Plenty of our guests choose Higher Pendeen for the close proximity of the beach, a ten minute walk from your tent! Many of those come for the amazing surf which Mawgan Porth beach provides, but when the surf is blown out, or surfing is not your bag, there are many relatively unknown local spots which provide safe wild swimming havens.

Locals have been wild swimming forever, but it’s recently seen a resurgence due to the current lockdown climate, with traditional swimming pools sadly closed and people looking for new ways to support their mental and physical health. Wild Swimming Cornwall claims that “Submerging your body in cold water provides numerous benefits to both our psychological and physical health, through reducing the bodies stress response. Studies also show that it boosts immunity, metabolism, fitness and circulation. This means that not only does it make us mentally and physically stronger, but also that the body feels less physical pain”. They have also published a book on wild swimming in Cornwall which can be purchased here.

Here are six of the best within a short distance of Mawgan Porth, make sure you always swim safely!

Tidal Pools

Treyarnon Bay pool is a stunning natural tidal pool from mid to low tide, 8ft deep in places, absolutely perfect for a swim with a view!

The far south end of Crantock Beach provides a natural tidal pool which you can often have all to yourself, due to the main crowds sticking to the north of the beach. It can also be accessed via the Coastal Path from Cubert Common should you need to cool off during your walk!

Porthtowan, St Agnes, boasts a man-made tidal pool, accessible at low tide with simply stunning scenery. Again, one to drop in from the South West Coastal Path.

Small tidal pools and gulleys can be found at Porth Mear, but make sure you heed local advice on sea conditions and tides.

Swim Beaches

Daymer Bay & St Enodoc, on the Camel Estuary nearly always guarantees calm waters for swimming. The golden, gently sloping beach is perfect for families.

Cross to the south side of the Camel Estuary to find the little known Tregirls Beach. A little wilder location than Daymer Bay, but again with calm blue waters and an expanse of a sandy beach at low tide.

A little further away on the south coast is Lansallos Beach. A sheltered, semi-circular beach of white sand and shingle. Excellent for swimming and feeling a million miles away from the world.

If you are new to wild swimming, Head Above Water and BlueTits Chill Swimmers go out all year round and are social groups who would welcome you to join them in their regular swims.

Of course, there are many more perfectly wild sea swim locations to embellish your Cornish vacation, just ask us!