Porthtowan Tidal Pool
A hidden 20th-century man-made rock pool on Porthtowan Beach, accessible only at low tide for a magical swim.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pool is accessible
Porthtowan Tidal Pool
Best Time
Pool is accessible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden 20th-century man-made rock pool on Porthtowan Beach, accessible only at low tide for a magical swim.
"My dream of being a mermaid come true in this secret spot."
Check Tides Religiously
Crucial for access! The pool is only visible and safe for a few hours at low tide. :clock10:
Wear Water Shoes
Rocky terrain and slippery surfaces. Essential for the walk and swim. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 48 reviews
Type
Swimming Pool
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Porthtowan Tidal Pool
Porthtowan Beach
A man-made 20th-century rock pool, perfect for a refreshing swim and mermaid dreams at low tide.
Porthtowan Beach Exploration
Porthtowan Beach
Discover caves, mining heritage, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery year-round.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Footwear for the Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tides Religiously
Crucial for access! The pool is only visible and safe for a few hours at low tide. :clock10:
Wear Water Shoes
Rocky terrain and slippery surfaces. Essential for the walk and swim. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Cold Water
It's chilly! But worth the shock for a refreshing, clear swim. :ice_cube:
Easy Access Gem
Surprisingly easy to reach from the beach, despite the rocky scramble. :rock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tides Religiously
Crucial for access! The pool is only visible and safe for a few hours at low tide. :clock10:
Wear Water Shoes
Rocky terrain and slippery surfaces. Essential for the walk and swim. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Cold Water
It's chilly! But worth the shock for a refreshing, clear swim. :ice_cube:
Easy Access Gem
Surprisingly easy to reach from the beach, despite the rocky scramble. :rock:
Mermaid Vibes
Live out your mermaid fantasies in this picturesque, hidden spot. :mermaid: 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Porthtowan Tidal Pool as a beautiful, refreshing, and unique swimming experience, often describing it as a 'mermaid's dream.' The ease of access and the stunning coastal setting are frequently praised. However, the water's cold temperature and the rocky terrain require preparation, and strict adherence to tide times is essential for a safe visit.
"Swimming in this pool was a beautiful experience and my body felt so good afterwards. It's a short walk from the beach, but it's very rocky. I highly recommend swimming shoes for the walk and the swim. Just be aware that the water is COLD. It takes a while to get used to it, but it's worth the initial shock. We went two days in a row and we definitely got used to the cold water faster.
The sea can come in very quickly, so I recommend checking the tide times on the day you plan to visit. We timed our visit to get to the pool at low tide, which meant the sea was coming in as we swam. The sea was going to take 4 hours to fully come in, so we made such we were out of the pool and back at the beach 2 hours in to the sea coming in (i.e. halfway)."
Sadfeen Kausar
"Such a beautiful beach to explore all year round (This was mid November!)
. Tons of caves, interesting mining heritage antiquities and a gorgeous cool shallow-ish pool to take a mermaid s dip in.. There is plenty of parking and some good places for lunch.. Always check the tides though so you don’t get caught out strolling along… 😊🙌🙏"
Nicola James
"Perranporth, not porthtowen.
but it has a pool as well.Had a great morning swim, seems under used, which was a shame, a bit of a climb to it, but well worth it."
Mandy Churchill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Porthtowan Tidal Pool is located on Porthtowan Beach. Access is via a rocky scramble from the main beach, typically best enjoyed during low tide. Parking is available nearby, and some sources mention it's a short walk from parking areas.
While described as a 'hidden gem,' it's surprisingly easy to access with a short clamber over rocks from the beach. However, it's crucial to time your visit with low tide.
The approach involves navigating rocky terrain. Wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals is highly recommended for a safer and more comfortable journey to and from the pool.
Porthtowan Beach itself has parking and some places for lunch, making it a convenient spot to combine with your tidal pool visit.
Yes, the beach and surrounding areas are beautiful to explore year-round, even in mid-November. Just be prepared for colder water temperatures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Porthtowan Tidal Pool is a natural feature on the beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free, but dependent on tide times.
The pool is only accessible during low tide. It's essential to check local tide charts for the specific hours it's visible and safe to enter.
Porthtowan Beach itself is free to access. Any parking fees would be for the car parks near the beach.
Visiting during the early morning hours, especially on weekdays, tends to offer a more serene experience with fewer people.
No, swimming is only possible when the tide is low enough to reveal the pool. Always be mindful of the incoming tide.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water is described as 'chilly' and can be quite cold, especially during cooler months. It takes a little getting used to, but many find it invigorating.
While children can enjoy the pool, adult supervision is essential due to the rocky surroundings and the incoming tide. Water shoes are a must for little ones.
The main activity is swimming and enjoying the refreshing water. Some visitors also enjoy snorkeling and simply embracing their inner child.
Some visitors found they got used to the cold water faster by visiting multiple days in a row. The initial shock is often the hardest part.
Definitely bring water shoes, a towel, and swimwear. Consider a waterproof bag for your belongings if you plan to swim.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light. Capturing the pool during low tide, with the surrounding rocks and sea, provides stunning photographic opportunities.
Experiment with different perspectives from the surrounding rocks to capture the scale of the pool and its integration with the coastline. Drone shots can offer a unique aerial view.
You can capture serene swimming moments, the dramatic coastline, and the unique man-made structure of the pool itself. It's a picturesque spot for nature and lifestyle photography.
Be mindful of splashes from the sea, especially as the tide comes in. A waterproof camera or protective case for your phone is advisable.
Use terms like #PorthtowanTidalPool, #CornwallCoast, #SeaPool, #TidalPool, #BeachLife, and #HiddenGem to tag your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit