Swimming spots we love.
We all love a dip in the sea, and we are particularly blessed in this small part of the world with some incredible places to do just that. If you fancy stepping away from the regions beautiful yet popular beaches, this list has a few options that are a little less obvious yet will become firm favourites. A small amount of legwork may be required to reach a couple of them, but trust me, it’s always worth it. Pack a picnic, towel and sunscreen and get exploring!
As these swim spots are in more remote areas, they are not monitored by lifeguards. Whether you are a die-hard cold-water fan, or a complete beginner, please follow the basic rules of sea swimming.
- Never go alone.
- Never dive off the rocks.
- Check the tides, swell and currents before you go.
- Never enter water without planning how and where to get out again.
- Don’t get cold!
Goldenburn, Porthcothan
What3words address: ///midfield.guitar.toasted
Nearest car park: Council car park opposite Porthcothan beach PL28 8LP
Goldenburn is next to Porthcothan and can be accessed by walking around the cliffs at low tide, or via the cliff path at mid tide. Take the path towards Porthcothan beach and head to the left as it follows the cliff around the bay. As the coast path dips you will see a path down to the beach but beware as the rocks can be slippery. Fab caves and inlets to explore but keep an eye on the tide!
Tregirls Beach, Padstow
What3words address: ///action.reckoned.surging
Nearest car park: Seasonal, follow the signs for Crugmeer and Hawker’s Cove from the B3276. The car park is on the right as you drive through Lellizzick. Out of season there are a few parking spaces further up the lane by the farm.
Follow the footpath through the field and down to the beach, you will emerge onto a stretch of sand at the mouth of the Camel Estuary. With a wild, remote feel, this lovely beach rarely gets busy, so you can enjoy a gentle dip looking out over the notorious Doom Bar towards Daymar Bay.
Treyarnon pool
What3words address: ///intruders.sitting.wishes
Nearest car park: Treyarnon Beach Car Park, PL28 8JS.
Ok, still not actual sea swimming, but its technically the sea! Park at the beach car park and follow the coast path towards Constantine Bay. The sea pool is in the rocks at the right-hand side of the bay and is accessible from the beach at low-tide or from the path above at mid-tide. A perfect spot if the sea is a little rough, as the pool has natural protection from the wilds of the ocean beyond.
Mother Ivey’s Bay, Trevose Head
What3words address: ///ended.bluffing.hypocrite
Nearest car park: National Trust Car Park, Trevose Head. Lower car park open in summer months.
A short stroll across the fields will bring you to the top of the cliffs above Long Cove Beach, also known as Mother Ivey’s Bay. Mainly used by visitors to the campsite and the odd local in the know, this pretty beach is a great spot for swimming. If you are lucky, you may even spot the lifeboat plunging into the sea as the RNLI lifeboat station is perched above the bay.
Newquay Harbour
What3words address: ///member.luckier.birthdays
Nearest car park: Tower Rd Car Park, TR7 1LS
Might seem an odd place for a swim, but there are several places where you can plunge safely into the water here and enjoy the shelter of the harbour walls. This is a spot for a dip rather than a swim, but it’s a great spot to hop In whilst watching the boats and gig racing crews head out to deeper waters.
Polly Joke Beach
What3words address: ///slows.hopefully.bandaged
Nearest car park: TR8 5SE
This is a lovely beach, far from the madding crowds. The walk from the car park is a little bumpy and steep, so this is reserved for the more adventurous among us, however you are rewarded with a pretty, sheltered cove with great coves to explore on either side of the beach.
Holywell Bay
What3words address: ///curious.tickles.contracts
Nearest car park: National Trust- TR8 5PF
Take the path through the dunes and emerge onto this wide, sandy beach, with heaps of space to spread out and find a secluded spot of your own. The South end of the beach tends to be more sheltered due to the formation of the rocks, so head this way for a less bumpy di
Trevone sea pool
What3words address: ///carefully.auctioned.cakewalk
Nearest Car Park: Trevone Beach Complex, PL28 8QY
Head left from the car park and follow the coast path towards Harlyn Bay. As you pass Rocky Beach you will see the sea pool below you, scuttle down the rocks and leap in! Don’t forget to check the tides before you head here, the pool is accessible from mid/low tide to low tide.