Highcliffe water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Highcliffe in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Highcliffe is a popular resort beach on the east Dorset coast, looking out across Christchurch Bay with views of the Isle of Wight to the east. The shingle beach has numerous groynes and a moderate slope, flattening to shallow sandy flats that are exposed when the tide retreats. Behind the beach are cliffs and a shoreline promenade which provides access to the town and to the coast road at the top of the cliff.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
756
Latest official classification
Excellent (2025)

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Annual classification history

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

Available annual results, newest first
YearClassificationAssessment source
2025ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022ExcellentOfficial 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
2014ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009ExcellentHistorical estimate
2008ExcellentHistorical estimate
2007GoodHistorical estimate
2006GoodHistorical estimate
2005GoodHistorical estimate
2004GoodHistorical estimate
2003GoodHistorical estimate
2002GoodHistorical estimate
2001GoodHistorical estimate
2000GoodHistorical estimate
1999SufficientHistorical estimate
1998SufficientHistorical estimate
1997SufficientHistorical estimate
1996SufficientHistorical estimate
1995SufficientHistorical estimate
1994SufficientHistorical estimate
1993SufficientHistorical estimate
1992SufficientHistorical estimate
1991SufficientHistorical estimate
1990GoodHistorical 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