Wild Swimming Spots in Cornwall

Not so many moons ago, sea swimmers were a rare sight on Cornwall’s beaches on all but the sunniest days. A few brave souls dipped solo in the sea pools and Atlantic rollers, raising the eyebrows of wrapped up beach walkers and the curiosity of passing seals. Not any more. Now packs of bare-skinned dippers teeter across the sand on even the chilliest days, seeking their fix of endorphins and a whopping dose of blue health benefits. Holidaymakers pad out of their beachfront hotels in fluffy robes, runners ditch their kit on the shore, and swimming groups meet everyday of the week up and down the county. 

Blessed with sea pools, sheltered coves and coastal nooks that beckon you to shed your layers and be a mermaid for a minute, here are some of our favourite wild swimming spots for a spring dip in Cornwall: 

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth

A ten-minute walk from Falmouth town, this crescent of golden sand sinks steeply into cobalt-blue waters, inviting fast immersion into the bracing water temperatures. Here, a hardy crew of bare-skinned swimmers swim laps around buoys as if it’s summertime on even the most bitter winter days. However, if you’re not accustomed to the cold, take a brief dunk and warm up with a hot drink under the heater at the Gylly Beach Café. 

Treyarnon Tidal Pool, Treyarnon

As the tide ebbs, this natural pool carved into mussel-clad rocks is one of my favourite spots for a winter dip in the wild Atlantic elements. Strip off and feel the spray from the waves that lash its hem, swim a few laps if you can get your breath back, and warm up with hot chocolate and cake at the Treyarnon YHA. 

Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

Wedged between craggy headlands that bear the dramatic scars of Cornwall’s epic mining history, Trevaunance Cove attracts a melting pot of surfers and wild swimmers. When the waves are flat it’s the swimmers that reign, some of them paddling out as far as Gull Rock and back. Local coldwater clothing brand Finisterre take regular team dips here come rain or shine, but they’re not the only local crew taking the plunge between surf sessions. 

Bude Sea Pool, Summerleaze Beach, Bude

Back in the 1930s, at the advent of the coldwater swimming movement in the UK, the partially man-made Bude Sea Pool was built to provide a safe bathing space for locals and visitors year-round. Unsurprisingly, it’s had a huge following since that very day, and still provides a glorious, free, 90 metres of saltwater for serious swimmers and dippers, preserved and run by a dedicated community of volunteers. 

Porthtowan Tidal Pool, Porthtowan

Ocean therapy doesn’t get any more exciting than head-to-toe immersion in this shimmering pool beneath the cliffs at Porthtowan. Experience the ocean crashing against the wall of this secluded swimming hole, then warm up in the legendary Blue Bar. If you want to avoid a steep cliff descent to reach the water, it’s possible to access the pool from the beach at low to mid tide.

Battery Rocks, Penzance

The Holy Grail of wild swimming, Penzance has long been home to a hardcore community of year-round sea swimmers that launch into Mounts Bay from the steps behind Jubilee lido. Keep your head above water and you can enjoy views to St Michael’s Mount, or front crawl full steam ahead and it’s about 1300 metres to Newlyn Harbour Wall. Testimony to its popularity, Rising Embers have popped a mobile sauna just footsteps from the shoreline, warming the hearts and fingers of the passionate all-weather dippers. 

Trevone Tidal Pool, Padstow

Boasting rock pools galore, wild waves and gob-smacking scenery on the doorstep of Padstow, Trevone beckons you out along the coastal paths in spring, when the sea pinks and sunshine-yellow gorse burst into bloom. Stroll along the cliff tops to watch the plume of saltwater explode from an 80-foot blowhole, then dip in the incredible natural sea pool, before tucking into a traditional pasty from the Trevone Bay Stores. 

Perranporth Tidal Pool, Perranporth 

Well known for its surfing treasures, Perranporth hides a dreamy little saltwater pool in the iconic Chapel Rock that stands sentry beside the waves. Whether you’re checking the surf or walking the dog, it’s perfectly located for a quick dip, and you can dash to the bang-on-the-beach Watering Hole to thaw out over a hot drink. 

Priest’s Cove, Cape Cornwall, St Just

If you want get out there and discover a remote, end-of-the-world location for a spring sea dip, this is it. Cape Cornwall was once believed to be the most south-westerly point of the UK, before Land’s End trumped it and stole the title. However, nestling in the shadow of the cape – and far from the crowds that now descend on Land’s End – you’ll find this tidal pool amongst the rocks. Wait for the tide to ebb and make sure it’s clear of surging waves, and there isn’t a more divine dipping spot in all of Cornwall. 

Nanjizal, Land’s End

Pack your bathers and strike out about mile from Land’s End to this wild and secluded cove where the sea laps beneath the Song of the Sea rock arch. When conditions are calm take the plunge in the crystal-clear mermaid pool and you might be joined by a resident seal or two. But when the winter swells rage, step back and behold the awesome sight from the rocky shoreline.

Wild swimming tips:

• Check the tides, swell and currents before you go. 
• Be prepared, with warm clothes and a warm drink for afterwards.
• Always hit the water with a swimming buddy and tell someone where you are going.
• Never dive from the rocks. 
• If you’re going any distance, take a floatation device or ensure there are enough ‘get out’ points on your swim, in case you get into difficulties. 
• Find your local wild swimming group in Cornwall and for more advice and locations see www.wildswimming.co.uk