Swimmers in Plymouth have been cautioned against entering the water at one of Britain’s most treasured beauty spots in the self-styled Ocean City – and the warning follows the battering the south west received from Storm Ingrid in January 2026. Plymouth Hoe’s Tinside Beach features Victorian-era steps and these were severely damaged by enormous waves in January, the outdoor Tinside Lido, which was renovated last year has not been affected.

However, local residents who swim daily throughout the year say the destruction has highlighted “what an eyesore” the little beach and its surrounds have become – and they are demanding investment to restore Tinside Beach as a “fabulous asset for Plymouth” once more. My visit to the much-loved small beach on Saturday, February 14, revealed “no swimming” signs erected by Plymouth City Council, alerting visitors to “sharp spikes and debris” as well as “dangerous and uneven surfaces”. I’ve been swimming at this spot for years and locals congregate here throughout the year in all weathers, with some noting it plays a vital role in their mental wellbeing as well as offering the broader benefits of wild swimming.

Yet currently, following the destruction of the concrete steps and several railings during recent storms, swimmers have reported that entering the water “safely” has become extremely challenging.

Many residents have also voiced concerns that, even prior to the storm damage, the area had already grown “rundown”, despite continuing to draw visitors during the summer months.

Melanie Green told me: “There’s a lot of all-year-round swimmers that know what should be used to do a ‘quality’ job with regards to repairs now needed.

“Plymouth City Council, please have a meeting with us all and make the Hoe steps and seafront look great again. This is where tourists come to visit. Invest in it.”

The early morning bathers at Tinside Beach are a welcoming bunch. Laughter, light-hearted exchanges and even cakes are shared amongst the group when birthdays or special occasions arise.

Nevertheless, the Victorian-era steps at Tinside are in “desperate need of repair”, making it challenging to gather — and one regular swimmer noted that routine upkeep “would save money in the long run”.

The council has stated it “cares about the Hoe and foreshore” and is “sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused.”

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson added that “our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible”.

Last summer saw the unveiling of the refurbished outdoor Tinside Lido adjacent to Tinside Beach. The transformation was financed through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council.

With this in mind, local swimmer Rena Truscott said: “I wish the council would have a complete rehaul and properly fix the waterfront, starting with Tinside (beach and steps).

“I feel investment is desperately needed now, not just to make the best of a fabulous asset for Plymouth but to ensure it remains safe and an ongoing legacy for the benefit of all.

“The Tinside Lido (renovation completed in 2025) now looks amazing and I’m sure it draws attention and hopefully tourists and revenue back to the Hoe.

“However, this now highlights what an eyesore the surrounding area is. Despite this, it remains popular all year round.”

Debra Romagnuolo shared similar concerns, saying: “Tinside steps are in desperate need of repair. Not just a quick fix. It needs good quality workmanship, not something that literally lasts a few weeks like the railings. It is in a sorry state.”

During my visit, concrete debris from the storm damage could be seen scattered across the shoreline and seabed close to the steps.

Warning signs have been erected advising against entering the water in this area, as substantial concrete blocks remain submerged and, depending on tidal conditions, may not always be readily visible.

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson said: “We care about the Hoe and foreshore and are sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused, not just here in Plymouth but in so many other coastal villages, towns and cities.

“We are very much at the mercy of the elements but work hard to direct as much resource as possible towards protecting and reinforcing our historic waterfront so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Recent and ongoing works include repairs to West Hoe Pier and the Admirals Hard slipway, as well as the steps into the water at Commercial Wharf.”

Plymouth City Council’s statement goes on to explain: “Our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible, once the weather is more in our favour.

“We are also working with marine and foreshore technical advisors and contractors on condition surveys of the wider foreshore. The findings from these surveys will be used to produce an action plan of monitoring, further investigations and prioritised repair works, for which we can then seek funding.

“Refurbishment works at Tinside Lido last year transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations whilst creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.

“Its careful preservation and transformation will ensure Tinside continues to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront whilst supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.”