A proposed list of 13 new designated swimming sites in England includes the first official bathing spot on the River Thames in London, as well as the filming location for the TV drama Broadchurch.

Other locations under consideration are a meadow and river site that inspired The Wind In The Willows, and a picturesque spot in Yorkshire where the River Swale flows over limestone steps, creating a series of waterfalls.

If designated, these sites would be subject to regular water quality testing, a move that campaigners hope will lead to improved river and coastal cleanliness.

The government's plan would bring the total number of official bathing sites in England to 464.

The proposed bathing spot on the Thames in London marks a significant improvement in the river's water quality, which was once declared biologically dead due to pollution in the 1950s.

According to Water Minister Emma Hardy, rivers and beaches play a vital role in many communities, providing a space for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors.

In 2025, 87% of England's designated bathing sites received excellent or good ratings, while 93% met the minimum standards for water quality; however, 32 sites failed to meet these standards.

One of the proposed sites is Little Shore, Amble, in Northumberland.

Located in the town of Amble, at the mouth of the River Coquet, Amble Little Shore is a notable spot.

The town of Amble has a notable history, dating back to 1935 when the RMS Mauretania sailed past the town on its final voyage.

On July 6, 1935, the clerk to Amble Urban Council sent a message of greeting to the captain of the Mauretania.

The message read: "Amble to Mauretania. Greetings from Amble, last port in England, to still the finest ship on the seas."

The captain of the Mauretania responded with a message of thanks.

The reply stated: "Mauretania to Urban Council, Amble, to the last and kindliest port in England, greetings and thanks. Mauretania."

Over time, the story of this exchange has been retold, and the term "kindliest" has been replaced with "friendliest" to describe the port.

Another proposed site is Newton and Noss Creeks in Devon, a narrow tidal inlet located off the River Yealm.

The villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo have a long history, dating back to Saxon England, and are situated near the mouth of the River Yealm.

The area is also associated with the notorious pirate Henry "Long Ben" Avery, who was born nearby.

Canvey Island Foreshore in Essex is also under consideration, with its family-friendly sandy beach and marshlands that were made habitable by the Dutch in the 17th Century.

Local legend tells of a ghostly Dutchman who is said to roam the northern parts of the island.

However, it is unlikely that this legend would interfere with the proposed swimming spot.

Sandgate Granville Parade Beach in Kent is another site being considered, with its shingle beach popular among swimmers and kayakers.

The town of Sandgate has been home to several notable residents, including the actress Hattie Jacques and the author H.G. Wells.

H.G. Wells is often referred to as "the father of science fiction", and his work continues to be widely read and adapted.

Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is also a proposed site, with the River Avon flowing through a green space that was opened in the early 1960s.

The gardens were created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and offer a tranquil atmosphere, combining formal planting with a relaxed environment.

The park is suitable for visitors of all ages and interests, providing a peaceful space to enjoy the outdoors.

East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, in Dorset, is another proposed site, famous for being the filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch.

The show's writer, Chris Chibnall, has described the series as "a love letter to the scenery of the Jurassic Coast", with the landscape playing a key role in the story.

The beach and surrounding area provide a unique and picturesque setting for swimming and other outdoor activities.

The combination of the beach and the dramatic cliffs makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pangbourne Meadow in Berkshire is also under consideration, with its meadow and river having inspired The Wind In The Willows.

The story, written by Edwardian author Kenneth Grahame, is a classic tale of boating, caravanning, and picnicking, and is also a tribute to the English landscape.

Swimmers can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with its diverse wildlife and picturesque scenery, while appreciating the inspiration for Grahame's beloved story.

The River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, is another proposed site, with its tidal river flowing through the heart of the town.

The area has a rich history, with King Charles III, then the Duke of Cornwall, having stayed in the area, and the town once being an important port for exporting tin to the Mediterranean.

Lostwithiel's history and natural beauty make it an attractive location for outdoor activities, including swimming.

The River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is also being considered, with its dramatic waterfalls cascading over limestone steps.

The river has a significant historical and cultural importance, with St Paulinus supposedly performing baptismal rites in the 7th Century, leading to the river being referred to as "England's River Jordan" by 19th-Century writers.

The river's picturesque scenery and historical significance make it a unique and attractive location for swimming and outdoor activities.

Located in Bungay, Suffolk, Falcon Meadow is a notable site in the region.

The area is home to one of the country's oldest public footpaths, making it an ideal location for a leisurely walk or a refreshing swim.

In 2012, Falcon Meadow was sold at an auction, and when local fundraising efforts were unable to secure the funds to purchase it for the town, a local businessman intervened and bought the property.

When the businessman decided to sell the meadow in 2015, he agreed to sell it back to the town at the original purchase price.

The River Thames, which runs through Ham and Kingston in Greater London, is another significant location.

There are plans to establish London's first river bathing site on the Thames, which would be a unique development for the city.

The River Thames has been a source of inspiration for many writers, including William Wordsworth, who wrote about it in 1790 in his poem "Lines written near Richmond".

The poem contains the lines: "Glide gently, thus for ever glide,"

"O Thames! that other bards may see,"

"As lovely visions by thy side"

"As now, fair river! come to me," which reflect the river's beauty and tranquility.

While some swimmers may embody the poetic description of "lovely visions," others may not fit this idealized image.

New Brighton Beach, located in Merseyside, is a popular sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary.

The beach offers stunning views of the Liverpool city skyline and is a great spot to watch ships sail out into the Irish Sea.

The Mersey Estuary is a busy shipping lane, and the beach provides a unique vantage point to observe the maritime activity.

The River Dee, which runs through Chester in Cheshire, is a beloved spot for families, water sports, and wildlife.

Campaigners have emphasized the importance of the River Dee, describing it as a central part of the city's identity and a source of community pride.

According to campaigners, securing bathing water status for the River Dee is not just about swimming, but also about protecting the river's ecosystem and preserving it for future generations.