10 top wild swimming spots with Wild Swimming Cornwall
The UK bathing season starts each year on 15 May and there’s no better place to take the plunge than the sparkling, turquoise waters of Cornwall. Whether you’re after a peaceful beach retreat, a bracing cold water dip, or a scenic wild swimming adventure, Cornwall has it all.
In this blog, we’ve included ten of the very best wild swimming spots in Britain’s southernmost county to refresh your body and soul.
For more swimming locations use code SPRING25 to claim your 25% discount on A Guide to Wild Swimming in Cornwall – the perfect guide not only to swimming but also to exploring this incredible county during your next visit.
10 top wild swimming spots in Cornwall
From secluded tidal pools to sheltered coves and pretty fishing villages, these wild swimming spots promise a refreshing dip in some of Cornwall’s most breathtaking natural settings.
Not sure where to start? Take our Beach Match Quiz and let us pair you with your perfect patch of sand.
Gyllyngvase, Falmouth
Home to one of Cornwall’s most dedicated wild swimming communities, you’ll find Falmouth’s swimmers at Gyllyngvase every day of the year, come rain or shine. There’s good reason this beach is a haven for swimmers – its sheltered position and gently shelving sand make for calm waters and an easy entry and exit. The beach has also earned Blue Flag Status for its excellent amenities and cleanliness.
Perranporth, North Coast
A seemingly endless stretch of golden sand, Perranporth offers plenty of spots to slip into the sea. Popular with the local Blue Tits swimming group, you can join an organised dip or enjoy a peaceful solo swim. When the waves arrive, it’s more of a surf spot – but at low tide, a hidden tidal pool awaits.
Scramble to the centre of Chapel Rock (marked by a Cornish flag), and you’ll find a calm, sheltered pool perfect for a refreshing dip.
Sennen, Penwith
A stunning stretch of bright white sand, complimented by a brilliantly blue sea, Sennen is a place where you feel immediately called to dip in the sea. It’s a popular spot with surfers in the cooler months, but during summer, the seas are calmer and perfect for swimming. Swim between the red and yellow lifeguard flags to ensure safety. To warm up afterwards, pop into the café for a hot chocolate or walk the coastal path to Lands End.
Coverack, The Lizard
A pretty fishing village, Coverack blends a classic Cornish harbour with sweeping ocean views. As the tide retreats, boulders scatter the beach and a wide sandbank emerges. You’ll also spot rare green-tinged serpentine rock – once part of the Earth’s mantle. Facing east, Coverack is one of the few places in Cornwall where you can swim straight into the sunrise.
Summerleaze Tidal Pool, Bude
Located on Cornwall’s northern shores within minutes walk of Bude town centre, Summerleaze is a beloved family-friendly beach. Its vast expanse of smooth sand ensures it never feels too crowded. While the beach is great for swimming on calm days, it’s more famously known as a surfing hotspot. For a more serene swim, a large tidal pool at the back of the beach offers a safe and tranquil spot to dip in, regardless of the waves.
Carlyon Bay, St Austell
A two-mile curve of sand nestled in the heart of St Austell Bay, this family-friendly beach offers more than just a beautiful view. Look closely and you’ll spot flecks of grey quartz and the occasional piece of tourmaline – reminders of the area’s mining heritage. Often sheltered, Carlyon Bay is a south coast gem ideal for a gentle dip and relaxed seaside day.
Carbis Bay, St Ives
Tucked around the corner from St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns, Carbis Bay offers a haven of tranquility with white sand, calm waters and pretty subtropical foliage backing the beach. It’s another family favourite because of how sheltered it is and because it avoids the surf and crowds of other nearby beaches. The shallow, gentle waters make it ideal for practicing longer swims along the length of the bay.
Trevone Tidal Pool, North Coast
Another Blue Flag beach, Trevone boasts great amenities and fantastic rockpooling at low tide. On calm days, the bay is ideal for swimming, though its north coast location means it can pick up waves easily. For a more sheltered dip, head a few metres west along the coastal path at low tide to uncover one of Cornwall’s most impressive tidal pools, which is large enough to swim proper lengths in.
Readymoney Cove, Fowey
Tucked at the mouth of the River Fowey, Readymoney Cove offers sheltered, near-perfect swimming conditions year-round. In summer, a bathing platform is moored in the bay and a buoyed area keeps swimmers safe. Just a short stroll from Fowey town centre, it’s the perfect spot to pair a peaceful dip with a wander through charming cobbled streets, indie shops, and local museums.
Downderry, Torpoint
Best enjoyed at high tide, Downderry is a peaceful, elongated stretch of shingle that seems to go on for miles. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility. The best entry point is right in front of the slipway, where you can easily slip into the calm waters. With its quiet, unspoiled charm, Downderry offers a serene swimming experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
Discover more
For more inspiration, A Guide to Wild Swimming Cornwall features 54 breathtaking swim spots across the county, complete with a handy key, tide and safety tips, and local insights. Written by Cornish swimmers it’s the perfect companion for both wild swimming and coastal exploring. Use code SPRING25 to get 25% off your copy. For more tips and stories on cold water swimming, visit wildswimmingcornwall.co.uk.
Ready to turn your swim into a stay? Discover beautiful places to stay by the sea with Beach Retreats – your perfect base for coastal adventures and relaxing near the ocean.
