Bude Sea Pool is free for all to use. We ask that visitors and users contribute where possible by leaving a donation, becoming a Friend or making a purchase from the Shop.
When can I use it?
Bude Sea Pool is open all year round. We recommend you always swim at low tide. You are asked not to swim at night unless part of an organised group. Normally the pool is drained for essential cleaning and maintenance for approximately 2 weeks at some point in April or May. Check the website and social media for dates close to this time.
Are there toilets nearby?
There are no toilets at the Pool itself. The nearest toilets are at Summerleaze and Crooklets Car Parks. Summerleaze hosts a ‘Changing Places’ toilet with hoist.
What facilities are there?
The blue clad building just below the Beach Huts houses the Community Hub, Pool Staff office and storage. The community room is available to hire in advance and is free for community groups. There is a tap for drinking water by the steps up to the Downs. There are no toilets.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome however must always be fully under control, on the lead and in sight. Dogs are not allowed to enter the water. Please be aware that not everyone is comfortable or confident around dogs and you must make sure that your dog doesn’t intrude on enjoyment of other Pool users.
Please note that there are no shaded areas, although there is a dog water bowl next to the tap to keep them (and you) hydrated. The nearest dog waste bin is situated on the Downs above the Pool.
Local by-laws govern the months that dogs are allowed on the surrounding beaches. Please check Council signs for details and respect the restrictions.
Can I bring food?
You’re always welcome to bring food and have a picnic at the Pool, but we would prefer that you do not bring barbecues or glass. We also ask that visitors refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol around the Pool for health and safety reasons. Please ensure that no food enters the Pool and that you take your rubbish home with you.
What’s its temperature?
This varies throughout the year. In April, it is around 11°C and it reaches 18°C in late summer. For unseasoned swimmers, please take your time to acclimatise and maybe wear a wetsuit. Some of the regular winter swimmers go without, but this is not for the inexperienced or the faint-hearted.
What is the size of Bude Sea Pool?
As it is a semi-natural structure, the Pool is not uniform in size. A local surveyor measured it to be 91 metres long and 45 metres wide at its furthest points. Some regular swimmers work to 3 full lengths being 250 metres as a rule of thumb.
The depth of the Pool varies in any given area due to the sea washing in twice a day, bringing in different amounts of sand and stones. Please enter the Pool with caution and do not dive into the water.
