UK’s most polluted beaches for 2025 receive brown flags 

Every year, the UK Environment Agency tests the bathing waters in England to assess water quality by taking samples, which are analysed for bacteria as a sign of faecal contamination, origination from sources like sewage, wildlife, birds, farm animals, or runoff from roads. 

The analysis of the water spans over four years to classify the examined waters on a scale from “excellent” to “poor”. If the swimming water is rated as poor, a warning sign will be installed, advising against bathing, but the beach itself will stay open for public use. 

Out of the 455 bathing waters evaluated across England in 2024, 37 were deemed to have poor water quality, including 19 beaches among them. This is six more in comparison to 2023. These concerning water quality ratings are derived from the tests conducted during the busiest beachgoing months, which raises alarms for potential swimmers. 

Using this data, Holiday Park Guru has awarded brown flags to the most polluted beaches, warning potential swimmers about the risks under the surface. Brown flags are received when water quality tests detect high levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, largely caused by sewage pollution. 

Holiday Park Guru also pointed out that several beaches, including Deal Castle in Kent, Blue Anchor West in Somerset, Worthing Beach House in Sussex, Coastguards Beach in Devon, Littlehaven Beach in Tyne and Wear, and Dymchurch in Kent, appeared on the ‘poor’ water quality list for the first time.

Moreover, while Somerset and Kent have the most brown flag beaches in England, Lancashire rates the worst, as it does not have a single beach rated as “excellent.” 

The Environment Agency has released its data to the public, allowing swimmers to make informed decisions about where to swim and unwind and to track how beaches are working to improve their water quality.