A trip to the beach is a popular activity during the summer holidays in the UK. However, some beaches are not living up to expectations, with visitors complaining about littering issues.
New findings from plastic waste specialists at BusinessWaste.co.uk have revealed the most litter-strewn beaches in the UK. Skegness Beach in Lincolnshire has been named as the worst offender, closely followed by Margate Main Sands and Formby Beach in Merseyside. The experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews to determine how many mentioned litter on the beach.
One 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."
However, it's not all doom and gloom, with many tourists sharing positive experiences on TripAdvisor. Despite some comparing Skegness to North Korea and Syria as the worst place to visit, it continues to be a popular destination for many British families.
A review posted in May 2025 reads: "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."
Holiday-makers visiting Margate Main Sands have voiced comparable grievances, with assessments highlighting shattered glass, canine excrement, and human waste.
Whilst Formby Beach has received positive feedback generally, countless evaluations reference rubbish scattered across the shoreline.
One visitor grumbled that they discovered the car park completely occupied by 10:30am and the coastline already packed with crowds and strewn with debris.
Numerous other beachgoers remarked on abandoned picnics, discarded disposable barbecues littering the sand, and even discovering drug-related items.
Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at BusinessWaste.co.uk, says: "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."
