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Southwold The Denes

East Suffolk, Anglian
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Southwold The Denes boasts a picturesque shoreline of sand and shingle, backed by the charming town of Southwold. The beach's excellent water quality, consistently rated by the Environment Agency, makes it a haven for swimmers and sunbathers alike. During the summer months, the water temperature typically ranges from 17°C to 19°C, perfect for a refreshing dip.

7.5°C
Air Temp
10.8 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide (0.9m)
in 3h 45m (04:39) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

95
Excellent
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
Help us verify

Air Temp

7.5°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
7.5°C

Tide

Low Tide (0.9m)
in 3h 45m (04:39) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sand & Shingle beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand, Shingle
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
7.5°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Harbour Café
cafe
4.8 • 120m away
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Reference Information

🌊 Live Tide Curve, Tidal Range & 7-Day Schedule

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 90
Current Water Level
Falling ↓ (2.07m)
39% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 10:51 (2.47m • in 9h 57m)
▼ Low: 04:39 (0.90m • in 3h 45m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 1.69m (Coeff 90/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Peak Ebbing Flow
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Lowestoft (1.39 km)
2.9m 1.8m 0.6m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 Low 04:39 (0.9m)High 10:51 (2.5m)Low 16:47 (1.1m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▼ Low 16:18 (0.97m)▲ High 22:33 (2.63m) 1.66m Spring (88)
Today ▼ Low 04:39 (0.90m)▲ High 10:51 (2.47m)▼ Low 16:47 (1.07m)▲ High 23:03 (2.62m) 1.72m Spring (92)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 05:12 (0.93m)▲ High 11:29 (2.41m)▼ Low 17:16 (1.16m)▲ High 23:36 (2.58m) 1.65m Spring (88)
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 05:47 (0.97m)▲ High 12:12 (2.34m)▼ Low 17:50 (1.27m) 1.37m Coeff 73
Sun 15 Nov ▲ High 00:13 (2.52m)▼ Low 06:27 (1.02m)▲ High 13:00 (2.27m)▼ Low 18:32 (1.37m) 1.50m Coeff 80
Mon 16 Nov ▲ High 00:56 (2.45m)▼ Low 07:17 (1.07m)▲ High 13:57 (2.22m)▼ Low 19:22 (1.47m) 1.38m Coeff 73
Tue 17 Nov ▲ High 01:48 (2.39m)▼ Low 08:18 (1.10m)▲ High 15:02 (2.20m)▼ Low 20:24 (1.54m) 1.29m Coeff 69
Reference Station: Lowestoft • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
Low 04:39 0.90m
High 10:51 2.47m
Low 16:47 1.07m
High 23:03 2.62m
Current: Falling (2.07m) • Peak Ebbing Flow
Sediment Type
Sand, Shingle

The shoreline consists primarily of sand, shingle. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.

Annual Rating
Excellent

Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.

Rainfall Impact
Low Risk

This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.

Monitoring Authority
Environment Agency

Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.

Water Body Type
Coastal Beach

Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.

Sewerage Provider
Anglian Water Services Limited

Anglian Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.

Designated Year
1990

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1990. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
East Suffolk

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the East Suffolk area.

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