A beautiful spot for swimming on the beach, perfect for picnics, within driving distance of Coventry

A great spot for swimming on the beach offers the perfect chance for a family day out with a picnic. The site has been given the seal of approval by the government – just in time for a summer swim.

England have been awarded 27 new swimming venues, four of which are conveniently located within a short drive of Coventry. Among these new open-air bathing spots are twelve rivers – some of them within easy reach of a great day.

One even has a donkey sanctuary nearby. Tripadvisor reviews rate it as excellent – the latest review saying it offers a “fabulous afternoon with beautiful animals”.

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The new 27 places bring the total number of designated places for the 2024 bathing season, which runs from 15 May to 30 September, to 451 across England. All bathing water bodies must be tested for pollution by the Environment Agency during the summer months, putting pressure on water companies to stop discharging sewage into these waters.

However, this does not guarantee that the waters are safe for swimming. Last year, three river areas were classified as ‘poor’ due to pollution and swimmers were advised to avoid these areas or risk falling ill.

However, the Department for the Environment (Defra) has announced that the Government plans to launch a consultation later this year to reform bathing water regulations, improve bathing water quality and improve monitoring measures.

Among the newly designated sites is Wallingford Beach, a sandy bank on the east bank of the Thames, with the Island Farm donkey sanctuary in the area. An 80-minute drive from Coventry, this picturesque spot slopes gently down to the creek, backed by a large grassy meadow perfect for picnics and sunbathing, Birmingham Live reports.

Boating is strictly prohibited along the dog-friendly beach, and there is usually a power cut in the summer months. It’s worth noting that there are no cloakrooms or changing rooms available, although an ice cream and snack van frequents the car park during busy times.

Just 70 minutes’ drive from Coventry is the River Severn at Ironbridge – now added to the definitive list. It’s next to the Quay Museum where you’ll find a great swim access spot that’s also relatively undercover.

Another new addition to the list is the River Severn at Shrewsbury. The Frankwell area, 80 minutes from Coventry, is popular with locals for water activities such as water sports as well as swimming.

The River Teme at Ludlow in Shropshire made its debut with joy this year. A 90-minute drive from our city, the river offers a calm and steady flow throughout the year.

Thrill-seeking wild swimmers often begin their journey above the dam near the Millennium Green, submerging slowly before swimming upstream to the pontoon.

Commenting on the updates, Water Minister Robbie Moore said: “The value our bathing waters bring to local communities is incredibly valuable – providing social, physical and positive health and wellbeing benefits to people across the country – and I’m delighted that I approved another program. 27 new bathing water areas for this year.”

Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said: “The importance of England’s bathing waters to residents and visitors alike cannot be overstated, which is why the Environment Agency provides rigorous testing to ensure bathers can make informed decisions before they swim in one of our 451 sites.”

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