Boscastle Tidal Pool

Boscastle’s tidal pool is a Victorian-era sea pool carved into the rock near the harbour entrance, opposite the blowhole. Known locally as the “mermaid pool,” it fills naturally with seawater at high tide and sits below dramatic cliffs with views across the water to Warren Point.

The pool is relatively shallow and best visited at low tide, when you can scramble down worn stone steps to reach it. The old cliff path above has eroded and is no longer a safe route - approach from the harbour side and wear shoes with good grip on the rocks. No lifeguards, no facilities, no changing rooms. This is wild swimming in the proper sense.

Even in summer the pool stays quiet. It is a 10-minute walk from Boscastle harbour car park, and sits on the South West Coast Path between Boscastle and Tintagel.

Visitor Information

Access: From Boscastle harbour, walk towards the harbour mouth on the south side. The pool is below the cliffs near the blowhole. Low tide is best for access.

Getting to Boscastle: On the B3263, 5 miles north of Camelford, 3 miles north-east of Tintagel. Go Cornwall Bus 95 (Bude to Wadebridge) stops at the car park.

Parking: Cornwall Council car park in Boscastle village (pay and display).

Dogs: Welcome.

Nearby: The coast path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel is one of the best sections in north Cornwall. Tintagel Castle is 6 miles north along the cliff path.