Not all UK beaches are created equal with some holding no shortage of natural beauty and endless delights, while others can be more of a disappointment. These issues have become so bad, many UK beaches have now been given a reputation of being dirty with increased levels of pollution evident everywhere, particularly from sewage spills. This pollution often makes its way into the nearby waters and beaches, contaminating the water and posing serious health risks including skin infections, gastroenteritis, skin infections, or even hepatitis A.
Porthluney in Cornwall was once a seaside spot favoured by many holidaying Brits, but this coastal spot has seen some stark changes over the years and is a far cry away from its heyday holiday reputation it once had. That’s because Porthluney beach in Cornwall scored the lowest of all UK beaches and was given a Brown Flag from the Environment Agency’s water quality, deeming its waters to have a very “poor” rating.
The Cornish seaside town was a hub of activity back in the day with its history rooted in fishing and coastal life before the 19th century.
The town became popular among visitors thanks to Porthluney Cove being a true wonder thanks also to the stunning backdrop views provided by Caerhays Castle with the Roseland Peninsula also being popular among adventurists and families.
Located in South East Cornwall, Porthluney has become increasingly dirtier over the years with its poor water quality found here said to be down to bacteria levels present in its waters such as e-coli.
As such, Porthluney was given the unwanted “Brown Flag Award” for the second consecutive year with UK travel firm holidayparkguru.co.uk granting the Cornish beach this less-than-savoury award as part of its “top of the plops” guide.
The top ploppers among UK beaches was found after the company analysed data from the Environment Agency and concluded which beaches had the worst water quality.
The travel company explained: “Some of the worst water cleanliness readings were found at beaches at popular resorts including Blackpool, Weston Super Mare, and Bognor Regis.
“This doesn’t necessarily mean the whole beach is ‘poor’ for bathing – it is sometimes just one section of beach.
“The water quality readings are based on readings taken in the warmer months (i.e. May 15th to September 30th), the sea is less likely to be clean in winter, as it rains more which leads to more unpleasant stuff overflowing into rivers and into the sea.”
Winners (or losers) of the Brown Flag and the 10 worst spots for water quality include:
- Porthluney in Cornwall
- Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary in Devon (Poocomer for 2025)
- Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach in Dorset (Poocomer for 2025)
- Southsea East in Hampshire
- Deal Castle in Kent (Poocomer for 2025)
- Dymchurch in Kent (Poocomer for 2025)
- Littlestone in Kent
- Blackpool North in Lancashire
- St Annes North in Lancashire
- Heacham in Norfolk