Wild swimming has been making a splash over the past few years, with converts extolling the health benefits and forming communities of like-minded dippers. Popular swimming spots in the area include the Battery Rocks in Penzance and Mount’s Bay.
If you’re keen to get out there, we strongly recommend swimming with a local group, such as the Penzance and Marazion Bluetits or the Battery Belles and Buoys. You’ll also find safety information through the RNLI.
You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. If you were to do all the activities on this itinerary, the estimated duration is given above.
Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.
Click on each individual experience and find out more about its accessibility and public transport connections, along with an eco tip.
If you would like to build your own itinerary, head to the Experience page. You can add your favourite experiences to a bespoke itinerary, which can be downloaded or sent to your email address. Please note: This is for inspiration purposes only and does not create a booking. You will need to contact the venue or provider directly to book.
There’s nothing quite like a skin-tingling swim in the sea to reinvigorate you during a break. In Marazion, you’ll find the shallow and relatively sheltered waters of Mount’s Bay, home to St Michael’s Mount. Swimmers dare to dip even in the winter, but make sure you have a warming cup of tea waiting for you when you get out, and follow this advice from the RNLI.
Please note: There are no lifeguards in the off-season, so it’s always safer to swim with others. Follow the Penzance and Marazion Bluetits to see when they’re next heading out for a swim.
Discover the magic of the underwater world with Katie Maggs, a highly experienced swimmer, underwater photographer and qualified BSAC snorkel instructor. Based in Penzance, Katie is also an advocate for the wellbeing benefits of outdoor swimming. During the winter months, Katie offers snorkelling experiences on weekends and during school holidays, depending on the weather and conditions. Find out more here.
The Geo & Fizz events at Jubilee Pool are a wonderful way to warm up this winter. Enjoy a relaxing dip in a geothermally heated pool with a glass of fizz. It’s an atmospheric way to experience the UK’s largest seawater lido. Visit the venue’s website to see if they are hosting a special event during your stay.
Mount’s Bay Marine Group is a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting the local marine environment of Mount’s Bay. They are affiliated with Cornwall Wildlife Trust. In the winter months, keep your eyes peeled for their talks, rockpool adventures and silent disco beach cleans. Find out more here.
Do something good, feel even better. Explore the coast while taking part in a beach clean and help us to create a safer and more sustainable environment for our wildlife – all while enjoying the great outdoors and getting to meet some lovely people. Check the Sustainable Penzance Facebook page to see when they’re hosting the next beach clean at Longrock and keep an eye out for the silent disco events from Plastic Free Penzance.
For a cheerful bite to eat, visit The Honey Pot in Penzance. This lovely café serves up winter warmers, indulgent cream teas and a great selection of homemade cakes. They have a passion for sustainability, sourcing locally and working with what’s in season – and you’ll find gluten-free and vegan options here too. Find out more here.
Retreat to a cosy self-catering cottage or book a stylish hotel in the heart of town. Discover the perfect seaside stay for your winter in Cornwall.
Visit out of season and step into an adventure. Explore our entire collection of inspiring itineraries and plan a great day out.
Many of the activities in our itineraries are accessible. Click on each individual experience to find out more about its accessibility. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm. You can also find information about accessible venues through Access Cornwall.
Enjoy updates from local experts and find information about upcoming events.
Discover the many ways you can get out there and explore without relying on your car.
We’re hoping to make every stay as sustainable as possible. Find out more here.
This listing has been curated by the EXPERIENCE West Cornwall team and was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We advise that you contact the venue or provider directly to confirm any seasonal opening details and to book the experience.
