As summer edges closer, families across the North East are getting ready to pack up the beach towels, picnic baskets and head to the coast for a swim.
But if you're wondering where it's clean and safe to take a dip – and which beaches to avoid – a report from Defra and the Environment Agency tells you all you need to know
This year, 33 of the region’s 34 bathing waters have been rated either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, showing the success of decades-long investment in water quality.
However, one beach remains under scrutiny due to a drop in standards.
Here’s a breakdown of how beaches across Teesside, Sunderland, and Tyneside have fared – and which spot you might want to avoid this summer.
County Durham
Excellent:
- Seaham
- Crimdon
Good:
- Seaham Hall
Teesside
The Teesside coastline continues to shine, with several beaches earning top marks in cleanliness and safety:
Excellent:
- Saltburn
- Marske Sands
- Seaton Carew (Centre)
- Seaton Carew (North Gare)
Good:
- Seaton Carew (North)
- Redcar Coatham
- Redcar Lifeboat Station
- Redcar Granville
- Redcar Stray
Families heading to Teesside’s beaches can feel confident about the water quality, with plenty of options rated safe for swimming.
Sunderland
Sunderland’s seafront continues to impress with a string of strong ratings:
Excellent:
- Seaburn (Whitburn North)
- Roker (Whitburn South)
This makes Sunderland’s coastline one of the cleanest in the North East, offering safe spots for a summer splash.
North and South Tyneside
The Tyneside coastline features some of the region’s most iconic beaches – and most are performing well:
Excellent:
- Tynemouth Longsands North
- Tynemouth Longsands South
- Tynemouth King Edwards Bay
- Whitley Bay
- Seaton Sluice
- Blyth South
Good:
- South Shields
- Marsden
Poor:
- Tynemouth Cullercoats – the only beach in the North East to receive a poor ranking this year.
Cullercoats is currently under investigation by the Environment Agency, North Tyneside Council, and Northumbrian Water. Early findings show the issue may stem from a human source, and work is ongoing to identify and fix the cause.
Northumberland and Beyond
If you're venturing further up the coast, Northumberland offers some stunning and very safe swimming spots:
Excellent:
- Bamburgh Castle
- Seahouses North
- Beadnell
- Low Newton
- Warkworth
- Amble Links
- Druridge Bay North
- Druridge Bay South
- Newbiggin North
- Newbiggin South
Good:
- Spittal
What Does It All Mean?
These classifications are based on data gathered between May and September over the past four years.
They assess the presence of pollutants, particularly sewage, in the water.
The good news? Over 97% of the North East’s bathing waters meet high cleanliness standards, making it one of the best regions in the country for beachgoers.
Northumbrian Water’s Wastewater Director, Richard Warneford, said the results reflect years of investment and partnership:
“At the turn of the century, the North East had only four bathing waters that achieved the standards in place at the time. We’ve come a long way – and we’re proud of that progress.”
However, he added that work will continue to tackle the problem at Cullercoats:
“We’ve already ruled out a number of possible causes, and investigations are showing signs for optimism.”
Bottom Line: Where Should You Swim This Summer?
Go for it:
Saltburn, Tynemouth Longsands, Bamburgh, Roker, Seaburn – you’re spoilt for choice with excellent-rated waters.
Think twice:
Cullercoats is currently the only beach in the region rated poor. Until further improvements are made, you may want to choose an alternative.
So whether you're heading out with the kids, planning a solo sea dip, or just paddling with your pup, the North East coastline is cleaner than ever.
Just be sure to check the signs – and enjoy your summer safely!
