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.
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.
Just off the coast path between Harlyn and Trevone, overlooking the Atlantic you'll find a tidal pool tucked away amongst the rocks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
15-minute drive
The Harbour on a high tide is perfect for a dip. Ease yourself into the cold water down the steps, this sheltered and calm swimming spot is popular among local swimming groups.
Cornwall has hundreds of beaches; you do not need to venture far from the hotel to take a dip in the sea. Wetsuit or no wetsuit. 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.
We caught up with sand artist Sonia Shomalzadeh ahead of her residency at Watergate Bay from 7–10 June 2025, when she’ll be creating life-size wildlife drawings of endangered marine species on the beach.
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