Every UK seaside town predicted to be underwater by 2050 - full list

January 25, 2025
The Pier at Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

In just 25 years, it might be possible for your favorite section of golden sandy beach to be completely erased off the map. Because we are an island, Britain is surrounded by miles of beautiful shoreline. From the classic bucket and spade pebble beaches with ice cream and amusement arcades to pristine stretches of golden sand dunes teeming with wildlife, our breathtaking shores are dotted with an enormous number of seaside resorts.

Every year, in all kinds of weather, visitors and residents go to some of our most popular locations to enjoy the distinctive scenery and everything that the neighboring little or large cities have to offer. However, the effects of climate change pose a serious threat to the extinction of some of our most visited locations.

Rising sea levels are threatening coastal communities worldwide and an interactive map shows exactly how serious the risk to the UK is. Produced by Climate Central - a non-profit organization that provides information about climate change and its effects on people - the map predicts what areas will be underwater by 2025 unless significant action is taken to combat global warming by reducing greenhouse gases.

The UK’s capital London is particularly at risk of the River Thames overflowing its banks in the future. It has a system of flood defences in place including the Thames Barrier, made up of 10 steel gates that can be raised to the height of a five storey building during storm surges or high tides.

Some coastal areas have sea defences in place to prevent flooding to local areas but there are concerns not enough is being invested in them. Here are the seaside towns that could be underwater in just 25 years.

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

One of the UK’s most loved beaches off the coast of Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, is famed for its long sandy shores and rich history. The Somerset beach town with Victorian roots draws nearly 750,000 visitors annually, keen to experience all the resort has to offer. But in 25 years the entire beach and the village of Weston-super-Mare could be consumed by the sea along with surrounding areas along the coast as far north as Gloucester. The map shows the water could reach far inland and a vast expanse of the neighbouring towns of Congresbury, East Rolstone and Elborough could disappear too.

Poole, Dorset

Poole has some of the finest beaches in Britain with golden sand, crystal clear waters and modern bars and restaurants. The coastline is made up of eight unique islands and a striking peninsula but by 2025 large parts of it could be swamped by the rising tides.

Portsmouth, Hampshire

In 25 years it's predicted that most of this hugely popular port city and naval base will be submerged, leaving only a small strip of land. Neighbouring islands such as Hayling Island and Thorney Island could also be heavily impacted.

East and West Wittering, West Sussex

The two beautiful beaches of East and West Wittering in Chichester have huge stretches of fine white sand at low tide that are perfect for families and watersport enthusiasts. Both are sadly expected to be impacted by the rising sea levels.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The historic town of Eastbourne in East Sussex offers a traditional seaside experience with its popular pier and long stretch of coastline. But by 2050, Eastbourne and nearby beaches like Pevensey Bay are expected to be significantly affected by the encroaching water. It could reach as far inland as Herstmonceux Castle.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

A favourite among visitors to Essex for its coastal walks, beach and diverse pubs and restaurants, Southern-on-Sea also boasts the world ’s longest pleasure pier. The resort itself shouldn;t be too heavily impacted but neighbouring beaches such as Roslin Beach, East Beach and Shoebury Common will disappear if the map is correct.

In the north of England, the cosmopolitan maritime city of Liverpool is expected to be swamped with water. The nearby Southport is famed for its 22 miles of stunning coastline with numerous popular beaches such as Crosby Beach which is home to the Antony Gormley sea sculptures. All have the most amazing views out to sea but could disappear by 2025. Further along that stretch of coast, Blackpool and Morecambe are also predicted to be heavily affected.

One of the worst affected parts of the UK is thought to be the east and north-east of England. A huge area of land stretching from above Cambridge all the way up the coast to Hull will be underwater. This coastline has some of the most incredible beaches such as Bridlington and Whitby and the predictions would be catastrophic for the area.

Other coastlines and seaside resorts at risk include Great Yarmouth on the east coast. It’s thought Norwich could resemble an estuary by 2025 if global warming isn’t addressed. Thankfully, Scotland and Northern Ireland should be less seriously affected, with only small areas along rivers and in the Hebrides underwater.