Rock pooling in Cornwall
Below you’ll find just a handful of suggestions and recommendations based on the experiences of our own colleagues and some locals.
What is a rock pool?
A rock pool or tide pool is a shallow body of water that forms on the rocky coastline when the tide recedes. These pools typically range from a few inches to a few feet deep and a few feet across and can exist only at low tide. These habitats can be filled with a wide array of uniquely adaptable sea creatures and sea weeds.
Take only photos, leave only footprints!
Rockpooling is a fantastic activity that people of all ages can enjoy, and you don’t even need expensive equipment. All you really need is a container, some sunscreen, a hat, and non-slip, thick-soled shoes – some of those rocks can be slippery and very sharp.
When you next go down to the beach ready to explore these amazing rock pools, please remember the following:
- Be careful on the shore at all times; check the tides and keep away from the cliffs.
- You don’t need a net, as they harm delicate sea creatures. You can use your hands, a bucket or even a clean butter/margarine tub. These are perfect for scooping up any small creatures you wish to look at closely.
- Keep plenty of seawater in your container and don’t keep your finds for too long.
- Please leave any live animals and seaweeds where you find them.
- Always replace overturned rocks – after all, they are someone’s home!
- Always either take your litter home with you or put it in a bin.
All of our self-catering properties are an ideal base to explore these beaches, both near and a little farther.
The following beaches are known for having amazing rock pools. Please note that all times and distances are approximate.
Fistral Beach
You’ll probably know that Fistral Beach has a brilliant reputation for its surfing, but just wait until low tide! There are a huge number of rock pools just waiting to be explored. The beach is sandy, and there is parking available. It can get very busy over the summertime, so if it’s crowded in the sea, you could always spend time looking for fish in the rock pools instead!
(3.7 miles from Porth), (5.8 miles from Beachcombers/Waves/Tregurrian Villas), (7.7 miles from Mawgan Porth), (7.6 miles from White Lodge), (18.1 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (25.1 miles from Green Acres Cottages)
Treyarnon – Padstow
Treyarnon Bay is a sandy north-west facing beach backed by dunes. You’ll find lots of rock pools on the northern side of the beach, and also between Treyarnon Bay and Constantine Bay. There is a massive rock pool which is big enough to swim in, and it is a great place for families to try out snorkelling.
There is a shop which is open during the summer months, also parking and toilets are available at the beach. With easy access to the beach, it’s a great place to spot rock pool creatures.
(9.4 miles from Porth), (7.3 miles from Beachcombers/Waves/Tregurrian Villas), (4.9 miles from Mawgan Porth), (5.5 miles from White Lodge), (2.7 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (28.5 miles from Green Acres Cottages)
Polzeath – Wadebridge
Polzeath Beach is known for its expanse of sand, but it also one of the North Coast’s best spots for rock pooling. This beach is westerly facing and sandy but has a large selection of rockpools that scatter the bay, just waiting to be explored. The beach has easy, level access with parking and toilets close by.
(23.1 miles from Porth), (22.3 miles from Beachcombers/Waves/Tregurrian Villas), (20.6 miles from Mawgan Porth), (21.1 miles from White Lodge), (16.3 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (21.6 miles from Green Acres Cottages)
Talland Bay – Looe
Talland Bay is a shingle beach which is situated between Looe and Polperro and it has plenty of small rock pools. There are also some large tidal pools that are not only great for swimming in, but occasionally some larger fish and crabs can be spotted in them.
There is a car park, toilets, a shop and café. There is easy sloped access to the beach.
(35.2 miles from Porth), (37.3 miles from Beachcombers/Waves/Tregurrian Villas), (36.7 miles from Mawgan Porth), (36.6 miles from White Lodge), (38.7 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (18.2 miles from Green Acres Cottages)
Hannafore – Looe
With the backdrop of Cornwall’s only marine nature reserve, Hannafore Beach, which lies to the west of Looe, is arguably one of the best places for rock pooling in all of Cornwall. The beach is mainly shingle, but there are large expanses of rock exposed at low tide with masses of rock pools to explore. You’ll find a helpful sign that shows you which species to look out for!
There is on road parking near to the beach, but if this is full you can use one of the main car parks in Looe and walk to Hannafore.
(36.6 miles from Porth), (37.6 miles from Beachcombers/Waves/Tregurrian Villas), (38.3 miles from Mawgan Porth), (38.1 miles from White Lodge), (40.2 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (19.8 miles from Green Acres Cottages)
Whitsand Bay
Whitsand Bay, is a golden sandy beach which is considered to be one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. You’ll find a huge array of marine life in the rock pools here, and there are a large number of rock pools scattered across the beach on low tides. There are steep steps and paths, which means access from parking areas can be difficult, but if you’re able to do this trek, it’s well worth the effort.
(42.2 miles from Porth), (43.2 miles from Beachcombers/Waves/Tregurrian Villas), (43.7 miles from Mawgan Porth), (43.6 miles from White Lodge), (45.6 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (26.5 miles from Green Acres Cottages)
Duckpool – Bude
If you don’t mind travelling a little farther to do some rock pooling, Duckpool near Bude is a lovely little beach just north of the town. It’s a small, west-facing beach which is managed by the National Trust and due to its fairly remote location, it is rarely busy. Very handy if you feel like some peaceful rock pooling! There is a car park close by, and access to the beach itself is easy.
NB: Duckpool is very tidal, so please make sure you check tide times before you set off, as it is almost completely under water at high tide!
(47.3 miles from Porth), (46.6 miles from Beachcombers), (45.1 miles from Mawgan Porth), (45.3 miles from White Lodge), (40.5 miles from Bay Retreat Villas), (42.3 miles from Green Acres Cottages)