The UK is blessed with hundreds of beaches, but not all are equal when it comes to cleanliness. New research from BusinessWaste.co.uk has analysed Tripadvisor reviews to find where sand and sea are immaculate, and where litter sadly spoils the view. From spotless stretches in Norfolk and the Outer Hebrides to seaside spots plagued with plastic cups and chip wrappers, here’s a definitive ranking of the UK’s 10 most littered beaches – followed by the 10 cleanest stretches that you might want to visit instead. 

Click through this gallery to discover which list your local beach is on... 

At number 10 on the list of the most littered beaches is Clacton-on-Sea, a traditional seaside town with a funfair, pier and miles of promenade. Its beach is lively, but just under 2% of reviews highlight rubbish issues including litter from takeaway outlets, cigarette butts and occasional broken glass. Families still enjoy the safe swimming and amusement arcades, but some day-trippers leave disappointed by the untidy sands.

With its chalk stacks and turquoise waters, Botany Bay is one of Kent’s most photogenic beaches. Sadly, its Instagram appeal hides some practical issues: almost 2% of reviews mention litter. Visitors report rubbish left behind by day-trippers, particularly during hot weather.

For many, the beauty outweighs the mess, but others find the contrast frustrating. Botany Bay remains a must-see for photographers and walkers, yet the growing crowds mean keeping its natural drama spotless is an ongoing challenge.

With its Grand Pier and long promenade, Weston-super-Mare is a favourite West Country holiday spot. Yet over 2% of Tripadvisor reviews note litter problems, particularly after peak weekends. Complaints highlight food packaging, plastic debris and disposable BBQ remains, earning it eighth place on this list of the most littered beaches in the UK.

Scarborough is Britain’s oldest seaside resort, with historic charm and plenty of traditional fun. But its sands don’t escape criticism: around 2.5% of reviews mention litter, from chip wrappers to stray cans. On quieter mornings, the beach gleams beneath the castle ruins, and families love the donkeys and amusements. Yet summer crowds often stretch local services, leaving some disappointed. 

With its miles of golden sand, Bournemouth is one of England’s most popular coastal destinations. But with popularity comes problems, and 2.6% of reviews mention litter. Complaints range from plastic bottles to disposable BBQs, often on the busiest summer days. Even so, Bournemouth regularly flies Blue Flags for water quality and remains hugely popular with families and students alike.

Made famous by hit BBC show Gavin & Stacey, Barry Island has long been a beloved Welsh holiday spot. Yet Whitmore Bay struggles with its reputation for cleanliness, with over 3% of reviews flagging rubbish.

Visitors complain of overflowing bins, leftover food packaging and dog mess on the sand. On a sunny day, the bay still dazzles with its arcades and funfair, but some travellers find the litter hard to ignore, wishing this TV-famous seaside star lived up to its potential.

Few places say 'seaside' like Blackpool, with its tower, illuminations and Pleasure Beach thrills. But the sands themselves divide opinion. Around 3.6% of reviews mention litter, with complaints ranging from takeaway packaging to general mess left by large crowds.

Even so, many still rate it as a fun family day out, praising the lively promenade and entertainment options. Blackpool Beach remains an icon, but cleanliness issues reveal the tension between mass tourism and the preservation of a clean stretch. 

National Trust-managed Formby Beach is loved for its sweeping dunes, pine woods and red squirrel reserve. Unfortunately, it also lands in the top three most littered UK beaches, with nearly 4% of reviews mentioning rubbish.

Complaints range from disposable BBQs and abandoned picnics to drug paraphernalia. Despite this, Formby still enjoys a strong reputation for its natural beauty. On quieter days, it’s magical, but during peak times, the litter left behind by careless visitors can tarnish the wild experience.

Margate is experiencing somewhat of a cultural revival thanks to the Turner Contemporary gallery and a buzzing food scene. But on its main beach, many visitors have been left unimpressed by rubbish. Over 4% of Tripadvisor reviews mention litter, with reports of broken glass, dog mess and urine.

Despite its golden sands and lively atmosphere, nostalgia often gives way to disappointment. It remains a popular spot, but cleanliness issues mean Margate’s seafront doesn’t quite live up to its artistic ambitions.

Once a go-to for classic bucket-and-spade holidays, Skegness Beach tops the list for litter complaints. Nearly 5% of all reviews mention rubbish, from discarded cups and straws to more unpleasant findings like clothing and even human waste.

Yet it’s not all bad news: families still flock here for the traditional amusements, arcades and seafront pubs. For some, it’s a nostalgic day out; for others, the state of the sand is enough to spoil the old-school seaside charm.

Ready to discover the top 10 cleanest beaches in the UK? Read on as we count them down... 

Overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Bay is one of the North East’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. And with zero litter mentions across more than 300 reviews, it’s as clean as it is atmospheric, and the tenth cleanest beach according to the BusinessWaste.co.uk report. Walkers cherish the long, sandy expanse, often finding it blissfully uncrowded. It’s not as commercial as neighbouring Bamburgh, but that’s part of the charm.

This Anglesey gem is popular with kite surfers, dog walkers and families who love its wide, sandy bay. Yet not one of its 335 reviews mentions rubbish. Instead, visitors describe space to breathe, wild dunes and a refreshing lack of crowds. Its cleanliness only enhances its appeal, proving that even well-used sporting hotspots can keep their natural setting gloriously pristine.

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is packed with highlights, and Ballycastle Beach holds its own with mountain views and ferry links to Rathlin Island. And of its 350 reviews on TripAdvisor, it remains free of any litter mentions. Families swim, stroll and play here, while visitors enjoy its friendly town atmosphere. 

A favourite for surfers, Whitesands Bay combines rolling waves with a wide stretch of soft sand. Despite being one of Pembrokeshire’s busiest beaches, more than 500 reviews contain no litter complaints. Families love its lifeguard-patrolled shallows, while adventurers set off along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from here. 

With its steep cobbled streets, fossil-rich shoreline and smuggling history, Robin Hood’s Bay is steeped in character. It also happens to be spotless: not one of its 684 reviews mentions litter. The surrounding village is as much a draw as the bay itself, with cosy pubs and cottages tumbling towards the sea. It’s proof that history, charm and environmental care can all meet on one beach.

Sheltered by dramatic granite cliffs, Porthcurno is one of Cornwall’s most photogenic beaches. The turquoise shallows are family-friendly, and the iconic Minack Theatre carved into the cliff above adds a cultural twist. Despite attracting thousands of visitors, its 694 reviews contain zero complaints about rubbish. That spotless record cements Porthcurno as one of the South West’s cleanest and most captivating coves. 

Regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches, Luskentyre is a showstopper of white sand and shimmering water. It feels exotic, yet remains firmly rooted in the Hebrides. And with over 1,100 reviews and not a single litter mention, it’s as clean as it is stunning. Luskentyre proves that world-class beauty and cleanliness go hand in hand, delivering an unforgettable and wild escape.

We're into the top three now, and claiming third spot is one of the most magical stretches of sand on the Norfolk coast, home to a thriving colony of grey seals. Visitors come for the wildlife, the wild dunes and the sheer sense of space – and they never complain about rubbish.

In fact, out of over 1,200 reviews, there's no mention of litter. This pristine state enhances the experience of seeing seals in their natural habitat, offering a rare chance to enjoy a raw, unspoiled slice of the British coastline.

Just missing out on the number one spot is Sansend. Just along the coast from Whitby, this beach offers sweeping sands backed by cottages and cafés. It’s a family favourite and a haven for dog walkers, yet more than 1,300 reviews fail to flag a single scrap of rubbish. That spotless record enhances its natural beauty, where rock pools entertain children and waves tempt surfers.

Southwold is the archetypal English seaside town, complete with colourful beach huts and a charming pier lined with quirky amusements. Even with more than 2,600 Tripadvisor reviews, not a single one mentions litter – a remarkable achievement. Instead, visitors rave about the clean sands, the well-kept promenade and the traditional fish and chips. 

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