The beautiful beaches in Cornwall are not just for sunbathing, sandcastles and surfing. A variety of beaches near our luxury family holiday park in Cornwall provide unforgettable experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Both fun and educational for little ones, rock pooling, is the perfect outdoor activity to delve into this summer.
Plenty of fascinating marine life has made a home in Cornwall’s rock pools. From tiny starfish, snapping crabs, slimy snails and transparent prawns in each rock pool, you and your net will discover the sea’s little secrets. With some of the best attractions in Cornwall already on your to-do list, rock pooling is a fantastic addition that will provide a great adventure. See below the best places to go rock pooling in Cornwall.
Castle Beach, Falmouth
Only a short walk from the ever-popular Gyllyngvase (Gylly beach) and its sister beach Swanpool, Castle Beach, is one of the best beaches near Falmouth. It is a glorious spot of rock pooling – swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the sand, sea and sun.
When Castle Beach is at low tide, this is the best time for discovering the rock pools. As the water leaves the beach, you are left with plenty of pools to explore and sea creatures to pop into your bucket. Moreover, If you don’t have any equipment to hand, the accompanying Castle Beach Cafe, restaurant and shop will have all the buckets and nets you and your family need to get started on your rock pooling adventure.
Port Isaac Beach
You might recognise Port Isaac as the home of Doc Martin from the popular ITV series of the same name. But when the village isn’t on screen, the busy port is a hub of activity for local fishermen, with hauls of lobster and crab caught daily. Around the harbour itself, several tiny crabs have made many rock pools their home.
Carne Beach, Portscatho
One of the best beaches near Truro, Carne beach, also known as Gerrans Bay, is located on the Roseland Peninsula and contains tiny rock pools scattered everywhere. With stunning coastal views, Carne marries its neighbouring beach, Pendower, at low tide and forms a one-mile stretch of sparkling sand.
Be careful with the rocks that tend to appear on the beach’s western end. However, these rocks are home to a fantastic array of fish, anemones, seaweed and fascinating sea life. You’re bound to discover something exciting as you explore the pools in this area.
Treyarnon Bay, Padstow
Treyarnon Bay is the hot spot for all ages who are passionate about discovering sea creatures. The wide-open bay is the perfect place for rock pooling. At low tide, a vast labyrinth of rock pools with all sorts of creatures is revealed, perfect for the family to find a variety of sea life.
Kennack Sands, The Lizard
One of a beautiful collection of beaches to visit on the Lizard Peninsula and located at the most southern point of the county, Kennack Sands is not just an excellent location for scuba diving but a great place for Cornwall beach holidays. The beach is full of sparkling sand with a little stream running down to the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of rock pools for you to explore.
What to Wear When Rock Pooling
- Appropriate clothing that you do not mind getting dirty and wet.
- Clothing that suits the weather.
- Hat to cover your head and face from the sunshine.
- Remember to wear proper footwear that contains a good grip. This will stop you from slipping on the wet rocks.
- Sunscreen if the sun is shining on the day.
What Equipment to Bring When Rock Pooling
- Clear bucket or Tupperware – perfect for dipping into each rock pool.
- Clear jar – this allows you to take a closer look at all the sea creatures you have found.
- Net or spade to scoop up the sea creatures.
Rock Pooling Advice
It is essential to remain safe while out on your rock pool adventure. Here are some safety tips we recommend to our guests when they are out rock pooling in Cornwall.
It is important to check the tide times before you set out. On some Cornish beaches, the tide can come in quickly and cut off areas of the beach, so you must make your way back to the top of the beach to stop getting soggy.
Moreover, keeping all of the family-friendly beaches in Cornwall in good condition is vital. Be sure to replace any stones you move and to place any sea creatures you find back into their homes – the pool you found them in!
Our range of luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall are available to book all year round and are the perfect companion to your rock pooling adventure. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01872 862194 or book online for reservations or inquiries. See you at the rock pools!