Visitors to the UK’s ‘most littered’ beach have complained everything from broken glass to ‘serviettes covered in faeces’
As the summer holidays are on the horizon, families across the UK will be heading to coastal resorts for staycations or day trips to the beach.
However, some beaches are providing a less-than-ideal experience, with visitors complaining about littering issues. New findings from plastic waste specialists at BusinessWaste.co.uk have identified the most litter-strewn beaches in the UK.
Skegness Beach in Lincolnshire has been named the worst offender, closely followed by Margate Main Sands and Formby Beach in Merseyside. The experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews to determine how often litter was mentioned.
A review of Skegness Beach from June 2025 warned: “Avoid the grass dunes between the car park and the beach. Not only do you have to dodge the dog waste you also have to with human waste and serviettes covered in faeces and left for you to tread in.”
Another visitor lamented: “Unfortunately, on the walk down the beach, we passed a lot of trash, dirty Nappies and baby wipes strewn about the place in one area, and broken glass,” reports the Express.
However, not all experiences at the beach have been negative, with many tourists posting positive reviews on TripAdvisor. Despite some comparing Skegness unfavourably with North Korea and Syria, it continues to be a popular destination for numerous British families.
A positive review from May 2025 says: “Skegness is a proper seaside resort. It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast and a lot more besides. From the iconic Clock Tower to its many attractions.
“But for us the best part was the beach, immaculate golden sands with plenty of places to buy ice cream, fresh food and drinks (including beer and wine). Well done Skeggy! ! ! PS The Blue Fin Fish Bar serves battered fish that is phenomenal.”
Visitors to Margate Main Sands have voiced similar grievances, with reviews citing broken glass, dog mess, and human urine.
Despite overall positive feedback for Formby Beach, several reviews mention litter on the sands. One disgruntled visitor complained about finding the car park full by 10:30am and the beach already crowded and strewn with rubbish.
Numerous others remarked on abandoned picnics, discarded disposable BBQs, and even drug paraphernalia being discovered.
Graham Matthews, an expert in plastic waste at BusinessWaste.co.uk, states: “Litter on the UK’s beaches turns our natural beauty spots into an eyesore and poses a huge environmental threat to marine life.
“Each year, as the weather heats up, we see a sharp rise in people flocking to the seaside, but sadly, many don’t clean up after themselves. It’s common to find food packaging, disposable BBQs, and even human and animal waste scattered across our shores.
“All this unsightly litter ruins the enjoyment of our beaches, but it also threatens local wildlife. Plastic is a particularly major hazard as it takes so long to break down naturally. Initially, this litter can endanger wildlife, entangle animals or be ingested.
“However, over time, plastic breaks down into smaller particles known as microplastics that find their way into water, sea life, and even our food chain.”
The UK’s most littered beaches
- Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire
- Margate Main Sands, Kent
- Formby Beach, Merseyside
- Blackpool Beach, Blackpool
- Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island
- Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
- Scarborough Beach, Scarborough
- Weston-super-Mare Beach, Somerset
- Botany Bay, Kent
- Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex