New official swimming sites proposed in the South West of England
Plans include sites in Devon, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Cornwall
New designated swimming sites are proposed across England, including several in the South West region.
Newton and Noss Creeks in Devon, Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury in Wiltshire, East Beach at West Bay in Bridport, Dorset, and River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall are among the locations earmarked for designation.
These sites, along with others across England, would be subjected to regular water quality testing, ensuring that people engaging in swimming, paddling, or water sports have better insight into water conditions.
Community efforts and advocacy in these areas aim to stimulate initiatives for cleaner rivers and coasts.
Water minister Emma Hardy stated: “Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities, where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.
“Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people.”
The proposed sites are part of broader plans that would increase designated bathing locations across England to a total of 464.
The Government indicated aims for reforming the bathing water system include introducing more flexible monitoring dates and expanding the definition of 'bather' to include water sports participants such as paddle boarders and surfers.
In 2025, a significant percentage of designated bathing sites met quality standards, with 87% rated as excellent or good, although 7% of sites across England failed to meet minimum quality requirements.
The 13 proposed sites, which will be out for consultation, are:
- Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland - a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea which is 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 - a family-favourite sandy beach
- Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent - a shingle beach used by swimmers and kayakers
- Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire - where the River Avon flows through a green space which was opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
- East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset - filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch
- Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire - a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind In The Willows
- River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall - a tidal river flowing through the heart of the town
- River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire - with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps
- Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk - a riverside community space on the River Waveney
- River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London - which could become London's first river bathing site on the Thames
- New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside - a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary
- River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire - a popular spot for families and water sports