Surrounded by sea with over 12,000 kilometres of coastline, we are simply spoilt for choice in the UK when it comes to seaside dipping. Britain has a long and rich history of outdoor swimming, from Victorian bathing traditions to the enduring appeal of coastal lidos and natural sea pools. Yet among all the options, the rustic nature of tidal pools holds a particular charm.
Typically carved into the rock itself or carefully constructed to integrate into the shoreline, these pools fill with seawater as the tide rises, creating calm, current-free pools that are more secure than swimming in the open sea. Many of the tidal pools found in the UK date back to the early 20th century, when communities built them to make sea bathing safer and more accessible. Other pools are entirely natural rock formations, shaped over time by the repeated pounding of the waves.
With the boom of wild swimming and cold water dipping in recent years, tidal pools are enjoying a quiet revival. From dramatic cliff-baked Cornish pools to historic Scottish bathing spots, these ten tidal pools offer a new way to explore the best of the British coast.
1. Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset
Opened in 1929, the large coastal pool at Clevedon fills naturally with seawater at high tide and is free to access. It's a popular spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Located on the Severn Estuary a 40min drive from Bristol, visitors can enjoy coastal walks in the area and a visit to the historic Clevedon Pier.
2. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
Built in the 1930s, this semi-natural tidal pool is free to use year-round and managed by the charity Friends of Bude Sea Pool. Located on Summerleaze Beach, it’s easily accessible and offers 'Pool Crew' lifeguard supervision in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore Cornwall’s rugged coastline and surf beaches.
3. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate
Constructed in 1937, this Grade II-listed pool is the largest tidal pool in the UK, covering an area of around four acres. It's free to enter and submerged at all tides – it's best to steer clear during particularly high tides as it can get a little rough. The water is a mix of both seawater and freshwater springs travelling up from the beach within the pool's walls. Located in Margate, it’s close to sandy beaches, galleries and mini golf.
4. Shoalstone Seawater Pool, Brixham
A historic tidal-fed pool dating back to the late 19th century, Shoalstone is a family-friendly pool with lifeguards in summer. Originally build on the side of a natural rockpool, Shoalstone is completely free to use and enjoy. Located in the fishing town of Brixham, swimmers in the pool can make the most of views across to Torbay, plus access to coastal walks and harbour attractions.
5. Chapel Rock Pool, Perranporth
A natural-feeling tidal pool carved into the granite rock that adorns the coastline here, Chapel Rock fills with seawater at high tide. Free to access, it’s best visited at low tide for safe swimming. Located off the popular surfing beach of Perranporth, it’s surrounded by cafés and dramatic coastal scenery.
6. Tunnels Beaches Sea Pool, Ilfracombe
This Victorian-era tidal pool is accessed through hand-carved tunnels dating back to the 1820s. Entry requires a small fee (£4 for adults) and includes access to the pools plus sand and shingle beaches. Located in Ilfracombe, North Devon, it combines history with dramatic coastal views and quaint Devonshire villages.
7. Treyarnon Rock Pool, Padstow
Treyarnon pool is a large natural tidal pool that fills with seawater, ideal for families and beginner swimmers. Free to access, it’s located on Treyarnon Bay, a scenic beach popular for surfing and coastal walks. Make a walk out of it by connecting up the Trevose Headland coastal walk between Treyarnon and Padstow, which will take you through to Harlyn Bay, Trevone Bay, and Stepper Point (18km point-to-point).
8. Pittenweem and St Monans tidal pools, Fife
A charming stone-built tidal pool just around the headland from the Scottish fishing village of Pittenweem in the West Brars. Free to use, the small pool offers sheltered swimming with views over the North Sea. Visitors can explore the old boat harbour, lighthouse, St Fillan's Cave, and pier. Just one mile along the coast in the neighbouring village of St Monans, you'll find a larger restored tidal pool built in the 1930s.
9. Mousehole Rock Pool, Cornwall
A natural tidal pool within a sheltered harbour setting, ideal for gentle swimming. Free to access, it’s located in the picturesque village of Mousehole, known for its harbour, galleries and coastal charm.
10. Westward Ho! Sea Water Pool, Bideford
Originally a holiday resort built in 1856, Westward Ho! was the destination ideal to take the waters in the Victorian times, hence why they created this man-made open-water rock sea pool. The pool fills up with fresh seawater at during high tide, at which time the sharp, natural rock surrounding the concrete structure is also partially submerged.
Top image: A view of Margate tidal pool (Wadpool Bay) at low tide. (Credit: Hollie Adams/Getty Images)
