Top ten places to swim in Cornwall
From fun pools and infinity pools to tidal pools and oceans, Cornwall has a swimming experience for everyone. Travel the county and experience some of the most unique swimming pools in Cornwall with our top ten swimming spots.
1. Jubilee Pool, Penzance
Penzance is a historic harbour on the south-facing shore of Mount’s Bay with one of the mildest climates in the UK. One of the hidden gems of Penzance is the Jubilee Pool, the UK’s largest seawater lido. Choose from a swim in the open-air pool or the geothermally heated pool. Pre-booking essential.
2. Trevone sea pool
Just off the coast path between Harlyn and Trevone, overlooking the Atlantic you'll find a tidal pool tucked away amongst the rocks.
3. Watergate Bay Hotel Swim Club
The Watergate Bay Hotel 25m infinity pool with ocean views is the ultimate pool for relaxation. Featuring a café-bar, three treatment rooms, an outside cedar hot tub and direct access to the beach. Flanked on two sides by glass, it is an extension of the Atlantic, only warmer. Bi-folding doors along one length of the pool can be opened on sunny days making it feel just like an outdoor pool.
4. Summerleaze tidal pool, Bude
Sea swimming but without the worry of being swept out to sea. Bude’s sea pool located on Summerleaze beach is part-natural part-man made created in the 1930s. Today, it's run by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool charity, ensuring admission remains free for everyone. The Pool provides plenty of room for paddling or serious swimming: inflatables, snorkels surfboards and even scuba divers are welcome.
5. Porthtowan tidal pool
35-minute drive
A difficult to find tidal pool, but well worth it. At low tide, as you face towards the sea – head to the rocks on the right-hand side and climb over them until you find the pool at the foot of the cliffs.
6. Daymer Bay
40-minute drive from the hotel
Located on the edge of the Camel Estuary in a sheltered bay, waves are rare so you are almost guaranteed a calm swimming experience within the safety of the bay.
6. Perranporth tidal pool
25-minute drive from the hotel
A large 2-mile-long beach and at low tide a small tidal bathing pool can be found on the southern side of Chapel rock. The temperature during the day heats the water making it ideal for wild swimming.
8. Treyarnon Bay tidal pool
25-minute drive
Located near Constantine Bay, a sheltered cove at Treyarnon bay can be found. See if you can find the large pool-size tidal lido at low tide, a long wall of concrete has been built to keep the water level. A deep plunge pool can be found just below the rock.
10. Surrounding beaches
Cornwall has hundreds of beaches; you do not need to venture far from the hotel to take a dip in the sea. Wet suit or no wet suit. Watergate Bay, Newquay Harbour, the Gannel estuary, Polly Joke, and Porth beach are all wonderful places to swim at high tide and not too far from the hotel. Check the tide times and stay safe.
Volleyball high hitters
With fast-paced moves and adrenalin-packed matches, the sand is set to fly as Watergate gets...
Meet: Fused glass artist Dreya Bennett
Meet fused glass artist Dreya Bennett as we look forward to welcoming her and her...
Round up: Arts on the Beach 2024
Making waves at Watergate Bay, the second year of our two-day free family festival drew...
Meet Cloudy Bay
We caught up with Cloudy Bay to learn about their signature Sauvignon Blanc and its...
Arts on the Beach 2024
Arts on the Beach is back for 2024, packed with some of last year’s favourites...
Meet Eko's creator, Johnny Autin
Meet the creator of Eko, a playful four-metre sea puppet set to roam the beach...