English tidal pool with sea views that’s free to visit is named one of the best in the world
AN ENGLISH lido that’s right on the beach has been named one of the best in the world by a team of experts.
Bude Sea Pool has been named one of the world’s best natural swimming spots by travel insurance company AllClear.
A team of experts at AllClear analysed factors like search demand and online reviews to find the world’s best natural swimming pools.
This came after online searches for natural swimming pools rose 83 per cent year-on-year.
AllClear defined natural swimming pools as “either naturally occurring pools that are formed through volcanic activity, tidal movements or erosion, or can be man-made but still function like a natural body of water – with non-chemically treated fresh or saltwater”.
It’s good news for Brits as two natural swimming pools in the UK made it into the top 12.
Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset came in 6th place with Bude Sea Pool coming in at 11th.
Located in Bude, Cornwall, Bude Sea Pool was built in the 1930s following medical advice that seawater was good for health.
This sea pool is partially manmade and is built into the rocks at Summerleaze Beach.
Even though Bude Sea Pool boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean, the best thing about the Cornish swimming spot is its entry fee, which is free.
Its website boasts that it has “provided a haven for free and safe bathing and other water-based activities since the 1930s”.
It’s not heated, and visitors are encouraged to donate because it’s run by volunteers.
You can even rent beach huts at the sea pool, with deck chairs included.
Bude Sea Pool has a 4.8/5 star rating from thousands of reviews on Google.
One person wrote: “Bude Sea Pool is a hidden gem right at the back of the beach — perfect for both adults and kids!
“This unique tidal pool offers a safe and scenic spot for swimming, making it a must-visit when you’re in Bude”.
Another person added: “Fantastically beautiful. Great place to swim. High tide with the waves breaking in was amazing”.
Bude Sea Pool is a 90-minute drive from Exeter.
Meanwhile, other lidos in the UK have been compared to much more exotic destination.
Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham has been compared to Sydney’s Bondi Iceburgs.
The Lido Guide said: “Any swimmer who has spent any time at all looking at swimming-related social media feeds will be familiar with the Bondi Icebergs sea pool, even if they have never set foot in Australia.
“We’re not usually in the business of comparisons […] but in the case of Shoalstone, the comparison is so powerful it would be remiss not to mention it.”
The best natural swimming pools in the world
- Charco Azul, El Hierro, Spain
- Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Madeira, Portugal
- Los Charcones Natural Pools, Lanzarote, Spain
- Bondi Icebergs Pool, Sydney, Australia
- Las Salinas de Agaete, Gran Canaria, Spain
- Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset, England
- Bronte Baths, Sydney, Australia
- Vico Baths, Dublin, Ireland
- Kitsilano Pool, Vancouver, Canada
- Doca Do Cavacas Natural Pools, Madeira, Portugal
- Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall, England
- Mereweather Ocean Baths
Here’s a pool in London which swimmers say feels like Tenerife.
And here’s a hidden cove in Dartmouth that only locals know about.