QUEEN Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury has officially been named a designated bathing water site, marking a new chapter for one of the city’s most popular riverside green spaces.

The announcement comes as 13 new bathing sites open across England, taking the national total to more than 460 locations now monitored for water quality during the swimming season.

In Salisbury, the designation means the River Avon stretch running through Queen Elizabeth Gardens will now be tested regularly by the Environment Agency (EA) throughout the summer months.

Water quality data will be published online, giving swimmers clearer information before they enter the water.

The gardens, which were opened in the early 1960s to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, are a well-used public park in the heart of the city and a popular spot for walkers, families and open-water swimmers.

Officials say the new status is designed to give people greater confidence when using natural swimming areas, while also helping to protect and improve river health over time.

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.”

EA teams will carry out weekly testing at designated sites throughout the bathing season, which runs from today (May 15) to 30 September, with more than 7,000 water samples taken nationwide.

EA chair Alan Lovell said: “The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality.

“If you’re planning on going open water swimming this summer, I’d advise everyone to get informed – checking water quality and conditions before you go.”

The new designation comes with improved signage and forms part of wider efforts to support outdoor swimming, tourism and access to natural green spaces.

The designation also follows a long-running campaign by Salisbury Clean Rivers and other environmental groups, who previously raised concerns about water quality in the River Avon through Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

Throughout 2025, volunteers supported by Surfers Against Sewage collected samples from the River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens and the River Nadder near the Old Mill pub.

Tests at a UKAS-accredited laboratory focused on E. coli and intestinal enterococci, standard indicators of faecal contamination.

The results showed spikes in pollution during and after rainfall, and unexpectedly high readings in dry weather, suggesting multiple or persistent sources.