Where are the best rock pools in Cornwall?

Beaches

Childhood memories of searching for small animals in secluded rock pool areas of your favourite beaches. Cornwall is a location that offers an abundance of secluded and rocky locations that make the perfect spots for rock pooling. Rock pooling is a popular pastime in seaside locations and is perfect for family members of all ages, especially for those who are planning a Cornish getaway at St Michaels Resort. Exploring the rocky coves of the Cornish beaches can uncover a plethora of small animals including prawns, hermit crabs, starfish and many more.

If you’re looking to visit Kernow soon and want to plan some activities the whole family will enjoy, then keep on reading to find some of the best locations for rock pooling in the area.

How to start rock pooling

Rock pooling is very simple and even the smallest of children can get involved. In simple terms, rock pooling is when you search pools of water that sit on the rocks for small sea animals and crustations. Small species end up in these pools when the tide comes in and submerges them underwater.

You don’t need any specialist equipment; you can start with tools as simple as some sticks and buckets to be able to see the animals a little more clearly and work through seaweed and moss. It is imperative that you do not harm the animals you find and always place them back where you found them with love and care.

Tools you will need for rock pooling:

·       Clear bucket or Tupperware

·       Stick or spade

·       Sturdy footwear

·       Clear jar (for inspecting the animals)

·       Camera (for taking plenty of photos)

Castle Beach, Falmouth

Castle Beach, Falmouth

Situated at the heart of the historic Falmouth is the sandy Castle Beach. It is a popular tourist spot due to its proximity to the centre of the town, being a hub of activity and also a great spot for rock pooling. Located in the bay between Pendennis Head and the town centre you will find an abundance of small, shallow pools that emerge from the depths at low tide.

Visit Falmouth talks about the beach in a little more detail on its website, reporting: “Nestled in a corner of Falmouth’s headland under the watchful eye of Pendennis castle is the sheltered and pretty Castle Beach. This is a real family beach enjoyed by many locals. At low tide rockpools and WW2 submarines are exposed creating a wealth of exploration opportunities while the remaining sandy areas are perfect for sitting and admiring the stunning view of the bay.”

3 Column Banners

Treyarnon Bay, Padstow

A long, sandy beach situated on the north coast; Treyarnon Bay in Padstow is the next on our list of great rock pooling beaches. The cliffs are low and surrounded by areas of rock which make for perfect sea life hunting. Nooks and gullies form small pools where some unique and interesting sea life set up their very own habitats.

“There are lots of sand and rock pools stretching around one side of the beach which are ideal for children to explore. These rockpools are teeming with life such as shrimps, crabs, and small fish. There is even a natural “swimming pool within the rocks to the north of the beach,” comments the website Cornwall Beaches.

3 Column Banners

Hannafore Beach, West Looe

Known for its imposing shingle shoreline, Hannafore Beach in West Looe is a great place for rock pooling. This southeast facing is a quaint sun trap and for this reason in particular is a popular location in the warmer, summer months. The nature of the shingle beach means that twice daily the extensive reef and rock pools emerge from the water to create great coves perfect for exploration.

Cornwall Beaches also speaks a little about Hannafore Beach on its website, describing the location: “Stretching from Hannafore Point to the outskirts of Looe sits Hannafore Beach, a quiet, southeast facing beach. It is predominantly a shingle beach that reveals some coarse sand and an extensive reef with rock pools at low tide. Most people visit the beach for these fantastic rock pools that are uncovered twice daily, but it is also a great suntrap due to its positioning.”

Duckpool, Bude

Duckpool, Bude

 

Bude is a pretty town that sits close to the Devon border but still boasts some of the best beaches in the Southwest. Duckpool Beach is a south-west facing beach four miles north of the town centre but is well worth a visit, especially for those looking to enjoy a day of rock pooling. This rocky beach isn’t suitable for swimming and can be dangerous when wet so caution must be taken and visiting on a dry day is advised.

Visit Bude talks about Duckpool Beach on their website and why Bude is a good location for families looking to enjoy some water-based activities: “There are many beaches ideal for rock pooling around Bude. Bude Bay faces West, and so is quite exposed to strong wind and waves being blown from the SW. To the South of Bude, at Millook, Wanson and Black Rock there is some shelter and the opportunity to see large kelp species at low tide. At Crooklets, Summerleaze, Widemouth, Nortcott, Sandymouth and Duckpool there are plenty of rock pools at low tide between patches of sand.”

2 Column

Polzeath, Wadebridge

Polzeath in Wadebridge is the last beach on the list but definitely isn’t any less impressive. This Blue Flag Beach is incredibly popular all year round, especially with surfers and water sport enthusiasts, as well as those just looking to enjoy the stunning views. The sandy beach is accompanied by rocky areas that sea creatures love to make a home in. A scout around the area will no doubt lead you to some interesting animals.

The website The Point at Polzeath explains the beach at Wadebridge a little more, commenting: “A sandy, westerly facing beach with numerous rock pools around the bay, Polzeath is great for pottering around by yourself or joining one of the Rockpool Ramble (for all ages) events organised by the marine conservation group.”

Best places for rock pooling in Cornwall:

Castle Beach, Falmouth
Treyarnon Bay, Padstow
Hannafore Beach, West Looe
Duckpool, Bude
Polzeath, Wadebridge

Rock pooling is a really fun and simple pastime and there is no better place to enjoy it in the UK than in Cornwall. Whether you’re planning a family holiday or yoga weekend in Cornwall or are just planning to visit the area soon, then hopefully this article has given you some inspiration on where to head for some sunshine activities.