Friends of Bude Sea Pool
Friends of Bude Sea Pool
Friends of Bude Sea Pool
4.5
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managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, a not-for-profit charity that took over the facility when public funding was withdrawn.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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.5
1,156 reviews
Excellent
906
Very good
208
Average
31
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Juljen83
Cirencester, UK464 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Bude 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.
Written 3 November 2023
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 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 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob T
Plymouth, UK32 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Excellent Sea Pool.
Can be quite nippy but it’s really refreshing which is good for the joints as they say. Kids loved swimming in it and using inflatables. There is a nice little shallow end for toddlers to have a paddle too.
We also enjoyed jumping in from the side and off the rocks into the water, as did others. Just a really nice place for a swim and some family time. The water gets refreshed regularly and the views gazing across Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches are beautiful.
Those who run the sea pool (volunteers) are a credit to themselves and the community and clearly do fantastic work in the upkeep, maintenance and monitoring of the pool. Well done to all involved.
Can be quite nippy but it’s really refreshing which is good for the joints as they say. Kids loved swimming in it and using inflatables. There is a nice little shallow end for toddlers to have a paddle too.
We also enjoyed jumping in from the side and off the rocks into the water, as did others. Just a really nice place for a swim and some family time. The water gets refreshed regularly and the views gazing across Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches are beautiful.
Those who run the sea pool (volunteers) are a credit to themselves and the community and clearly do fantastic work in the upkeep, maintenance and monitoring of the pool. Well done to all involved.
Written 10 September 2023
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.
Our community of volunteers are truly amazing in keeping the pool in tip top condition for all to enjoy all year round. It gives us all enormous pleasure to hear that families come and enjoy their time spent at the pool. Thank you for your support and hope you will come again to share our 'Cornish Delight'.
Written 12 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lophead
Bath, UK264 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We sadly had a lousy weather week but this lovely natural pool was a joy even in the rain.
Much bigger than we had imagined.
Not too busy as the hard core still hit the surf 😊
We stayed at the pool till high tide and watched the sea join the pool, quite a sight.
Well maintained by fabulous volunteers.
A Gem! Suggest surf shoes in places it is very slippery with algae as you would expect with a natural pool.
Much bigger than we had imagined.
Not too busy as the hard core still hit the surf 😊
We stayed at the pool till high tide and watched the sea join the pool, quite a sight.
Well maintained by fabulous volunteers.
A Gem! Suggest surf shoes in places it is very slippery with algae as you would expect with a natural pool.
Written 1 September 2023
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 sorry to hear the weather was not very good for your visit to the Sea Pool but so pleased it did not interfere with your overall enjoyment of your visit. Watching the waves of the Atlantic breaking on the Sea Pool is a wonderous sight and pleased to hear you were able to experience this. Thank you for your support.
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NOTiamPLOP
Bath, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Such a fund day out! It was very cold but perfect fun for everyone! It’s extremely exciting to jump in, or just swim around! Good weather is advised though, as it was a bit too wet and rainy when we went.
Written 31 August 2023
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.
Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural tidal pool - it is replenished twice daily with the tides. It can be cold but invigorating and exciting as you say. We are sorry to hear the weather was not too good for your visit but hope it didn't ruin your experience too much. Hopefully you can visit again on a sunny day soon?
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stewart M
Manchester, UK19 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Amazing!! £30 to rent Gill’s Place, a fab beach hut right beside the incredible outdoor sea pool and the wonderful Bude beach. Rental was for a whole day 10-5. Deckchairs provided and lock for the door, allowing you to go swimming etc leaving things secure.
The whole Bude Sea Pool experience is brilliant. Awesome group of volunteers providing an amazing facility.
Go support them!
The whole Bude Sea Pool experience is brilliant. Awesome group of volunteers providing an amazing facility.
Go support them!
Written 29 August 2023
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.
Its so lovely to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your visit to the Sea Pool and the beach and that your visit was so positive. Thank you for your review and we hope you will come back and visit us again soon.
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma L
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We couldn't wait to go see the pool whilst visiting Bude, and what a great time we had.
The first time in I was a little unsure but the 2nd I loved it and felt more settled and loved swimming about.
Give it go and you'll be glad you did and don't forget to leave a donation at the shop in the carpark
The first time in I was a little unsure but the 2nd I loved it and felt more settled and loved swimming about.
Give it go and you'll be glad you did and don't forget to leave a donation at the shop in the carpark
Written 26 August 2023
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 support and encouraging others to donate - with spiralling costs all support is very welcome.
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dawn C
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Absolutely fantastic pool - like a natural Infinity pool at the seas edge. I took the kids aged 7 and 12 - both had an amazing time (me too). The volunteers were all really friendly and helpful. A great facility.
Written 13 August 2023
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 also think our pool is fantastic and welcome all visitors to come and enjoy it! So pleased you and your family enjoyed your time in the pool. The volunteers who help look after the pool are very passionate and it is their generosity that keeps the pool free and open for all to use.
Written 15 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becykatia
58 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We absolutely loved it! A wonderful, free facility with caring lovely volunteers who clearly take great pride in the facility!
Loads of space, and safe to swim and practice with our new Kayak
Just brilliant!
Loads of space, and safe to swim and practice with our new Kayak
Just brilliant!
Written 10 August 2023
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.
Glad to hear you loved our Sea Pool and were able to practice safely with your Kayak. The Sea Pool is a safe haven for bathing and other water-based activities and has been since the 1930s. It is the generosity of Friends and Supporters that keep the pool safe for all to use. Hope you will come back soon.
Written 15 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clé F
Cannock, UK35 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Loved the sea pool. A relaxing place to go to and have a swim in after having enjoyed the waves. Easily accessible from both the Summerleaze and Crooklets car park.
Written 7 August 2023
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 for your support. Really pleased you enjoyed your time at the Sea Pool.
Written 8 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Conno67
Bussum, The Netherlands8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Wonderful swimming pool. Usually not to busy, relaxed atmosphere, fun for all ages. Lovely views. Must visit if you like swimming.
Written 18 July 2023
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 for your support, and pleased you enjoyed your swim in the pool.
Written 18 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Francesca H
Camborne, UK318 contributions
Is the pool accessible for people who can't walk very far? Is it level access?
amanda c
Cannock, UK97 contributions
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.
BlueGardenShed
Al Jazirat Al Hamra, United Arab Emirates9 contributions
Hi how does the tide affect when you can swim in the pool? Or is it always possible to swim? Thanks so much!
Resort17416663170
Bude, UK
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.
Lynda
Lancaster, UK
Hi please can you let me know if we can bring dogs? We’re coming may/June time thank you
sillyjillywilly
Cheadle, UK97 contributions
Is there parking near the sea pool?
Frances F
Bude, UK29 contributions
There is pay and display parking at Summerleaze Beach and Crooklets Beach, both just five minutes walk from the sea pool.
Is there a Beach at Bude when the tide is in?
Frances F
Bude, UK29 contributions
Hi Tom, yes there is a beach at Bude when it is high tide :)
liveinengland
Shaftesbury, UK18 contributions
Roughly how deep is it?
Frances F
Bude, UK29 contributions
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 :)
kevinwood88
Rowley Regis, UK15 contributions
Are dogs allowed here?
Frances F
Bude, UK29 contributions
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.
LilyRoseD
6 contributions
Is there shade around the area or very exposed?
Frances F
Bude, UK29 contributions
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.
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Claim your listingFRIENDS OF BUDE SEA POOL: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Friends of Bude Sea Pool
- Hotels near Friends of Bude Sea Pool:
- (0.24 mi) The Pot and Barrel
- (0.25 mi) The Edgcumbe
- (0.23 mi) The Beach at Bude
- (0.30 mi) The Grosvenor Guest House
- (0.35 mi) Surf Haven Guest House
- Restaurants near Friends of Bude Sea Pool:
- (0.13 mi) Life's a Beach
- (0.26 mi) Sea Fever
- (0.23 mi) The Beach at Bude
- (0.25 mi) The Deck
- (0.23 mi) Rosie's Kitchen