Britain’s Dirtiest Beaches Exposed: A Warning for Holidaymakers

As families prepare for summer holidays, warnings have emerged about some of Britain’s dirtiest beaches, which may spoil their seaside escapes. According to data from waste management experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk, beaches littered with plastic waste and other debris include Skegness Beach in Lincolnshire, Margate Main Sands, and Formby Beach in Merseyside. This information serves as a crucial heads-up for holidaymakers seeking a clean, enjoyable beach experience.

The report highlights Skegness Beach as the most littered, with complaints about both human and animal waste. A review from June 2025 on TripAdvisor expressed frustration about the conditions: “Avoid the grass dunes between the car park and the beach. Not only do you have to dodge the dog waste, but also human waste and serviettes covered in faeces left for you to tread in.” Another review lamented, “Unfortunately, on the walk down the beach, we passed a lot of trash, dirty nappies and baby wipes strewn about the place in one area, and broken glass.”

Despite such criticisms, Skegness maintains its popularity as a holiday destination. One satisfied visitor commented in May 2025, “Skegness is a proper seaside resort. It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast and a lot more besides.” The review praised its iconic Clock Tower and attractions, while also highlighting the beach’s golden sands and local food vendors.

Similar issues plague Margate Main Sands, where visitors reported broken glass and unsightly litter. Complaints echoed those of Skegness, indicating an ongoing problem with cleanliness at these popular locations. Formby Beach, although generally well-reviewed, also faces criticism for litter accumulation. One visitor remarked that the car park was full by 10:30 and the beach was already crowded and littered.

Further complicating matters, last year a UK beach received a ‘Brown Flag’ designation, marking it as one of the dirtiest in the country. Porthluney Beach in Cornwall, despite its picturesque setting, was identified as having serious cleanliness issues. An analysis by Holiday Park Guru utilizing Environment Agency summer water quality data revealed that Porthluney Beach harboured bacteria such as e-coli from sewage and other waste, resulting in its poor rating.

A visitor’s experience at Porthluney Beach in September 2023 further illustrated the challenges faced by beachgoers. Sarah T. described her ordeal with parking fines, stating, “After leaving Cornwall had a £100 parking fine, appealed, to no avail and of course threw my parking ticket away so no evidence.” She expressed her determination not to return, citing the numerous negative reviews regarding parking enforcement.

The findings from these reports underscore a pressing need for local authorities and beach management to address the issue of litter on Britain’s beaches. As families head to the coast in search of relaxation and fun, ensuring clean and safe beach environments should be a priority. With the summer season approaching, the emphasis on cleanliness will be essential for preserving the reputation of these beloved seaside destinations.