With the 2026 bathing water season officially beginning on 15 May, beachgoers and wild swimmers across the East of England can look forward to enjoying some of the cleanest waters in the country. 

 

Environment Agency figures show that 96.3 per cent of designated bathing waters in the region are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’, reinforcing the East of England’s position as home to the cleanest bathing waters in the country. 

Award-winning beaches and bathing spots 
The region is home to a wide range of award-winning beaches and inland swimming locations. 

- 19 bathing waters have received the prestigious Blue Flag award (2026) 
- 18 bathing waters have been recognised with Seaside Awards (2026) 

From family-friendly seaside destinations to peaceful inland waters, the East offers something for everyone looking to enjoy the water this summer. 

Coast and countryside: something for everyone

Stretching from the Humber to the Thames Estuary, the region boasts an extensive coastline and a growing number of inland bathing waters. 

- 98 per cent of coastal bathing waters are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ 
- 100 per cent of beaches in Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Essex, and North Norfolk meet this standard 

Inland bathing waters are also improving, with 83 per cent now rated ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’, up from 67 per cent in 2024. 

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently designated two new bathing waters in the East of England, namely Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach and Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney, bringing this to eight new bathing waters in the East of England since 2023.  

Dr Robin Price, Director of Quality, Environment and Assurance for Anglian Water, said: “We know how important our beaches and rivers are for local communities and visitors alike — especially as we head into the summer season.  We’ve invested over £300 million over the last 25 years to help protect our coastline. We’re proud that so many of our bathing waters are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’, and we’re continuing to invest to make them even better. By working with partners and monitoring water quality closely, we’re helping people enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently this summer. Rutland Water’s Sykes Lane remains a standout site, continuing to hold the Blue Flag, Green Flag and Seaside Awards simultaneously.” 

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “England is fortunate to boast some of the world’s finest coastal and inland beaches and it’s encouraging to see this reflected in the Blue Flag and Seaside Award given to Rutland Water Sykes Lane, signaling its high standards to all who visit or live nearby.  

“Everybody involved in these achievements should feel proud of their ongoing work to care for and enhance these important local blue spaces."  

Councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment at Tendring District Council, said: “As the summer approaches and bathing season gets underway, we’re really pleased with the improvements to water quality seen right around our 36 miles of coastline here on the Essex Sunshine Coast. 

“This is a great draw to visitors and residents alike and helps us to achieve and maintain our four Blue Flags and seven Seaside Awards – making Tendring the place to visit during the summer season and beyond. 

“This has only been possible thanks to the close working with partners including Anglian Water – who have impressed councillors and officers here with their local waste treatment improvements – along with the Environment Agency, local swimming groups such as the Manningtree Mermaids and other water users around our district. 

“We will keep working to further improve water quality – and in the meantime hope lots of people enjoy our coastline safely this summer.” 
 
Katie Utting, Citizen Science Project Officer at River Waveney Trust said: “Funding from Anglian Water has enabled the development of an extensive citizen science programme focused on water quality monitoring and a range of river-based activities, from coracle-making to wild swimming. Bathing Water Designation is fantastic news for Bungay and for everyone who loves the River Waveney. Falcon Meadow has been at the heart of our community for generations. People have swum, paddled, and gathered here for decades. The river is not just a waterway; it is part of Bungay’s identity. Local residents, swimmers, volunteers, businesses, farmers, landowners, councils, community organisations, and Anglian Water funding have collectively contributed to this success.” 
 
Investment to protect and improve waters 
Anglian Water is continuing significant investment to improve bathing water quality across the region. Over £80 million is committed between now and 2030, including more than £30 million into storm spill reduction schemes in Cleethorpes, Mundesley, Hunstanton and Southend. This work includes increasing sewer network capacity, reducing storm overflow spills and identifying sources of pollution affecting bathing waters. 

Further investment, also currently in planning, includes specific studies to improve water quality from ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent' and to identify potential sources of poor water quality at Sheeps Green, River Cam (currently rated ‘Poor’).  

Why water quality can change 
Water quality can vary due to factors beyond water company operations, including weather and rainfall, tides and coastal conditions, agriculture and land use, and natural processes, such as algal blooms. Water quality is monitored throughout the season to help people make informed decisions before they swim. 

Top tips for enjoying bathing waters safely 
Find out more information on individual bathing waters and their classifications and history on the Environment Agency’s SWIMFO site. The Rivers Trust also has useful contacts on their website.