Richmond Falls: Stunning Yorkshire waterfalls among 13 new bathing sites in the UK
A stunning Yorkshire beauty spot where the River Swale flows in waterfalls over limestone steps has been named as one of 13 new bathing sites in the UK.
The official bathing season begins on Friday (May 15) and will run until September 30, and people in Yorkshire will be able to bathe in the water at Richmond Falls knowing the quality of the river is safe.
The season will see 464 sites open across England’s coasts, rivers and lakes subject to regular water quality testing.
This gives people a better idea of the state of the water they are swimming, paddling or enjoying water sports in.
Richmond Falls joins the River Wharfe at Cromwheel in Ilkley and Wilderness Car Park in Leeds as inland areas which are designated as safe for bathing. Other designated bathing sites in Yorkshire include various beaches along the coast.
Across the UK, the River Thames site at Ham and Kingston in Greater London becomes the first to have designated status on the Thames.
It marks a milestone moment for improved water quality in the river, which had been declared biologically dead in the 1950s because of pollution.
Other new spots include the filming location for TV drama Broadchurch, popular beaches and a meadow and river site in the area that inspired The Wind In The Willows.
Water minister Emma Hardy said: “The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.
“Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this Government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.
“We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.”
The full list of bathing sites in Yorkshire:
River Wharfe at Cromwheel - Ilkley
Bridlington North Beach
Bridlington South Beach
Dane’s Dyke, Flamborough
Flamborough South Landing
Fraisthorpe
Hornsea
Skipsea
Wilsthorpe
Withernsea
River Wharfe at Wilderness Car Park
North Yorkshire Council
Cayton Bay
Filey
River Nidd at the Lido, Knaresborough
Reighton
Robin Hoods Bay
Sandsend
Scarborough North Bay
Scarborough South Bay
Whitby
Redcar & Cleveland Council
Marske Sands
Redcar Coatham
Redcar Granville
Redcar Lifeboat Station
Redcar Stray
Saltburn
The 13 new sites across the UK are:
– Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland – a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea which is popular with locals;
– Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon – a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
– Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex – a family-favourite sandy beach;
– Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent – a shingle beach used by swimmers and kayakers;
– Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire – where the River Avon flows through a green space which was opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II;
– East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset – filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch;
– Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire – a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind In The Willows;
– River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall – a tidal river flowing through the heart of the town;
– River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire – with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps;
– Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk – a riverside community space on the River Waveney;
– River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London – which could become London’s first river bathing site on the Thames;
– New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside – a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary;
– River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire – a popular spot for families and water sports.