The Cornish coast is home to over 300 beautiful beaches, from hidden coves to sprawling sandy beaches with space for beach games and sandcastles galore. Many of Cornwall’s beaches are prime swimming spots, with lots boasting lifeguard cover throughout the summer months.
But for those who long for something a little more tranquil, Cornwall’s tidal pools are the perfect place to get your dose of Vitamin Sea, whether you’re a solo swimmer or looking for a family-friendly place to plunge. Best at low tide when the sea has retreated to reveal its hidden masterpiece, these tidal and mermaid pools offer a magical way to enjoy a spot of wild swimming in Cornwall, especially in the winter months when you can often enjoy them all to yourself.
Ready to take the plunge? We’ve rounded up the best tidal pools in Cornwall to help you find your next favourite swimming spot, whether you’re looking for a summertime soak or a wintry refresher!
Bude Sea Pool
Perhaps the most famous sea pool in Cornwall, Bude’s tidal treasure is the perfect place for families to enjoy the refreshing embrace of the sea. Bude Sea Pool is partially natural, giving it a fabulously wonky shape, with plenty - and we mean plenty - of space for all swimmers. The pool varies in depth, with a shallow section for little ones and deeper parts for swimmers. Given the tidal nature of the pool, the depth is never the same two days in a row, so it’s always best to enter gradually. Nestled in the crook of the cliffs on Summerleaze Beach, you’ll find an endless supply of things to see and do while visiting the pool. Start a sandcastle building competition, enjoy an ice cream with your feet cooling in the pool, or explore Bude for a charming collection of shops and cafés, as well as beautiful walks along the canal.
Porthtowan Tidal Pool
Cornwall’s rugged north coast is home to many incredible tidal pools, but Porthtowan’s man-made masterpiece is hard to beat. The pool was built in the early 20th century and has since become a firm favourite with locals. Sheltered by the cliffs and hidden from view from the beach, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy a relaxing swim. The sea pool is only accessible during the two hours either side of low tide, when you can walk along the beach and clamber across the rocks to reach your salt-kissed destination (you’ll need sturdy footwear for walking over the rocks). We recommend visiting in the evening when the tides line up, as you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sunset alongside your swim.
Jubilee Pool, Penzance
If you’re looking for a wild swim that’s a little less wild, head to Penzance for a day at the famous Jubilee Pool. A restored art deco lido, Jubilee not only boasts the UK’s largest seawater swimming pool but also the first geothermal pool, which has been warming guests since it was built in 2020. The curiously shaped pool itself is massive, with oodles of space for all swimmers. Changing rooms line the water’s edge, while a lovely café sits at the top and promises winter warmers and summer refreshers. Jubilee Pool hosts various events throughout the year, from silent discos (in the café, not the pool) and live music to full moon dips and winter dives. Our favourite event, though? The annual doggy day, which celebrates the end of the summer season by inviting a host of salty sea dogs to jump into the pool - the resulting photos are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Treyarnon Bay Tidal Pool, Padstow
If you’re looking for a truly wild swim, head to Treyarnon Bay near Padstow, where you’ll find one of the largest natural swimming pools in Cornwall. This beautiful rockpool is easy to access (it’s just off the coast path), and has become a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. In the winter, this magical pool is the ultimate spot for cold water swimming, with hardy locals entering the shimmering water throughout the year. Pull on your bobble hat (and maybe a wetsuit), fill a flask with hot chocolate, and soak up the coastal delights from the oh-so-fresh waters of this gorgeous tidal pool.
Chapel Rock Tidal Pool, Perranporth
A tidal pool carved into a rock beneath a fluttering Cornish flag? There’s nowhere more Cornish to swim than Chapel Rock Tidal Pool in Perranporth. Access at low tide (and two hours either side), this small but perfectly formed pool is ideal for children looking for a splash! It’s almost impossible to miss, simply head to the giant rock in the centre of Perranporth Beach. The beach is dog-friendly throughout the year, too, so it’s ideal for pooches looking to cool down. The place to be for a post-swim drink, The Watering Hole is one of Cornwall’s top beach cafés - well, beach bar to be more exact - with a phenomenal pub garden right on the sand.
Chapel Pool, Polperro
In South Cornwall, the beautiful fishing village of Polperro is home to a wonderfully family-friendly tidal pool. Although you’ll need to descend some steps to reach the pool, it’s a lovely short stroll along the South West Coast Path from Polperro, making it one of the more accessible sea pools in Cornwall. It’s neither big nor small, and is completely submerged at high tide, so make sure to visit a couple of hours either side of low tide. Polperro is as picturesque as they come and always worth a tootle when visiting the pool, whether you fancy an ice cream as you walk or a post-swim coffee.
Mousehole Rock Pool
Tucked away to the side of the beautiful harbourside village, many people can go their whole lives visiting Mousehole without coming across the pretty tidal pool. Revealed by the ebbing tide, this shallow pool is perfect for little ones looking to practice their swimming or try a spot of snorkelling. Mousehole has long been tied with the tides, whether it’s heartwarming children’s stories or the charming harbour that becomes a beacon of Christmas cheer as it fills with vibrant lights. Trace the winding alleys, visit the delis for a piping hot pasty, and watch the boats sail in and out of the harbour with an ice cream in hand.
Trevone Sea Pool, Padstow
Perhaps the most accessible tidal pool in Cornwall, Trevone’s rock-hewn treasure is perfect for families. There’s a shallow end for young swimmers, and the path is relatively wheel-friendly - it’s also dog-friendly throughout the year if you have a salty sea dog with you. As with most of Cornwall’s spectacular sea pools, it’s best visited on calm days, a few hours either side of low tide. The surrounding rocks are home to smaller rockpools for curious eyes, while the nearby sandy beach is a popular spot with surfers. When you’ve finished your sun-soaked beach day, head into nearby Padstow for a foodie feast, whether you opt for Michelin fare or fish and chips overlooking the harbour.
St Agnes Mermaid Pool
A tidal pool for the wild at heart, this pocket-sized haven is tucked away beside the popular beach at Trevaunace Cove and promises a spellbinding spot to swim. It’s just big enough to practice your mermaid strokes, and a small bath-like rock pool sits nearby for a sun-warmed soak. The pool is best enjoyed at mid-to-low tide as high tide sees it vanish beneath the waves. Not to worry, though, St Agnes boasts a beautiful coastline to explore as well as a fabulous beachfront restaurant at Schooners for a post-dip refreshment.
Got your towel ready? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall and start planning a dreamy escape by the sea, full of as many sea pool swims as possible.
