The 13 new bathing sites to open across England – including first Thames spot in London
The first swimming spot on the River Thames in London is among 13 new sites to open on Friday as the official swimming season begins.
Throughout the season, until September 30, 464 sites on England’s coasts, rivers and lakes will undergo regular water quality tests to give people a better idea of the condition of the water in which they swim, paddle or enjoy water sports.
The site at Ham and Kingston became the first site in London to receive designated river status from Friday.
This is a milestone in improving water quality in the river, which was declared biologically dead due to pollution in the 1950s.
Other new spots include the filming location of TV series Broadchurch, popular beaches, a meadow and river site in the area that inspired The Wind In The Willows, as well as a location in Yorkshire where the River Swale cascades over limestone steps.
Their official swimming status followed a public consultation that saw 90 per cent of responders support their names, with a record number of Ham and Kingston facilities approved.
Water minister Emma Hardy said: “The introduction of these new swimming areas means better monitoring of our waterways, supporting local tourism and greater confidence for local swimmers.
“After years of indifference to bathing waters, this Government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.
“We are committed to reforming our water industry for generations and will not stop until the job is done.”
The government recently reformed the designated bathing water system to introduce more flexible dates for monitoring to reflect when people use the facilities.
It also expanded the legal definition of “swimmer” to include people who participate in water sports, such as paddle boarders and surfers.
Ministers added that more funding would be provided to improve signage in new areas to ensure people can access them clearly.
Every week throughout the summer, officers from the Environment Agency will visit sites to take samples and monitor water quality before publishing the information online for swimmers.
The regulator continually assesses whether action is needed to reduce pollution levels and works with local communities, farmers and water companies to improve water quality in these locations.
In 2025, 87 per cent of the country’s designated swimming areas were rated excellent or good and 93 per cent met at least the minimum rating, but 7 per cent (32 sites) across England failed to meet minimum standards for water quality.
Alan Lovell, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “The increasing number of appointments across the country reflects the importance communities place on their local environment and water quality.
“If you are planning to go open water swimming this summer, I would recommend everyone to check the water quality and conditions before going.”
Thirteen new sites
- 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.
