Best Places for Wild Swimming in Cornwall

Whether you are a seasoned cold-water swimmer or you are taking your first tentative plunge, wild swimming in Cornwall is nothing short of magical. Home to a huge number of amazing wild swimming spots, you can easily surround yourself with nature and expose yourself to the elements, reaping the many benefits for mind, body and soul.

With both psychological and physical benefits, wild swimming boosts your health, increases your metabolism, improves your circulation and, of course, makes you feel incredible. So where can you go if you want to make the most of this free, year-round activity?

As well as numerous natural and semi-natural tidal pools scattered along the coastline, Cornwall boasts a diverse range of sheltered bays, plunge pools and tree-shrouded rivers for the most sublime swimming experiences. Having stripped off and dipped in coves and crannies across the county, we’ve picked our favourite wild swimming spots in Cornwall.

Wild Swimming Spots in North Cornwall

Daymer Bay, nr Padstow

Not far from our cottages in Padstow, the golden sprawl of Daymer Bay is a real magnet for wild swimmers. A sheltered bay protected by cliffs and backed by dunes, it is rare to see waves at this heavenly beach and as such the opportunities for tranquil swims are plentiful – especially in summer. Only a short walk from a car park and with beautiful views of the estuary and sea beyond, this is sure to be a spot you’ll want to come back to year after year.

Golitha Falls, nr Liskeard

The Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve is home to a series of spectacular cascades and waterfalls coursing along the River Fowey. Descending 200 metres into a plunge pool shrouded by ancient woodland, the river’s natural basin invites those willing to brave the chilly temperatures to strip off the layers and immerse themselves in this unique setting. As the currents can pick up during certain times of the year, it’s best to enjoy this pool in summer when the waters are usually at their calmest.

Little Fistral Rockpools, Newquay

While Fistral Beach is known as the UK’s surfing capital, it’s neighbour, Little Fistral, is the domain of the big-wave surf spot The Cribbar, and a headland studded with rockpools for plunging into the deep blue as the tide ebbs. Not a spot for the feint-hearted or unstable, getting to the pools requires some scrambling over wet, seaweed covered rocks. However, the adventure is rewarded by the discovery of shimmering pools of all shapes and sizes, for a skin-tingling dip, sea life spotting and basking on the rocks away from the summer crowds. 

Port Quin, nr Port Isaac

Just a few miles along the coast from Port Gaverne is the historic natural harbour of Port Quin. Set within a peaceful, sheltered inlet shouldered by high cliffs, this picturesque hamlet often rewards wild swimmers with excellent swimming conditions at high tide, when the gentle lap of the water invites you to boost those feel-good hormones. As you swim, enjoy the beautiful scenery around you and keep an eye out for Doyden Castle atop the cliffs.

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 surf dudes and wild swimmers. When the waves abate 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.

St Nectan’s Kieve, Tintagel

Heading back into Cornwall’s leafy underbelly, a swim at St Nectan’s Kieve near Tintagel will allow you to reconnect with your wild roots. Surrounded by fairy tale-esque woodland, the river here flows along its sinewy path before tumbling through a window in the rock and thundering into a pool below. Falling 60 feet, this stunning waterfall certainly makes for a magical backdrop, leaving swimmers starry-eyed and glowing.

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 to two. But when the winter swells rage, step back and behold the awesome sight from the rocky shoreline.

Wild Swimming Spots in South 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. 

Porthpean, St Austell

The St Austell area boasts a huge range of sheltered coves for wild swimming. One of our favourites is Porthpean, a quiet beach just a short walk from Charlestown Harbour, where you’ll find a very active wild swimming community. There is a car park next to the beach, where you can dash into the crystal-clear waters and back to the warmth of your car. Or, if you’re up for an adventure and are a wild swimming aficionado, why not walk from Charlestown then swim back to your start point (about 1.5km)? 

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. 

Safety Tips for Wild Swimming

If you are looking forward to a wild swim in Cornwall this year, make sure you read up on both the benefits and the risks before you go. To make sure you keep safe, here are some of our top tips for wild swimming wherever you are:

• Check the tides, swell and currents before you go.
• Swim with a buddy; there is safety in numbers, and it is fun to share the experience too.
• Always enter the water slowly so that you can check for depth, hidden obstructions and so that you can give your heart and body a chance to acclimatise.
• Know your exit points and make sure you understand the area’s rips and currents before swimming.
• Never dive from the rocks.
• Focus on your breathing, swim slowly and don’t swim out too far.
• If you are trying winter swimming for the first time, consider investing in a wetsuit to gradually get used to the colder temperatures.
• 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.
• Never swim in a storm.
• Warm up afterwards with thick layers, a hot drink, a hot water bottle and something tasty to eat!
• Find your local wild swimming group in Cornwall and for more advice and locations see www.wildswimming.co.uk

Main photo by Dallas Morgan on Unsplash