Folkestone water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Folkestone in Folkestone and Hythe.

Folkestone bathing water is a resort beach in Kent. It is situated at the northern edge of Hythe Bay, which stretches from Folkestone down to the headland of Dungeness. The beach is of fine sand mixed with occasional gravel. It is only 200 metres wide and enclosed in a small bay with chalk cliffs in the east and a breakwater in the west. Adjacent to the breakwater is a small harbour. The bay is backed by a promenade and rocky cliffs.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
774
Latest official classification
Sufficient (2025)

Explore charts and download data · How this analysis works

Interactive charts are loading. The classification history is available below.

Annual classification history

Official assessments and historical estimates are labelled separately. Missing years are not filled in.

Available annual results, newest first
YearClassificationAssessment source
2025SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009SufficientHistorical estimate
2008SufficientHistorical estimate
2007SufficientHistorical estimate
2006SufficientHistorical estimate
2005GoodHistorical estimate
2004PoorHistorical estimate
2003PoorHistorical estimate
2002PoorHistorical estimate
2001PoorHistorical estimate
2000PoorHistorical estimate
1999PoorHistorical estimate
1998PoorHistorical estimate
1997PoorHistorical estimate
1996PoorHistorical estimate
1995PoorHistorical estimate
1994PoorHistorical estimate
1993PoorHistorical estimate
1992PoorHistorical estimate
1991PoorHistorical estimate
1990PoorHistorical estimate
1989Not assessedHistorical estimate
1988Not assessedHistorical estimate

Source: Environment Agency / Swimfo. Data retrieved 16 October 2026. Historical trends do not describe conditions today; check Swimfo and local notices for current advice.

Nearby bathing waters