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)

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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
2025PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009SufficientHistorical estimate
2008SufficientHistorical estimate
2007SufficientHistorical estimate
2006PoorHistorical estimate
2005PoorHistorical 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