Walpole Bay, Margate water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Walpole Bay, Margate in Thanet.

The bathing water is a resort beach on the north Kent coast near to Margate. It is a gently shelving sandy beach with a lido at the western end and tidal pool at the eastern end. There are extensive underwater rock formations just offshore along the length of the beach which are exposed at low water. These formations are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are great for rock pooling. A promenade sits above the beach with small cliffs behind.

Available sample history
1997 to 2026
Samples
590
Latest official classification
Good (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
2025GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019GoodOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011PoorOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010SufficientOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009SufficientHistorical estimate
2008SufficientHistorical estimate
2007SufficientHistorical estimate
2006SufficientHistorical estimate
2005SufficientHistorical estimate
2004SufficientHistorical estimate
2003SufficientHistorical estimate
2002SufficientHistorical estimate
2001GoodHistorical estimate
2000GoodHistorical estimate
1999GoodHistorical estimate
1998GoodHistorical estimate
1997GoodHistorical 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