10 Stunning Swim Spots You Need to Try in Cornwall and Devon
July 7, 2025
Cornwall and Devon are home to some of the UK’s most spectacular open-water swim locations. With rugged coastlines, serene coves, and scenic rivers, these regions offer a variety of options for swimmers seeking new adventures and breathtaking views. Whether you prefer the thrill of coastal waters or the calm of inland rivers, Cornwall and Devon deliver unforgettable swimming experiences. In this guide, we explore the top swim spots, complete with details on accessibility, water conditions, and nearby amenities.
Swim Spots Worth the Trip: Where to Explore Around Cornwall and Devon
From wild sea pools to tranquil rivers and picturesque beaches, here are 10 stunning swim spots in Cornwall and Devon that are well worth the trip.
1. Looe Bay, Cornwall.
Looe Bay, located on Cornwall’s southeastern coast, is one of the most tranquil swim spots and is perfect for open-water swimming. The bay is sheltered and relatively shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimmers who enjoy leisurely swims in calm conditions.
Looe Island, a nature reserve just offshore, adds a picturesque element to the scenery. The island is accessible by boat, and its rocky outcrops create interesting features for swimmers to explore.
The water conditions are generally calm, especially during the summer months, with excellent visibility that allows you to spot fish and underwater formations as you swim. The sandy beach and surrounding hills provide a peaceful backdrop, while the town of Looe offers a range of amenities, including cafés, pubs, and shops.
- Accessibility: Parking is available in Looe town, with a short walk to the beach.
2. Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall.
Gyllyngvase Beach, or "Gylly" as locals call it, is one of Falmouth’s most beloved swim spots for open-water swimming. The golden sands and turquoise waters create a stunning setting, while the gently sloping beach provides easy access to the water. The nearby Queen Mary Gardens and coastal paths add to the beach’s charm, making it a popular destination for swimmers and sightseers alike.
The water here is clear and relatively calm, making it ideal for long swims or training. Falmouth is also well-known for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, offering great shore dives and shallow wrecks. You will often see vibrant seaweed gardens and fish beneath the surface, especially around the reefs that line the beach.
After your swim, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Gylly Beach Café, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent menu. Shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located near the beach.
- Accessibility: The beach is easily reached by car, with a nearby car park, and public transport links are available from Falmouth town center.
3. Bantham Beach, Devon.
Bantham Beach offers a unique swimming experience, blending the calm waters of the Avon estuary with the open sea’s more challenging conditions. The beach is surrounded by rolling dunes and grassy hills, with breathtaking views of the iconic Burgh Island in the distance.
The estuary’s sandy bottom and gentle currents make it one of the most inviting swim spots for leisurely swims, while the open sea provides opportunities for longer and more adventurous swims. The nearby village of Bantham is charming and laid-back, with a café offering light refreshments and a small shop for essentials. The beach is expansive at low tide, perfect for families and groups.
- Accessibility: There is a car park near the beach, but spaces fill quickly during peak season, so arrive early.
4. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall.
Bude Sea Pool is a one-of-a-kind swim spot nestled into the rocky coastline of northern Cornwall. This semi-natural tidal pool fills with seawater during high tide, offering swimmers the best of both worlds: the joy of open-water swimming in a controlled environment. The pool is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rugged rock formations, providing a stunning backdrop for your swim.
The water in the pool is calm, making it suitable for swimmers of all levels, whether you are training for an event or simply enjoying a relaxing swim. Bude town is within walking distance, offering a variety of cafés, shops, and pubs where you can unwind after your swim.
- Accessibility: The pool is a short walk from Bude town, with nearby parking available.
5. River Dart, Devon.
The River Dart is one of Devon’s most scenic freshwater swim spots. Meandering through lush green countryside, the river offers tranquil swimming spots that feel a world away from busy beaches. Popular areas include the stretch near Totnes and the Dartington Estate, where the water is calm and inviting.
The river’s serene flow and tree-lined banks make it ideal for long swims immersed in nature. In some sections, you will find shallow areas perfect for cooling off, while other parts are deeper.
- Accessibility: Parking is available near key access points along the river, including Totnes and Sharpham.
6. Porthcurno, Cornwall.
Porthcurno is a true gem on Cornwall’s southwestern coast, famed for its turquoise waters, golden sands, and dramatic cliffs. The cove is surrounded by rugged landscapes, and the iconic Minack Theatre perched on the cliffs above adds a unique cultural touch.
The water here is clear and inviting, though swimmers should be cautious of currents further from the shore. The beach is perfect for a combination of relaxing and adventurous swims, and on a sunny day, the colors of the sea and sand are truly mesmerizing. Seasonal cafés and the Minack Theatre café provide refreshments.
- Accessibility: Parking is available at a nearby car park, with a scenic path leading down to the beach.
7. Blackpool Sands, Devon.
Blackpool Sands is a serene swimming location set in a sheltered bay surrounded by dense green woodlands. The beach is made up of smooth pebbles, giving it a unique texture and ensuring the water remains clear and inviting. The lush surroundings create a tranquil environment that feels like a retreat into nature.
The water here is calm, making it ideal for practicing open-water techniques. Facilities on-site include showers, toilets, and a café serving delicious refreshments. Families often frequent the beach, making it a lively but spacious spot to enjoy.
- Accessibility: Parking is available directly at the beach.
8. Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe, Devon.
Tunnels Beaches is a hidden gem on Devon’s rugged coastline, offering a mix of tidal pools and open-water swims. These unique swim spots are accessed via a series of hand-carved tunnels, and the tidal pools are perfect for a relaxed swim, while the open sea provides more challenging conditions.
The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and the sheltered nature of the tidal pools ensures calm water even on windy days. Facilities include a café and changing rooms, making it convenient for a day out.
- Accessibility: Access is via a paid entrance to the tunnels, with parking available nearby in Ilfracombe.
9. Fowey Estuary, Cornwall.
The Fowey Estuary combines the charm of a picturesque town with opportunities for river and coastal swims. The tranquil waters offer a peaceful environment for open-water swimming while providing scenic views of the surrounding hills and historic architecture. The estuary is perfect for both leisurely swims and training sessions.
Be aware that swimming is prohibited in some areas due to boat traffic – only swim in the designated areas, wear a bright swimming cap, and use a safety buoy for extra visibility and buoyancy.
- Accessibility: Parking is available in Fowey, with several access points to the water.
10. Kynance Cove, Cornwall.
Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most iconic freediving and swim spots, known for its striking turquoise waters, white sands, and dramatic rock formations. At low tide, the beach reveals a network of tidal pools and caves, creating a captivating spot to explore.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with exceptionally clear waters - but it can be chilly, so it is worth bringing a swimming wetsuit. The surrounding cliffs add to the sense of seclusion, making it feel like a hidden paradise. Kynance Cove Café, a former fisherman’s cottage turned café, offers refreshments after your swim.
- Accessibility: The beach is accessed via a steep path from the National Trust car park.
Sustainable Swimming Practices.
When exploring these incredible swim spots, remember to swim responsibly and protect the natural beauty of these areas. Carry reusable water bottles, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid disturbing wildlife, especially in delicate estuarine and coastal areas. Respect local signage and only swim in designated areas to ensure your safety and the wellbeing of the environment.
Where Will You Swim First?
Whether you are gliding through tidal pools in Ilfracombe or floating beneath the cliffs of Kynance Cove, Cornwall and Devon offer some of the UK’s most unforgettable open-water swim spots. From calm estuaries to dramatic coastal coves, there is something here for every swimmer—beginner or seasoned.
Ready to feel more confident in the water?
Check out SSI’s Snorkel Diver and Freediver courses. These programs help you build breath-hold skills, body awareness, and open-water confidence—perfect for anyone who loves wild swimming and wants to stay safe while exploring more remote spots.