Fancy a dip? Wild swimming in Cornwall is hard to beat. From glorious tidal pools and tranquil swimming lakes to golden-sand beaches, all sorts of incredible places tempt for paddles, splashes, and dips. Fuelling feel-good endorphins and making unforgettable memories, they can be enjoyed throughout the year – although summer is particularly special! What’s more, you don’t need a raft of specialist equipment and, better still, it’s often completely free.
When to go
The great thing about wild swimming is it can be enjoyed all year round, though beginners will find summer with its milder temperatures particularly inviting. It’s recommended that you swim during the day and avoid difficult conditions, such as bad weather or poor visibility. If you’re not sure, local RNLI lifeguards can help advise you on what to look out for.
What to take
Seasoned open-water swimmers may find a swimsuit is enough when in the water, but if you need some extra layering, hiring or investing in a good wetsuit allows you to stay warmer for longer. The NOWCA recommends a swim hat, anti-fog goggles, a changing robe and, of course, a towel! During the colder months, keen wild swimmers may also benefit from neoprene gloves and boots to protect extremities. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and - the pièce de résistance - a flask of your favourite hot drink for that post-swim glow afterwards! For longer, more structured swims, a tow float is highly recommended for visibility.
What to do
Before you pick your swim spot, make sure that you have checked the tides (if on the coast) and understand how to swim safely to protect yourself and others. You can take a look at our beach safety blog for general advice and visit the Outdoor Swimming Society for their safety guidelines on wild swimming. Always do your research and proceed with caution. Avoid swimming alone, check conditions before entering the water, wear a brightly coloured hat so you can be easily seen, and enter the water gradually.
As a general rule, if you’re not wearing a wetsuit, swimming for one minute per degree of water temperature helps to avoid cold water shock. For example, 10 degrees equals no more than 10 minutes in the water. If you are not a confident swimmer or ever in doubt, opt for a lifeguarded beach or book a professionally guided experience, such as Sea Swim Cornwall.
Finally, enjoy it! Open water swimming has numerous health benefits, as well as being a liberating way to reconnect with nature and re-energise away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. There are also many social media groups and pages that have a wonderful sense of community and provide a wealth of information and handy tips!
Where to go
Cornwall’s wild swimming locations cover a spectacular range of scenery, from the pebbled banks of ancient woodland and quiet coves to guided swimming experiences. Allowing you to discover Cornwall from a brand new and wonderfully bracing perspective, each one is a magnet for backstrokes and butterflies under open skies. Water you waiting for?
Bude Sea Pool
Bude’s tidal pool is one of the most treasured sea pools in the UK and one of the town’s unmissable highlights. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Summerleaze Beach, this semi-natural tidal pool has been providing a safe space for wild swimming since 1930. Around 91 meters long and 45 meters wide, it measures around 2.5 meters at its deepest point, offering a truly immersive experience in nature for swimmers of all ages. Better still, the pool is completely free to enjoy. Truly swell.
Trevassack Lake
Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful coastline, yet you don’t have to go to the sea to find beautiful wild swimming spots. In fact, the heart of the county is home to a number of wonderful rivers and lakes which beckon for open-air bathing. Take Trevassack Lake. Managed by the Children’s Sailing Trust, the lake and its surrounding site are designed to enable outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities to connect with nature. Open on select days of the week for drop-in swim sessions and supervised swims, it’s ideal for sun-kissed splashes. To refuel afterwards, warm up with a mug of something delicious in the waterside caf overlooking the lake.
Battery Rocks, Penzance
Battery Rocks in Penzance has been a well-loved location for wild swimming for decades. Easy to access, it’s only a short walk from the town’s attractions, galleries, and pubs, and boasts jaw-dropping views across the bay and famous St Michael's Mount. Take a dip in the sea and then dry off on the rocks, before enjoying a walk along the prom. Alternatively, hop into the protected waters of Penzance’s Jubilee Pool located just above the rocks, or treat yourself to a post-swim sauna session with Rising Embers Sauna in nearby Newlyn.
Chapel Rock Pool, Perranporth
If you love nothing more than wide, open stretches of coastline, then Perranporth is sure to be on your radar. A year-round dog-friendly beach on the North Coast, it captures attention with its abundance of golden sand, eateries, and almost year-round surf. If you can’t wait to strip off the layers and don your cossie, Perranporth is also a great place for sea swims. Make a beeline straight for the shore or, if you fancy something a little more shielded, tread sandy footprints over to Chapel Rock Pool, hidden in plain sight at the southern end of the beach.
Helford River
Head to the Helford River for a magical stretch of water that merges fresh river with the salty sea. With a number of great wild swimming spots to pick from, a particularly splendid beach can be found in front of the 300-year-old Ferry Boat Inn. Pebbled at high tide and sandy at low, this beach offers a sheltered spot to take a (slow) plunge and enjoy the characterful setting. Just be aware, it’s also used as the launch spot for the ferry to Helford (and other watercraft) so do be aware of boats.
Lansallos Cove
Situated a few miles from Polperro on Cornwall’s south coast lies the sheltered sands of Lansallos. Park in the National Trust car park in the village and enjoy the wild walk down to this small, horseshoe-shaped cove to be rewarded with mind-bogglingly beautiful scenes. Sheltered by a greenery-clad headland and backed by a tumbling waterfall, it couldn’t be prettier for ocean trips and sea dips. And, it also enjoys a lovely south-facing aspect, meaning more sun throughout the day!
Mousehole
The quaint village of Mousehole presents an achingly pretty place to glide into the ocean. Wander to the harbour for the sheltered option or swim around St Clement’s Isle just offshore for an open sea challenge. If you have little ones in tow, you can take tots to the small tidal pool around the corner under the Rock Pool Café. Large, but relatively shallow, Mousehole’s tidal pool is perfect for youngsters looking to play, paddle, and boost their confidence in the water.
Respryn Bridge, River Fowey
The glistening waters of the River Fowey course through beautiful woodland, passing under the sweeping arches of Respryn Bridge. A popular place for wild dips, the area’s shingle beach is often frequented by families relishing woodland swims on calm days. It’s dog-friendly, you don’t have to pay, and there’s a car park just a short walk away. Just remember, as ever, to take away your belongings with you at the end of the day and be careful not to damage the riverbanks. Always avoid swimming in the river after heavy rainfall or whenever it is fast flowing.
Adrenalin Quarry
For wild swimming with a twist, why not turn your attention to Adrenalin Quarry? Situated in Menheinot near Liskeard, this 3-acre, 50-meter-deep former stone quarry is renowned for its thrill-packed Aqua Park, home to water slides, monkey bars, climbing walls, balance beams, trampolines, and more. Turn your wild swim into a wild adventure and bolt, bounce, and dunk your way around the course. Or, to keep things serene, there are designated areas for wild swimming and picnics too.
Want to try cold water swimming yourself? Take a look at our holiday cottages in Cornwall here.
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