Tidal pools in Cornwall

The beach and sea in Cornwall make for a magical place for a swim, but there are some other, more hidden options well worth seeking out. These swimming spots provide quite the serving of peace and solitude, with just the right amount of adventure. If you are enjoying a holiday in Cornwall, we think some off the beaten track adventure for a swim is time well spent.

Dotted around the coastline you'll find a whole host of tidal pools, some that have occurred naturally and many that are remnants of Cornwall's mining history.

Here's a few spots where you can find a tidal or rockpool to enjoy a dip in.

Godrevy

Just below Godrevy headland, accessed via a path and steep (be careful) descent you'll find a very pretty naturally created tidal swimming pool. With views across the water to Godrevy lighthouse, it's a spot to visit when the tide is low and the sea state is calm. Your reward for a little adventurous scrambling is a perfect pool for a dip with breathtaking views.

Given the climb down, this isn't really all that kid or dog friendly, although it's not perilous!

Porthtowan

Hidden beneath the towering cliffs of Porthtowan is this beautiful little tidal pool. Built in 1908 by a local man by moving larger rocks and creating a dam at one end. It's a real 'hidden in plain sight' gem.

It's worth engaging your sense of adventure if you are visiting Porthtowan to seek this pool out. Another spot that is best visited on a lower tide, to fly expose the pool, and one that is fully dog and kid friendly.

The beach itself is beautiful, with great food and drink options too. We love a sundowner at the Blue Bar, and the food there is pretty decent too.

Portreath

Nestled into the myriad of rockpools that become accessible at low tide, this pool sits beside Portreath's highly recognisable harbour wall.

Created by miners who used dynamite to blast the pool out, then blocked in using concreate, it offers an amazing spot for a full dip. Created to provide a safe place for children to swim, it's one for full beach day enjoyment and perhaps a spot of rock pooling whilst you are there.

The town has a couple of pubs and a few cafes, so you can take some time to refuel after a dip and swim.

Visit a couple of hours either side of low tide.

Rinsey Cove

This one is trickier to find and access and really is one for those sure-footed folk who don't mind a proper cliff scramble.

Head out along the coat path, heading east along the coat path out along the Trewevas headland. Around half a mile down the path you'll be able to carefully glance over the cliff to spot it, there's usually a few worn tracks that make it easier to find.

Clambering down is a real adventure, best done at low tide and on calm days. Known as 'Ray Pool', this is an all-natural pool that rewards you for clambering down slippy rocks with an incredible spot for a dip.

Very tricky access means that this one is really not so good for kids and dogs, and it also gets quite busy during peak season - so time it with a super early low tide!

Rinsey is a short walk from the picture perfect beach at Praa Sands, where you'll find a couple of great bars and restaurants.

Boat Cove

You can't miss the Miner's pool at Boat Cove, just a short hop across the rocks as you go onto the beach. Backed by the stunning Cape Cornwall and its monument, it's an incredible beach.

Another pool best suited to a lower tide, it is nice and easy to access so you can bring the kids too. There is National Trust parking a stone's throw away, with a seasonal cafe too.

Porth Ledden

The other side of Cape Cornwall is a wholly rocky bay, with pretty poor access, but one of the finest tidal pools in Cornwall. Pullandase pool is a real gem.

Across Porth Ledden, hidden at the bottom of the cliffs and the Kenidjack valley, this miner's blasted pool really rewards you for your exploration. A pool deep enough for a proper swim, with views across the cove towards Cape Cornwall.

You'll feel like you are in your own personal haven for the time you are there, which will, as you might have guessed, be around low tide.

Clearly none of these pools have lifeguards, and also entirely disappear at high tide. With that in mind, we'd always make sure to check tide times and avoid visiting if there is any chance of bring cut off by the tide.

You'll also find larger pools at Perranporth and Bude, as well as others in Trevone Bay, Mousehole, Treyanon, Nanjizal and Polperro. We'll leave the research down to you to find these pools.