The best outdoor swimming pools in Cornwall

With its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, Cornwall offers a variety of outdoor swimming pools and experiences.

A family enjoying a sunny day at the outdoor heated pool at Bude Holiday Resort.

From historic lidos to natural tidal pools, there's something for everyone to enjoy on your staycation. This guide explores some of the best outdoor swimming pools in Cornwall.

Jubilee Pool, Penzance

The Jubilee Pool in Penzance opened in 1935 and is one of the largest seawater lidos in the UK. It offers a unique triangular-shaped swimming experience and breathtaking views across Mount's Bay. It is recently renovated and includes a geothermally heated section, allowing for comfortable swimming year-round.

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Oasis Fun Pool, Newquay

The Oasis Fun Pool is a family-friendly outdoor swimming pool in Newquay. It features a main pool, a children's pool with water features, and a fun 33-meter waterslide and is considered one of the best outdoor swimming pools in Cornwall. The heated pools and surrounding sun terraces make it an even more popular spot for locals and tourists during summer.

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Trevone Sea Pool

Trevone Sea Pool is a natural tidal pool just off the coast path between Harlyn and Trevone. Carved into the rocky coastline, it fills with seawater at high tide, creating a sheltered swimming pool in Cornwall that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean—an excellent location if you enjoy wild swimming but prefer calmer waters than the open sea.

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Bude Sea Pool

Nestled at the foot of the cliffs on Summerleaze Beach in Bude, this tidal pool offers a safer alternative to sea swimming. Built in the 1930s, the pool is partially man-made and partially formed by natural rock formations. The tide refills it daily, making it a unique, natural outdoor swimming pool in Cornwall with stunning coastal views.

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Porthtowan Tidal Pool

Porthtowan's tidal pool is a hidden gem on Cornwall's north coast. Tucked away at the base of the cliffs, it can be difficult to find this natural pool. But, if you face the sea at low tide, head to the rocks on the right-hand side and climb over them; you’ll see the outdoor swimming pool in Cornwall that is refreshed by each high tide.

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Daymer Bay

While not a conventional swimming pool, Daymer Bay deserves mention for its calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for family outdoor swimming in Cornwall. The bay is sheltered from strong currents, creating a natural pool-like environment where waves are rare, even at high tide.

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Hayle Swimming Pool

Hayle Outdoor Swimming Pool was originally built in the 1960s and is open during summer. It’s situated on King George V Memorial Walk and features a slide and grassy area at the side for sunbathing and socialising.

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Perranporth tidal pool

Perranporth's tidal pool, also known as Chapel Rock, is another natural Cornish swimming pool carved into the rocks. Located at the beach's northern end, it offers a unique swimming experience where you can feel the ebb and flow of the tides without swimming in the sea. The pool is most accessible at low tide.

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The Rock Pool, Treyarnon Bay

The Rock Pool at Treyarnon Bay is a large natural tidal pool that is also a safer alternative to open-sea swimming in Cornwall. It's particularly popular with families and those looking for more sheltered Cornwall swimming. Plus, the pool is surrounded by flat rocks, perfect for sunbathing.

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Treyarnon Bay Tidal Pool

Distinct from The Rock Pool previously mentioned, Treyarnon Bay also features a smaller tidal pool that offers a more intimate swimming experience and is often less crowded than its larger counterpart.

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Retallack Aqua Park, Padstow

While not a traditional swimming pool, the Retallack Aqua Park near Padstow offers a unique water-based experience. It features an inflatable obstacle course on a lake, wakeboarding and Cornwall’s only surf simulator. Whether you’re staying with us at Away Resorts or not, Retallack Resort is the place for fun and challenging watersports activities for older children and adults.

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Outdoor swimming pool at Newquay Bay

If you stay at our Newquay Bay Resort, you won’t have to go far to enjoy outdoor swimming in Cornwall. There’s a heated outdoor swimming pool right on site, boasting views of the rolling hills with plenty of space to soak up the sun.

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A young white boy, jumping onto an inflatable lama into the outside pool.

Heated pool at Bude Holiday Resort

The Bude Holiday Resort also boasts a heated outdoor pool, providing a comfortable swimming experience even on cooler days. It's an excellent option for those staying at the resort or nearby. Plus, there’s a fun water feature for the kids to enjoy.

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Enjoy outdoor swimming at Cornwall’s beaches

While not a Cornwall swimming pool in the traditional sense, the county’s numerous beaches offer fantastic opportunities for open-water and wild swimming in Cornwall. From the expansive Fistral Beach in Newquay to the sheltered cove of Kynance, each beach provides a unique swimming experience. Just make sure you’re a confident swimmer, there’s a lifeguard nearby, and you don’t go into the open water alone.

Outdoor swimming pools in Cornwall FAQs

What’s the best Newquay swimming pool?

The Oasis Fun Pool in Newquay is widely regarded as one of the best outdoor pools in the area. However, we may be biased when we say that Newquay Bay Resort's indoor and outdoor swimming pools are also a great option for swimming in Cornwall.

What’s the best St Ives swimming pool?

While St Ives doesn't have a dedicated outdoor pool, the nearby beaches offer excellent opportunities for swimming in Cornwall. Porthminster Beach, with its calm waters, is particularly popular for swimming in St Ives.

Are there any indoor swimming pools in Cornwall?

Yes, Cornwall has several indoor swimming pools, including facilities at leisure centres in towns like Truro, Bodmin, and Falmouth. These offer year-round swimming options alongside the seasonal outdoor pools and beaches.

There are indoor pools at our Newperran holiday park, Newquay Bay and St Ives Bay resorts, so book your getaway now to make the most of all the swimming pools in Cornwall!

Take a look at our Cornish resorts

St Ives Bay

Why not book a Cornwall holiday at our spectacular resort in St Ives Bay. Located in the beautiful south coast of the UK, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect holiday, with fantastic on-site facilities and private beach access.

Retallack Resort

For the ultimate relaxing Cornwall break, book a stay in our showstopping accommodation at Retallack Resort. Not only is this holiday park the perfect place to unwind, there’s also activities for all ages to keep the family entertained!

A row of caravans on a summers day at our stunning Cornish park, Newperran.

Newperran Holiday Resort

Feel at home in Cornwall, with a UK holiday in our Newperran Holiday Resort. Spend your time stargazing, cloud spotting or daydreaming — or all three. For a Cornish break, this is a resort for couples, families and pet lovers alike.

An aerial shot of a selection of caravans at Away Resorts Newquay Bay park.

Newquay Bay Resort

Looking for a city break for your next Cornwall holiday? Enjoy our lively Newquay Bay Resort, combining the hustle and bustle of the city, with the chill of a country escape. What’s more, Newquay’s iconic waves are a stone's throw away!

Family walking towards our holiday resort in Cornwall, Bude.

Bude Holiday Resort

At our Bude Holiday resort, you can experience the comfort and style of our holiday homes, just minutes away from the South West Coast Path. Your next Cornish break can be jam-packed with activities for all the family.