The best and safest England swimming spots for dogs this summer

Key takeaways

• New analysis identifies England’s safest wild swimming spots for dogs, with many top‑scoring locations found along clean coastal areas in the South West and parts of Northumberland.

• Experts warn that even clear-looking water can contain harmful bacteria, pollution or toxic algae, posing health risks to pets that swim or drink from natural sources.

• Owners are urged to check water quality, avoid polluted areas, and take precautions such as bringing fresh water and reviewing flea treatment guidance before letting dogs swim.

While wild swimming can offer the perfect place to cool off, water quality varies widely across England, with pollution incidents, sewage discharges, and harmful bacteria all posing potential risks to pets.

Our new study has identified the safest English waterways for dogs. The analysis uses water classifications published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), alongside E. coli test results, pollution risk warnings, and records of previous pollution incidents to generate a safety score out of ten. 

The analysis revealed dozens of bathing spots that achieved a perfect 10/10 score, with coastal locations - particularly in the South West - strongly represented. Top locations include sites across Northumberland, Dorset, Cornwall, and Devon, highlighting some of England's cleanest swimming spots for dogs and their owners.

The highest-scoring UK swimming spots for pets and their owners (10/10)

*Beaches with clear no-dog policies have been removed from the list. Owners should still check local restrictions and only visit designated dog-friendly zones of these beaches.

Why should owners only take pets to safe swim spots? 

Dogs are naturally curious and often drink from rivers, lakes, and streams while exploring. However, contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria, sewage pollution, toxic algae, and other pollutants that may cause illness if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Water doesn't have to look dirty to be dangerous

People often think dogs are safe to drink from natural sources like puddles, ponds or reservoirs; however, like humans, pets are at risk from both natural and man-made contaminants.

Even seemingly clean water can carry hidden risks, and drinking contaminated water can cause anything from mild stomach upset to more serious infections, such as leptospirosis or blue-green algae poisoning, which may require prompt veterinary treatment.

Other risks can also come into play when letting dogs swim or explore waterways. Submerged or hidden objects – even something like an old shopping trolley on a riverbed – could pose a danger, potentially trapping or injuring a pet.

If you’re heading to the coast or open water this summer, it’s worth planning ahead. Always check local guidance and beach rules  before visiting – some beaches have restrictions for dogs during peak months, although many offer designated areas where dogs can walk and swim safely.

How to reduce the risk during walks and swims

• Always check local water quality and pollution alerts before visiting.

• Avoid locations with active sewage discharge warnings.

• Prevent dogs from drinking directly from rivers, lakes and streams where possible, and bring fresh drinking water on walks.

• Look out for signs of blue-green algae, particularly during warm weather.

• Seek immediate veterinary advice if symptoms develop after water exposure.

Protecting waterways as well as pets

While choosing cleaner swimming locations can help reduce health risks for dogs, pet owners can also play a role in protecting rivers, lakes, and coastal habitats.

Some veterinary flea and tick treatments contain chemicals that can enter waterways when dogs swim shortly after treatment.

Environmental studies have indicated that some of these substances may be harmful to aquatic insects and wildlife, even in small amounts.

Unexpected illnesses linked to contaminated water can result in costly veterinary treatment, particularly if diagnostic tests, medication or emergency care are required. Owners can put themselves at ease with pet insurance.

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Looking after our pets and protecting the environment should go hand in hand

If your dog has recently been treated with a flea or tick product, always check the manufacturer's guidance before allowing them to swim in rivers, lakes, or the sea. 

Spot‑on treatments are applied directly to the skin, so there’s a higher chance they could be washed off if your dog goes into the water too soon, whereas tablets are absorbed internally.

Depending on your pet and lifestyle, your vet can help you choose the most appropriate option and advise on any precautions to take before swimming.

If you’re unsure, speak to your vet to make sure you’re balancing effective parasite protection with minimising any potential impact on the environment.

^{*Owners should always check restrictions, as some beaches don’t allow dogs in the central tourist areas, although other dog-friendly zones are available.}

^{Methodology 
2026 data was taken and analysed from GovUK. Bathing spots in England were ranked based on sewage and pollution warnings, classification, and bacteria samples.}