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Birling Gap

Wealden, South East
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 27 Sep 2026

Birling Gap, a picturesque coastal haven in Wealden, England, boasts a dramatic shoreline of sand and shingle, set against a stunning backdrop of chalk cliffs. Visitors can enjoy excellent water quality, as rated by the Environment Agency, and a refreshing summer water temperature of around 18°C. This idyllic beach is perfect for a relaxing day out, with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.

18.9°C
Air Temp
20.2 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide
in 0h 46m
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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

18.9°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
18.9°C

Tide

Low Tide
in 0h 46m

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sand & Shingle beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(year-round)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café
Verified Information

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand & Shingle
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
18.9°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

Community Photos

Insider Tips & Community Feed for Birling Gap

August 13, 2026
Insider Tip
Coaches are not allowed.

Nearby Businesses View all

Café @ Saltmarsh Farmhouse
restaurant
4.8 • 120m away
Hikers Rest
cafe
4.8 • 120m away
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Reference Information

Full Tide Times
High 12:25 3.4m
Low 18:43 -3.3m
High 00:43 3.4m
Low 06:59 -3.3m
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
Southern Water Services Limited

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

Designated Year
1998

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1998. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
Wealden

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

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