While the UK may not be renowned for its tidal pools, it does boast some stunning ones along its coastline – two of which are considered among the most beautiful in the world.
Ocean pools offer an ideal option for those keen to try wild swimming, providing all the advantages of a coastal location without the concerns of being pulled out to sea or dealing with waves.
With this in mind, Conde Nast Traveller unveiled the 14 most picturesque ocean pools globally, and two UK spots have made the cut.
As expected, Australia dominated the list, with Bondi Beach’s Bondi Icebergs Club clinching the top spot and six other beaches featuring on the list.
Walpole Bay tidal pool was constructed in 1937
(Image: Getty Images)
The first British pool to make the list was Cornwall’s Bude Sea Pool, ranking sixth, followed by Kent’s Walpole Bay Tidal Pool at number 13. The latter, situated near Margate, is just a two-hour drive or train journey from London, making it an ideal day trip for city dwellers.
This man-made tidal pool, constructed in 1937, was one of two built simultaneously in Margate, with Walpole Bay’s believed to be the largest in the UK.
Since 2014, Walpole Bay tidal pool has been granted a Grade-II listing, with the nearby Margate Main Sands also receiving this listing last August.
Visitors to Walpole Bay have been raving about the breathtaking tidal pool. One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: “Forget the Maldives with all that jetlag, sharks, overpriced drinks and ridiculously warm water. Head to Walpole Bay instead.”
Another wrote: “Brilliant free outdoor swimming experience: easy to get to, easy to use. I hope that it stays free to use!”
A third reviewer described it as: “Possibly the best place in the world, but keep it to yourself, ok? Enter the pool by walking along the wall and going down the ladder. For most adults you can touch the ground there. Biggest tidal pool in the UK!”
Australia’s Bondi Icebergs Club topped the list by Conde Nast Traveller magazine
(Image: Getty Images)
The 14 prettiest ocean pools in the world
1. Bondi Icebergs Club, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
2. Yamba Ocean Pool, Main Beach, New South Wales, Australia
3. Praia das Azenhas do Mar, Sintra, Portugal
4. Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, Australia
5. Mahon Pool, Maroubra Beach, New South Wales, Australia
6. Bude Sea Pool, Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall, UK
7. Camps Bay Ocean Pool, Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
8. South Curl Curl Rockpool, Curl Curl Beach, Sydney, Australia
9. Mona Vale Rock Pool, Mona Vale Beach, Sydney, Australia
10. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Madeira, Portugal
11. The Bon Secours Beach, Saint-Malo, France
12. Sea Point tidal pool, Milton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
13. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate, Kent, UK
14. North Cronulla Rock Pool, North Cornulla Beach, Sydney, Australia