The Best Wild Swimming Spots in Cornwall

This summer Britain is in the midst of a heatwave, and what better way to spend a hot summer day than wild swimming in the great outdoors?

You will find plenty of fantastic spots for wild swimming in Cornwall. Here we have listed a few of our favourites.

1. Golitha Falls, Liskeard

The Golitha Falls are one of the most popular beauty spots in Bodmin Moor. This group of cascades and waterfalls make up part of the River Fowey, as it weaves its way through the ancient Draynes Wood. The site is a National Nature Reserve and is managed by English Nature. Take a dip in the plunge pool at the bottom of the cascades, but make sure not to slip on the rocks.

2. Lansallos Cove, Looe

Lansallos Cove is a small sand and shingle beach that makes up part of Lanlivet Bay, near Looe. A popular spot for wild swimming, Lansallos Cove features crystal clear waters that are very enticing on a warm summer’s day.

3. Goldiggins Quarry, Minions, Bodmin Moor

Inaccessible by car, Goldiggins Quarry can be reached via a picturesque walk across the dramatic Bodmin Moor. The quarry is great for swimming with plenty of open space. The quarried stones surrounding the water are flat and perfect for sunbathing on, while watching the adrenaline junkies jumping into the water off the surrounding cliffs.

4. St Nectan’s Kieve, Trethevy near Tintagel

Follow the leafy path through the woods to the beautiful St Nectan’s Glen and Kieve. Water flows in a slender stream into a basin and through a circular hole into a small plunge pool. The pool is 1.5 metres deep and just 5 metres across, so isn’t really the best for a proper swim. However, the glen and kieve are a sacred site and shrine and a fascinating place to visit, and the water is incredibly refreshing.

5. Jubilee Pool, Penzance

The Jubilee Pool in Penzance is one of the UK’s largest Art Deco seawater lidos. The open-air swimming pool has been successfully relaunched this year, with an improved cafe and pool facilities. Surrounded by high white walls, the pool is sheltered from the sea winds.

Take a look at the Jubilee Pool website for admission prices and opening hours.

6. Bude Sea Pool, Summerleaze Beach, Bude

This part natural, part man-made swimming pool can be found in the rocks at Bude’s well known Summerleaze Beach. It is roughly 91 metres long and 45 metres wide and due to the tidal nature of the pool, it is difficult to say exactly how deep areas may be. Therefore it is important to take care. The pool is managed by a volunteer-run charity who are on duty at the pool during certain times of the year.

For more information, please take a look at the Bude Sea Pool website.

7. Chapel Rock, Perranporth

Chapel Rock lies on the 3 mile stretch of golden sand that makes up Perranporth Beach. It is a recognisable site, with the St Piran’s Flag flying high from its summit. The rock is home to a natural seawater pool, filled by the incoming tide and warmed throughout the day. This is a popular location for families, with kids especially enjoying wild swimming in the pool.

Wild Swimming Safety

Wild swimming can be incredible when done safely. It is very important to take note of safety precautions as there may be hidden currents, submerged objects or other issues that may not be completely obvious.

Take a look at the Outdoor Swimming Society’s guide to safe swimming for more information.

Thinking of taking a trip to Cornwall? Take a look at this wonderful collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall.

If you’re in the mood to try new activities and sports, why not try rock climbing? Read our guide on the best places to go climbing in Cornwall.

Images Courtesy of: Tony Atkin, Matthew Hatton (CC BY-SA 2.0); Raimond Spekking (CC BY-SA 4.0); David Wilson (CC BY 2.0); Darren Flinders (CC BY-ND 2.0);