Friends of Bude Sea Pool
Friends of Bude Sea Pool
Friends of Bude Sea Pool
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Bude Sea Pool is a part-natural, partially man-made tidal pool on Summerleaze beach at this popular seaside town in North Cornwall. It was built in the 1930s under the cliffs to provide safe away from the dangerous Atlantic currents. Measuring around 91m by 45m, it is topped up at high tide by the Atlantic Ocean. Since 2012 it has been managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, a not-for-profit charity that took over the facility when public funding was withdrawn. The Charity fundraises to keep Bude Sea Pool open, safe and free by fundraising as it receives no regular public funding. Please consider becoming a Friend or making a donation. Please note children must be accompanied at all times, as must dogs which must also be kept on a lead and out of the water. We look forward to welcoming you.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- ispeakinsongsCirencester, United Kingdom638 contributionsFavourite place on earthBude sea pool is my favourite place in the world. I hebe visited it many times, in all months and seasons. It is never the same, but always magical and I am so happy that it continues to be free for everyone to enjoy. Wonderful place.So pleased to hear you have visited us many times and have always enjoyed your visit. The FoBSP work tirelessly to ensure the pool is safe for all users and continues to be free for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.Written 7 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 November 2023
- Sarah G1 contributionAn invigorating way to start the day!This pool is fantastic! We went for a dip on the first morning of our trip and have been every morning since! What an invigorating experience and the very best way to start a day of adventure in Bude! A must do! Of course, we had to visit the gift shop and support the pool with a hoodie purchase. The pool, the shop, and the people are going to bring us back to Bude soon!Hi Sarah, We believe we are lucky to have this natural wonder at our disposal too. So pleased you and your family enjoyed your time in the pool. The volunteers who help look after the pool are very passionate about it. Their generosity with time and effort keeps the pool free and open for all to use. We are grateful for your support, and looking forward to seeing you soon back in sunny Bude.Written 30 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 April 2024
- MCXVCurry Mallet, United Kingdom206 contributionsBrilliant in the sunshineThis is a safe pool away from the open ocean. Clean and clear, the water was cold even in June, but many braved it for a swim or paddle board. Many were in the pool, the bravest just in trunks. A must do.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 June 2024
- Marina C1 contributionAmazing experienceWhat an amazing place! Just loved the whole experience. Older kids loved it , husband swim trained/rehab knee. Temperature perfect and such lovely ladies working there, honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience especially if nervous of the sea/tide etc. thank you from us 🙏🏿Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 July 2024
- W C9 contributionsGet us to the Partnership Ceremony on timeWe used the sea pool for a post celebratory swim with friends and family after our civil partnership ceremony. It is in a stunning location, and the water is calm and easy to access. I would recommend it for those who want to have the advantage of sea buoyancy without the waves. The staff are kind and go out of their way to help.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 July 2024
- Shelley BManchester, United Kingdom216 contributionsAmazing views from the sea poolReally lovely place to visit, it’s suitable for all ages on a lovely beach, which has amazing views all around. Visited end of August when the tide was going out. Centre is a short walk away.So glad you enjoyed your time at the Bude sea pool! Looking forward to seeing you again soon.Written 16 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,168 reviews
Excellent
916
Very good
210
Average
31
Poor
6
Terrible
5
ftokane10
Bristol, UK4 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Great swim in the lovely Bude Sea Pool today. Busy in a good way, lovely atmosphere from kids playing in the shallows to serious swimmers picking off the 90m lengths. Unique and wonderful spot.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased to hear you enjoyed your swim in our Sea Pool. The Sea Pool is such a safe place for children to play (always with parental supervision - I hasten to add!!) as well as for the experienced swimmer to practice their lengths!!
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SWH100
Cardiff, UK1,725 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This was a must on our list when we visited Bude. We were there during a heatwave so a dip in the pool was just perfect. It was so well set up and looked super inviting. It was very cold, but so glorious. I enjoyed swimming a few laps before my toes got to chilly. If you can, make sure you visit the shop to support the pool. It is no longer government funded so it relies on donations from the community. It is a fantastic asset in Bude. Just wish it was closer to home so we could go more often.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unfortunately, we can not control the temperature of the sea pool!! but a welcome dip on a warm day!! Thank you for your support and hope you will be able to visit again soon?
Written 20 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tillyjo_12
Bristol, UK65 contributions
Apr 2021
The sea pool is part natural, part built, and offers a gently sloping entry into the water from the cliff side, with deep water on the seaward side. The water temperature was 10 degs at the end of April so a quick paddle was enough, but the pool appears to attract plenty of regular outdoor swimmers. It is free, but donations can be made to the charity running it.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The sea pool can be a little chilly at times but enjoyable as well! It is a charity and all support and donations are gratefully received in helping The Friends of Bude Sea Pool keep it running. Thank you for your support.
Written 18 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anty111
3 contributions
Oct 2020
This is such an outstanding experience in all ways. The setting is incredible as the waves beat on the beach and come nearer, or recede from, the pool itself. Access from the cliff or the beach, depending on the tide, makes an amazing connection with the sea and the land. Friendly volunteers, with a real sense of the place being cared for, and special, pervading.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for this review. Bude sea Pool was threatened with demolition back in 2010 when Cornwall Council withdrew its funding. Friends of Bude Sea Pool is run by an amazing team of volunteers and the Charity relies solely on donations and business sponsors to keep the Pool open. it was built in 1930 so only 9 years to go until its centenary. - our team here in the Friends of Bude Sea Pool Charity work hard to ensure visitors and locals alike can enjoy this amazing facility - your feedback makes it all worthwhile! Head to the website to join if you are able - the best £10 you could spend, knowing you are keeping the iconic rock pool open and free to use for the next generation. Thanks.
Written 28 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rosiegold2016
Royal Wootton Bassett, UK206 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
This place is amazing. But so so cold (hardly a surprise I know)
Beautifully maintained and well staffed. Felt safe and all the people were really welcoming. Our girls were paddle boarding and people gave them advice and helped steer them when needed
Really magic people and place
Beautifully maintained and well staffed. Felt safe and all the people were really welcoming. Our girls were paddle boarding and people gave them advice and helped steer them when needed
Really magic people and place
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you felt welcomed on your visit and that you enjoyed your experience at the Sea Pool
Written 7 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nattynattynoonoo
Halifax, UK54 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Wow! What a little gem this is for bude. We have just spent a week holidaying in bude and this was our children’s favourite place to visit.
The little box of swim toys which can be borrowed was a real hit (goggles, flippers, body boards)
The volunteers are so friendly and welcoming. We made a donation at the end of the week as it is a great asset that needs to stay. Thank you to friends of bude sea pool for making our holiday brilliant we will be back!
The little box of swim toys which can be borrowed was a real hit (goggles, flippers, body boards)
The volunteers are so friendly and welcoming. We made a donation at the end of the week as it is a great asset that needs to stay. Thank you to friends of bude sea pool for making our holiday brilliant we will be back!
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We look forward to welcoming you back! We do try to encourage recycling where possible.
Written 25 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter L
Bromley, UK80 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Went here for the day in late July whilst away for a long weekend. The sea pool is colder than the sea so would recommend getting into the sea before the pool. Pool is massive and well segregated with separate area for families with small children.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Peter for your review, glad you had a good time, hope you return again soon!
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard T-K
Derbyshire, UK72 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
What us there to say. The FoBSP continues to do a great job in looking after this unique location. We would recommend anyone who enjoys swimming or wants the experience of swimming in sea water without the risk of actually being in the sea to try this pool. Keep it up guys.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review. The pool is only there thanks to the hard work of the volunteers who maintain it and fund-raise to keep it in a safe condition. We rely totally on the generosity of our Friends and our business sponsors, we receive no government funding whatsoever. Please keep supporting us!
Written 15 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew R
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
We have been going to Bude for 18 years for our family holidays and our kids have grown up using the sea pool. It’s a fun and safe pool that is managed by the wonderful charity FoBSP that have saved this sea pool and given the community and holiday makers a fantastic facility. I highly recommend anyone visiting Bude to schedule a dip when visiting
Written 11 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The FoBSP really appreciate your continued support and are pleased to hear you enjoy your swims in the pool.
Written 25 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amanda c
Cannock, UK102 contributions
Jul 2021
We visited this sea pool whilst on Holiday in Bude.
It provides a safe place for a swim away from surfers etc in the sea but also gives you a sense of swimming in open water with the added bonus of you not being dragged in by the powerful waves.
The floor is covered in sea weed naturally as you walk in so it may be advisable to wear aqua shoes as could be slippy underfoot.
As other reviews have stated it is a free facility but there is a stall with merchandise and a donation bucket. In my opinion they would probably get more donations if placed at the entrance to the beach as I would imagine most visitors don't carry cash when entering the pool or sea.
I would definately recommend this pool when visiting Bude if swimming in the sea is your thing.. I was pleasantly surprised as have visited Tunnels beach in Ilfracombe where the ladies pool is but this one was much largerand less rugged underfoot.
It provides a safe place for a swim away from surfers etc in the sea but also gives you a sense of swimming in open water with the added bonus of you not being dragged in by the powerful waves.
The floor is covered in sea weed naturally as you walk in so it may be advisable to wear aqua shoes as could be slippy underfoot.
As other reviews have stated it is a free facility but there is a stall with merchandise and a donation bucket. In my opinion they would probably get more donations if placed at the entrance to the beach as I would imagine most visitors don't carry cash when entering the pool or sea.
I would definately recommend this pool when visiting Bude if swimming in the sea is your thing.. I was pleasantly surprised as have visited Tunnels beach in Ilfracombe where the ladies pool is but this one was much largerand less rugged underfoot.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your positive comments and suggestions - we do have our office and shop at the entrance of Summerleaze car park and many of our local business sponsors have donation tins around the town as well.
Written 25 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is the pool accessible for people who can't walk very far? Is it level access?
Written 12 September 2021
There are steps up to the pool from the beach. It is a sloped entrance into the pool itself. The bottom is covered in seaweed so aqua shoes may be beneficial if mobility is an issue as they could help prevent slipping.
Written 12 September 2021
Hi how does the tide affect when you can swim in the pool? Or is it always possible to swim? Thanks so much!
Written 13 April 2021
Resort17416663170
Bude, United Kingdom
HI , The tide comes over the pool twice a day washing it through. We recommend not swimming 2 hours either side of high tide as it can be dangerous. Neap tides and Spring tides affect it differently again and so does the swells of the waves. Many thanks for your enquiry.
Written 19 May 2021
Lynda
Lancaster, United Kingdom
Hi please can you let me know if we can bring dogs? We’re coming may/June time thank you
Written 26 January 2021
Hi
Will the pool be open in October 2020?
Written 17 August 2020
It definitely will be open, it's open all year except for a few weeks in May for annual maintenance. We look forward to seeing you in October!
Written 18 August 2020
Is there parking near the sea pool?
Written 4 July 2020
There is pay and display parking at Summerleaze Beach and Crooklets Beach, both just five minutes walk from the sea pool.
Written 5 July 2020
James R
York, United Kingdom
Would you mind if my kids and I used our inflatable kayak in the pool?
Written 3 August 2019
Shouldn't be a problem, ask the pool staff on duty and they will advise, depending on the wind and tide conditions and how busy the pool is.
Written 4 August 2019
Roughly how deep is it?
Written 1 August 2018
Hi there, due to the nature of the pool we are unable to provide an accurate depth. However, that being said the deepest part of the pool is around 8ft and is roughly in the centre of the pool. The sides of the pool can be shallow due to the sand banks that build up. Hope this helps :)
Written 23 August 2018
Hi Kevin, dogs are allowed around the pool area providing they are kept on the lead, however, they are not allowed in the water! Many thanks.
Written 23 August 2018
The Sea Pool is in full sun from lunchtime onwards but if the tide is out there is a little shade by the cliffs on the adjoining Summerleaze Beach. Beach umbrellas are available from the Beach Office or nearby Life's a Beach shop.
Written 19 June 2017
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