Homes Perfect for Wild Swimming in Cornwall

Imagine water so clear that you can see the sand and rock below; the feeling of being lifted by soft swells, immersed in the habitat of a whole different species. Cornwall is a playground and haven for those who love to be surrounded by ocean. Whether you feel at home in seawater, or a dip in the wild is on your bucket list, there are endless places to start or continue your watery adventure. Perhaps our wild swimming interview with Kate Passmore has inspired you?

Our Coastal Retreats are ideal for those wanting to incorporate wild swimming into their Cornish staycation. In this blog post, we highlight some of our favourite wild swimming spots in Cornwall, and the properties perfectly located for nudging you out there (and warming up in afterwards!)

Remember to only swim in RNLI lifeguarded areas, and avoid going into the sea alone. You can chat to any of the friendly Lifeguards you see on the beaches, and ask about the conditions in the water.

Ocean’s Eleven, Falmouth

Positioned right opposite Gyllingvase beach, Ocean’s Eleven – along with our other beautiful apartments within The Liner – is perfect for a barefoot dart to the sea. Gylly is a family-friendly, blue flag beach, and real hot spot for paddle boarders and sea swimmers. There is RNLI Lifeguard cover between 15th May and 26th September, and a lovely, award winning cafe on the beach which welcomes dogs to sit on the veranda too.

Highviews, Porthtowan

At low tide, the sandy beach of Porthtowan is endless, leaving glistening rock pools and a truly magical swimming spot; the mermaid pool. Set high above the beach, Highviews is an incredible, interior designed family home with gorgeous views of the north Cornwall coastline. There’s even a tempting outdoor hut tub and cosy wood burner to warm you up after more bracing winter dips… Perfect!

The Lookout, Whitsand Bay

Beautiful Tregonhawke Beach, part of the long stretch of sand that is Whitsand Bay, is the closest beach to The Lookout and can be accessed on foot from the doorstep. The beach is lifeguarded daily from April to September. The lookout is ideal for couples wanting to feel far away from the everyday, with cosy interiors and an inspiring ‘on the edge’ location.

The Brambles, Crantock

Just moments from the doorstep of The Brambles, just down the coastal path from The Bowgie, there’s a wonderfully scenic cove begging for a wild swim. Vugga Cove isn’t lifeguarded so you’ll want to be experienced here, but for those old-timers it’s a peaceful, rocky, atmospheric spot that is just as – if not more – beautiful on a grey day.

Compass House, St Ives

Located quite literally on Porthminster Beach, it doesn’t get better than Compass House for proximity to swimming water. There are few currents at Porthminster, and it often feels warmer in the water than the other, more exposed beaches. It isn’t a great surfing beach, so you won’t be competing too much for water space. Porthminster Beach is lifeguarded during the Summer months.

Mill Leat, Mousehole

Set in the heart of Mousehole, Mill Leat is ideally situated for spontaneous sea swims. With sea views, and so much Cornish cottage character, this sleeps four Gem is delightful in all seasons. Why not join one of Sea Swim Cornwall’s guided group swims out to St Clements Isle? One of the fantastic things about wild swimming in Cornwall is the friendly, positive community, who are ready to welcome anyone into the wonderful world of wild swimming!

For some top tips and inspiration on all things wild swimming in Cornwall, read our blog with wild swimming enthusiast Kate Passmore, and follow her adventures at @katetocoast.