Scarborough South Bay water quality history
Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Scarborough South Bay in North Yorkshire.
Scarborough South Beach is a popular resort beach situated on the North Yorkshire coast. It is 0.5 kilometres in length with a gentle slope. At low tide a large area of the beach is exposed and the water's edge can be some distance away. The beach is backed by a promenade with a large number of tourist establishments, including restaurants, takeaways, amusements and shops. Above these and at the top of a steep cliff lies the rest of the town of Scarborough. To the north of the bathing water is Scarborough harbour a busy working harbour with associated buildings. Beyond this is a headland upon which sits Scarborough Castle and to the north of this Scarborough North Bay.
- Available sample history
- 1988 to 2026
- Samples
- 871
- Latest official classification
- Poor (2025)
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.
| Year | Classification | Assessment source |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2024 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2023 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2022 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2021 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2019 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2018 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2017 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2016 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2015 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2014 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2013 | Poor | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2012 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2011 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2010 | Sufficient | Official Environment Agency assessment |
| 2009 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2008 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2007 | Sufficient | Historical estimate |
| 2006 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2005 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2004 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2003 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2002 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2001 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 2000 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1999 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1998 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1997 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1996 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1995 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1994 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1993 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1992 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1991 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1990 | Poor | Historical estimate |
| 1989 | Not assessed | Historical estimate |
| 1988 | Not assessed | Historical 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
- Bridlington South BeachEast Riding of Yorkshire
- Cayton BayNorth Yorkshire
- FileyNorth Yorkshire
- ReightonNorth Yorkshire
- Robin Hoods BayNorth Yorkshire
- Scarborough North BayNorth Yorkshire
