021
  155. 155 Goodrington Torbay 34 from 2 overflows +325% since 2022
  156. 156 Hillhead Fareham 34 from 7 overflows +6% since 2023
  157. 157 Camber Rother 33 from 1 overflow -37% since 2023
  158. 158 Dawlish Coryton Cove Teignbridge 33 from 1 overflow +18% since 2024
  159. 159 Gorleston Beach Great Yarmouth 33 from 2 overflows +267% since 2021
  160. 160 Hope Cove South Hams 33 from 3 overflows -30% since 2022
  161. 161 Herne Bay Canterbury 32 from 4 overflows -61% since 2021
  162. 162 Swanage Central Dorset 32 from 5 overflows +10% since 2022
  163. 163 Coverack Cornwall 31 from 2 overflows -26% since 2022
  164. 164 Paignton Preston Sands Torbay 31 from 2 overflows +107% since 2022
  165. 165 River Avon at Fordingbridge New Forest 31 from 1 overflow
  166. 166 Weymouth Lodmoor Dorset 30 from 2 overflows +131% since 2022
  167. 167 Cawsand Cornwall 29 from 1 overflow -45% since 2024
  168. 168 Friars Meadow, River Stour Babergh 29 from 5 overflows -55% since 2024
  169. 169 Ilfracombe Hele North Devon 28 from 1 overflow -18% since 2022
  170. 170 Meols Wirral 28 from 4 overflows -89% since 2021
  171. 171 Whitley Bay North Tyneside 28 from 7 overflows -32% since 2021
  172. 172 Downderry Cornwall 27 from 1 overflow -13% since 2022
  173. 173 Frinton Tendring 27 from 4 overflows -65% since 2021
  174. 174 Watergate Bay Cornwall 27 from 1 overflow +200% since 2022
  175. 175 Gyllyngvase Cornwall 26 from 1 overflow 0% since 2023
  176. 176 Mawgan Porth Cornwall 26 from 2 overflows -35% since 2022
  177. 177 River Severn at Ironbridge Telford and Wrekin 26 from 3 overflows -62% since 2024
  178. 178 Seaton Sluice Northumberland 26 from 4 overflows -54% since 2023
  179. 179 Poole Shore Road Beach Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 25 from 1 overflow -11% since 2022
  180. 180 Shaldon Teignbridge 25 from 3 overflows +79% since 2021
  181. 181 Porthcurno Cornwall 24 from 1 overflow 0% since 2022
  182. 182 Redcar Granville Redcar and Cleveland 24 from 1 overflow -4% since 2024
  183. 183 Redcar Stray Redcar and Cleveland 24 from 2 overflows
  184. 184 Beadnell Northumberland 23 from 2 overflows -62% since 2021
  185. 185 Paignton Paignton Sands Torbay 23 from 4 overflows -56% since 2023
  186. 186 Trevone Bay Cornwall 23 from 1 overflow +44% since 2022
  187. 187 Polstreath Cornwall 22 from 1 overflow -82% since 2022
  188. 188 Porthoustock Cornwall 22 from 1 overflow -15% since 2022
  189. 189 Sennen Cornwall 21 from 1 overflow +62% since 2022
  190. 190 Clacton Tendring 20 from 3 overflows +5% since 2021
  191. 191 Westcliff Bay, Southend Southend-on-Sea 20 from 5 overflows -9% since 2024
  192. 192 Crackington Haven Cornwall 19 from 1 overflow +36% since 2022
  193. 193 Hastings Pelham Beach Hastings 19 from 5 overflows -68% since 2023
  194. 194 Portland Harbour Castle Cove Dorset 19 from 5 overflows +19% since 2021
  195. 195 Portland Harbour Sandsfoot Castle Dorset 19 from 5 overflows +19% since 2021
  196. 196 Silecroft Cumberland 19 from 1 overflow -42% since 2021
  197. 197 Wallingford Beach, River Thames South Oxfordshire 18 from 1 overflow -82% since 2024
  198. 198 Bournemouth Hengistbury West Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 17 from 3 overflows +6% since 2022
  199. 199 Portwrinkle Cornwall 17 from 2 overflows +6% since 2022
  200. 200 Trebarwith Strand Cornwall 17 from 1 overflow
  201. 201 Weston Main North Somerset 17 from 4 overflows +113% since 2022
  202. 202 Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway North Somerset 17 from 4 overflows +113% since 2022
  203. 203 Norman's Bay Rother 16 from 4 overflows -73% since 2023
  204. 204 Weymouth Central Dorset 16 from 3 overflows +78% since 2021
  205. 205 Broadstairs, Stone Bay Thanet 15 from 5 overflows -21% since 2021
  206. 206 Lulworth Cove Dorset 15 from 2 overflows +50% since 2022
  207. 207 Summerleaze Cornwall 15 from 6 overflows -35% since 2022
  208. 208 Teignmouth Town Teignbridge 15 from 1 overflow +650% since 2022
  209. 209 Bournemouth Boscombe Pier Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 14 from 1 overflow +100% since 2022
  210. 210 Hunstanton (Old Hunstanton) King's Lynn and West Norfolk 14 from 1 overflow -26% since 2024
  211. 211 Pevensey Bay Wealden 14 from 5 overflows -67% since 2023
  212. 212 Seaburn - Sunderland Sunderland 14 from 4 overflows -58% since 2021
  213. 213 Leysdown Swale 13 from 4 overflows -67% since 2021
  214. 214 Porthleven Sands Cornwall 13 from 2 overflows 0% since 2022
  215. 215 Wembury South Hams 13 from 1 overflow +160% since 2022
  216. 216 Poole Harbour Lake Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 12 from 3 overflows -8% since 2021
  217. 217 Bournemouth Pier Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 11 from 1 overflow +10% since 2022
  218. 218 Leigh Bell Wharf Southend-on-Sea 11 from 4 overflows -45% since 2024
  219. 219 Walton Tendring 11 from 1 overflow -66% since 2021
  220. 220 Ramsgate Western Undercliffe Thanet 10 from 4 overflows +233% since 2021
  221. 221 Southwold The Denes East Suffolk 10 from 1 overflow -37% since 2024
  222. 222 West Bay (West) Dorset 10 from 1 overflow -57% since 2022
  223. 223 Westward Ho! Torridge 10 from 1 overflow +25% since 2022
  224. 224 Botany Bay, Broadstairs Thanet 9 from 4 overflows -47% since 2021
  225. 225 Broadstairs, Viking Bay Thanet 9 from 3 overflows +13% since 2021
  226. 226 Croyde Bay North Devon 9 from 1 overflow +125% since 2022
  227. 227 Joss Bay, Broadstairs Thanet 9 from 4 overflows -47% since 2021
  228. 228 Minster Leas Swale 9 from 4 overflows +13% since 2022
  229. 229 Polurrian Cove Cornwall 9 from 1 overflow -50% since 2022
  230. 230 Ramsgate Sands Thanet 9 from 3 overflows +350% since 2021
  231. 231 Selsey Chichester 9 from 3 overflows +800% since 2023
  232. 232 Lyme Regis Front Beach Dorset 8 from 1 overflow -11% since 2022
  233. 233 Margate Fulsam Rock Thanet 8 from 5 overflows -33% since 2021
  234. 234 Margate The Bay Thanet 8 from 5 overflows -33% since 2021
  235. 235 Walpole Bay, Margate Thanet 8 from 5 overflows -33% since 2021
  236. 236 Christchurch Bay New Forest 7 from 3 overflows -22% since 2023
  237. 237 Mablethorpe Town East Lindsey 7 from 1 overflow +75% since 2021
  238. 238 West Runton North Norfolk 7 from 1 overflow -78% since 2024
  239. 239 Carbis Bay Cornwall 6 from 1 overflow
  240. 240 Porthminster Cornwall 6 from 1 overflow +500% since 2024
  241. 241 Seaton Carew Centre Hartlepool 6 from 3 overflows +100% since 2021
  242. 242 Ventnor Isle of Wight 6 from 3 overflows -73% since 2023
  243. 243 West Mersea Colchester 6 from 1 overflow -84% since 2021
  244. 244 East Runton North Norfolk 5 from 1 overflow 0% since 2024
  245. 245 Eastbourne Eastbourne 5 from 3 overflows -29% since 2023
  246. 246 Goring Beach Worthing 5 from 2 overflows -72% since 2024
  247. 247 Manningtree Beach, Stour Estuary Tendring 5 from 1 overflow -50% since 2024
  248. 248 Studland Knoll House Dorset 5 from 1 overflow +150% since 2022
  249. 249 Worthing Worthing 5 from 8 overflows -82% since 2023
  250. 250 Bantham South Hams 4 from 1 overflow -43% since 2021
  251. 251 Birling Gap Wealden 4 from 1 overflow -60% since 2023
  252. 252 Frensham Great Pond Waverley 4 from 1 overflow -56% since 2022
  253. 253 Highcliffe Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 4 from 1 overflow -56% since 2023
  254. 254 Ingoldmells East Lindsey 4 from 2 overflows +300% since 2022
  255. 255 Jaywick Tendring 4 from 3 overflows -90% since 2021
  256. 256 Milford-on-sea New Forest 4 from 1 overflow -56% since 2023
  257. 257 Mundesley North Norfolk 4 from 2 overflows -56% since 2021
  258. 258 Bamburgh Castle Northumberland 3 from 1 overflow -70% since 2021
  259. 259 Deal Castle Dover 3 from 1 overflow +50% since 2021
  260. 260 Lancing, Beach Green Adur 3 from 8 overflows -81% since 2023
  261. 261 Porthgwidden Cornwall 3 from 1 overflow +200% since 2024
  262. 262 Sheringham North Norfolk 3 from 1 overflow
  263. 263 West Kirby Wirral 3 from 5 overflows -82% since 2021
  264. 264 Calshot New Forest 2 from 1 overflow -87% since 2021
  265. 265 Challaborough South Hams 2 from 2 overflows
  266. 266 Clacton Beach Martello Tower Tendring 2 from 3 overflows -90% since 2021
  267. 267 Humberston Fitties North East Lincolnshire 2 from 2 overflows +100% since 2021
  268. 268 Littlestone Folkestone and Hythe 2 from 2 overflows -96% since 2023
  269. 269 St Mary's Bay (Kent) Folkestone and Hythe 2 from 2 overflows -96% since 2023
  270. 270 St Mildred's Bay, Westgate Thanet 2 from 3 overflows +100% since 2021
  271. 271 Towan Cornwall 2 from 1 overflow
  272. 272 West Bay, Westgate Thanet 2 from 3 overflows +100% since 2021
  273. 273 Westbrook Bay, Margate Thanet 2 from 3 overflows +100% since 2021
  274. 274 Cromer North Norfolk 1 from 1 overflow -50% since 2021
  275. 275 Fisherman's Walk, Bournemouth Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 1 from 1 overflow -50% since 2021
  276. 276 Hunstanton Main Beach King's Lynn and West Norfolk 1 from 1 overflow -97% since 2021
  277. 277 Perranporth Cornwall 1 from 1 overflow 0% since 2022
  278. 278 Porthallow Cornwall 1 from 1 overflow
  279. 279 Ringstead Bay Dorset 1 from 1 overflow
  280. 280 River Teme in Ludlow Shropshire 1 from 2 overflows -50% since 2024
  281. 281 Salcombe North Sands South Hams 1 from 1 overflow
  282. 282 Tynemouth Long Sands South North Tyneside 1 from 1 overflow -75% since 2021
  283. 283 Worthing Beach House Worthing 1 from 7 overflows -83% since 2024
  284. 284 Bigbury-on-Sea North South Hams 0 from 2 overflows
  285. 285 Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone) Torbay 0 from 1 overflow
  286. 286 Brighton Central The City of Brighton and Hove 0 from 2 overflows
  287. 287 Brighton Kemptown The City of Brighton and Hove 0 from 2 overflows
  288. 288 Church Ope Cove Dorset 0 from 1 overflow
  289. 289 Crooklets Cornwall 0 from 1 overflow
  290. 290 Hayling Eastoke Havant 0 from 2 overflows
  291. 291 Hive Dorset 0 from 1 overflow
  292. 292 Lepe New Forest 0 from 1 overflow
  293. 293 Maenporth Cornwall 0 from 1 overflow
  294. 294 Marsden South Tyneside 0 from 1 overflow -100% since 2021
  295. 295 Porthpean Cornwall 0 from 1 overflow
  296. 296 Portmellon Cornwall 0 from 1 overflow
  297. 297 Shoebury East Southend-on-Sea 0 from 1 overflow
  298. 298 Tynemouth Cullercoats North Tyneside 0 from 2 overflows
  299. 299 West Wittering Chichester 0 from 1 overflow
  300. 300 Wolvercote Mill Stream Oxford 0 from 1 overflow -100% since 2022

By area

How this is counted

Each figure counts spills from the storm overflows the Environment Agency itself links to that bathing water in its annual Event Duration Monitoring return. That follows the sewer network rather than a map radius, so an overflow miles upstream counts and a nearby one draining elsewhere does not.

323 of England's 464 bathing waters carry such a record, and 300 of those have a comparable 2025 figure to be ranked on. A beach with no record is left out rather than shown as zero, because no record is not the same as a clean one. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are absent because the return is an England publication.

23 bathing waters are missing from this table despite holding a record for earlier years. 18 of them are Yorkshire Water sites. Its 2025 return links no overflow to any bathing water at all, against 18 in 2024. The other 5 are individual sites whose 2025 figure is either absent from the return or too patchily monitored to compare.

Those overflows are still in the return and still in the Environment Agency's national figures. What is missing is the column linking an overflow to the bathing water it affects, which is the only thing this table can be built from.