17 of the best pools, water parks and lidos in Cornwall

Cornwall is full of a variety of fantastic swimming facilities including swimming pools, water parks and lidos. Some are open year-round, while others welcome visitors only in the summer months.

It is well known that a good splash in a pool is a great way to keep fit, cool off and have fun. And even on those bad weather days it can be a great way to keep the family busy by staying inside.

Luckily, Cornwall has a body of water for every type of swimmer, whether you’re a dedicated swimmer or prefer paddling in the shallow end. The county boasts indoor leisure centers equipped with wave machines and canals, natural sea-fed pools that have been enjoyed since the 1930s and wonderful lidos perfect for sunny days.

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Before you go, it is advisable to check the opening hours of the pools and note that most outdoor pools close in bad weather. They can also be seasonal, so always check ahead.

If you’re looking for affordable and fun day out ideas, here’s our expert guide to the best pools, water parks and lidos in Cornwall. They are simply irresistible.

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Oasis Fun Pools, Newquay

This Hendra Holiday Park attraction features two swimming pools, a rapid river ride, water cannon and geyser, a giant tap, fountains and waterfalls. There’s also a brilliant toddler pool for safe splash fun with a slide, splashy creature and plenty of warm water to splash around in!

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Bude Leisure Centre

This leisure center offers a 25-metre pool with fun features such as a 33-metre flume and wave machine, with a small beach area for the little ones.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Jubilee Pool, Penzance

This famous Grade II salt water lido is one of the last of its kind in Europe. A state-of-the-art, geothermally heated swimming pool is also available.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Hayle Pool

Located on the King George V Memorial Walk, it has a fun slide and grassy social area. The daily opening will resume for the summer season until the first part of September. Also, be sure to check the hours.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Newquay Leisure World

The center has a 25m lap pool and lap pool with channels, a well-equipped interactive trampoline and soft play park, fitness studios, gymnasium and brand new outdoor functional training area.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

St Austell Leisure Centre

Formerly Polkyth Leisure Centre, this venue has a 25m five-lane pool, a student pool and a hydrotherapy pool.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Bude Sea Pool

This 91m x 45m semi-natural, charity-run facility has provided safe bathing since the 1930s. Lifeguards are on duty at peak times and it’s completely free.

For more information click here.

The sea horse, Pentewan

Nestled beneath the cliffs and overlooking the sea between St Austell and Mevagissey, this leisure venue has a lap pool and a splash pad.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Launceston Leisure Centre

Formerly the Phoenix Leisure Centre, this venue has a four-lane 25m indoor pool and a student pool.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Chapel Rock, Perranporth

Located on Perranporth Beach’s three-mile stretch of golden sand, this natural outdoor pool is filled with seawater at high tide and heated by the sun during the day. Keep an eye on the tide, though, as dangerous rips form here.

Helston Sports Centre

This leisure center boasts a traditional 25m six-lane swimming pool with water purified using a low-chlorine ultraviolet treatment system.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours

St Ives Leisure Centre

This venue has a 25m main pool area with vaulted ceiling, wooden beams and panoramic views over St Ives Bay. The 12m student pool has a children’s slide and bubble jets.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

Priest’s Cove, Cape Cornwall

Among the rocks is a rectangular pool used by locals and visitors. Local fishermen are also said to use the pool as they have sheds nearby. The natural pool offers a safe space to swim with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Porthtowan Tidal Pool

This lovely secluded tidal pool is set amongst the cliffs 300m north-east of the main beach. At low tide you can walk along the sands to Chapel Porth.

Saltash Leisure Centre

This place has a four-lane 25m pool, adjacent student pools with some fun features including a slide and water fountains, and a relaxing bubble pool.

Visit the website for all prices/opening hours.

The Rock Pool, Treyarnon Bay

Between Constantine Bay and Treyarnon Bay there is a tidal pool in the rocks. A long concrete wall was built to maintain the water level inside the natural rock basin throughout the tide.

Retallack Water Park, Padstow

This huge inflatable water park features a giant trampoline, catapult, water wheel, climbing wall “steps”, slides, blast bags, challenging balance beams and more. Hours vary and admission is charged. You may need to book in advance.

Click here for guest reviews or visit the website.

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