The Best Tidal Pools To Visit In Cornwall

If you’re a keen wild swimmer, you’ll know there is nothing more exciting than coming across a tidal pool, there is just something so special about them and discovering new ones never gets old. I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 that I think are just perfect for a wild swim or even just to visit and admire! I’ve popped a What3Words reference for as near to each one as I can get on the map, it should help you at least in the right direction of where each one is.

📍Porthtowan

It’s a firm favourite with so many people, in my experience the best time to visit is autumn/early spring for less seaweed! It’s a clamber over the rocks so don’t be like me and wear birkenstocks, sensible footwear and you’re grand.

What3Words - ///gums.hillsides.sheepish

📍Portreath

A gorgeous little mermaid pool, relatively easy to get to just a little walk along the rocks by the wall to the right of the beach, some of my favourite swims in this pool!

What3Words - ///popping.hobble.thundered

📍Rinsey

The most tropical looking little dream of a pool, treacherous climb to get down to but worth it, pack light and good shoes, and take your time, I researched this one for years before actually going down.

What3Words - ///strutting.vitals.unwraps

📍Priests Cove

This one I would say may well be the easiest to access, there is a car park about a 5 minute walk away, probably the best one for a first tidal pool swim I’d say!

What3Words - ///showed.singing.opposites

📍Perranporth, Chapel Rock Pool

I have yet to swim at this one but it’s an absolute beaut and super popular. Another easy access one, it’s literally right in the middle of the beach, just look for the massive rock! If you fancy a quieter swim, there are a few little tidal pools dotted around the beach.

What3Words - ///tacky.stow.free

I hope this is helpful for anyone wanting to mermaid about this summer, have you visited any of these pools? Let me know if you have a favourite not on the list!