River Thames set to get its first ever bathing site in major water quality milestone
London’s River Thames is set to get its first official bathing spot, marking a major milestone in improving water quality.
It is one of 13 new designated swimming spots proposed by the government.
Newly recommended locations include spectacular filming locations for the TV series broadchurchan inspiring tranquil meadow and river area The Wind in the Willowsand a spectacular Yorkshire spot where the River Swale flows through limestone steps.
The name given to London’s River Thames signifies a “major transformation” in the water quality of the river, which was declared biologically dead due to severe pollution in the 1950s, officials said.
Achieving designated status means these locations will undergo regular water quality testing and provide the public with vital information on the safety of swimming, boating and water sports.
Local communities and campaigners predict the move will intensify pressure on joint efforts to clean up Britain’s rivers and coastal waters.
The government said the plans would increase the number of England’s official swimming areas to 464 beaches, coastlines, rivers and lakes.
Water minister Emma Hardy said: “Rivers and beaches are at the heart of many communities where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being safely outdoors.
“Our plans to designate new bathing water areas show how we support local passion and recognize pride in the places that matter most to people.
“This comes alongside this Government’s generational water system reform that will reduce water pollution and completely clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.”
The government has reformed the designated bathing water system to introduce more flexible dates for monitoring to reflect when people use sites and to extend the legal definition of “swimmer” to include people participating in water sports such as paddle boarders and surfers.
In 2025, 87% of the country’s designated bathing sites were rated excellent or good and 93% met at least the minimum rating, but 7% (32 sites) across England failed to meet minimum standards for water quality.
The 13 proposed areas for consultation are:
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 just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex – family favorite sandy beach;
Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent – a shingle beach used by swimmers and kayakers;
Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire – The River Avon was built by Queen Elizabeth II in the early 1960s. where it flows through the green space opened to commemorate Elizabeth’s coronation;
East Beach in the West Bay, Bridport, Dorset – filming location for ITV drama Broadchurch;
Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire – A meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows;
The River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall – a tidal river flowing through the heart of the town;
River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire – impressive waterfalls on limestone steps;
Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk – a riverside community area on the River Waveney;
River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London – site of what may have been London’s first river bathing area on the River Thames;
New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside – a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary;
The River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire – a popular venue for families and water sports.
