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By Natasha Harding
Swimming regularly has many health advantages and offers an excellent full-body workout that doesn’t put strain on the joints. Research also suggests that so called ‘blue therapy’ improves general wellbeing, the immune function, blood flow and even helps you to sleep well.
There’s nothing like the high after a cold water dip, which is thanks to the dopamine surge – and we’re lucky in Cornwall that we’re in such close proximity to the Atlantic. However, if you find it a bit of an endurance test to swim properly for any length of time in the sea there are many pools in the county that make swimming easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Cold water fan and keen swimmer Natasha Harding chooses some of her favourites across the land.
Open to residents, members and spa day visitors, the rectangular outdoor pool at the St Moritz Hotel is ideal if you want to get in some serious swimming. It’s a decent size at 16-meters and deep enough for flip turns at the end of each length. Additionally, there is a small children’s pool, an outdoor shower and sun loungers with a view of the ocean where you will definitely want to spend a happy hour or two soaking up the sights.
The iconic Jubilee Pool in Penzance is the UK’s largest seawater pool and is filled on a high tide. It allows users to enjoy cold water swimming in a safe environment and is an incredibly well used resource. There are lots of sessions for serious swimmers, as well as family swimming time. They also run aquafit, swim fit classes and poolside yoga. If you fancy a warmer treat, the geothermal pool is naturally heated sea water and is particularly wonderful on cold days. Prices begin at £3.50 and there is a membership scheme available if you live locally.
Surfers beach Treyarnon Bay Cornwall England UK north coast between Newquay and Padstow on a sunny blue sky day. Shutterstock ©Charlesy
The natural tidal pool at Treyarnon Bay which is between Padstow and Newquay is a wonderfully safe space for children and swimmers when the sea is a little rough. It fills with seawater each time the tide rises and is accessed from the coast path, or the beach at low tide. It does get pretty busy during peak times, so if you’re looking to do some proper swimming, then get there early to beat the crowds.
With ten hours of swimming time, you will be spoilt for choice at Una near St Ives. The lido is open from 6.30am – 8.30pm, with specific times for adult only swims (early morning and later in the evening), it is the perfect spot if you want to have a proper swim or just fancy cooling down when it heats up. It’s open seven days a week and makes for a wonderful day out. Day visit passes are £27.50 for adults and children are from £8.25 – under fours go free.
The semi-natural tidal pool is one of Bude’s highlights and is open free of charge to visitors and locals – although donations are encouraged. It is run by a team of volunteers who maintain the upkeep and organise events. Because it’s open 24/7 it means that there is always an opportunity for a proper swim if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s big – at its longest, 91 metres long and 45 metres wide so a length can take some time. There’s a real community around the pool with many people using it as a place to meet up with friends – old and new.
The large tidal pool at beautiful Trevone, near Padstow is a glorious place for a swim. The pool is fairly easy to get to – follow the coast path to the left towards Newtrain Bay, known by locals as Rocky Beach. You’ll be able to swim when the tide is about halfway out and children can play in the shallows. However, when the tide comes in, the waves can become quite big so keep an eye on what the tide is doing when visiting. It is an incredibly popular space and has become more well-known due to regular appearances in the recent BBC adaptation of Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers.
Although it’s not great for serious swimmers, as it’s so shallow, the picture perfect pool in the fishing village of Mousehole is great for children (and adults of course) to splash around in. The man-made tidal pool was created as a safe space for youngsters to learn to swim at the beginning of the 20th century. It’s a special spot to visit, even if you’re just sitting on the rocks watching the kids play while enjoying the views across Mount’s Bay towards St Michael’s Mount and the Lizard.
Categories: Adventure, Sport & Lifestyle Activities
