Walpole Bay tidal pool has been named among the prettiest in the world (Image: Getty)
While the UK is certainly not known for its tidal pools, there are some stunning ones along the country’s coast – two of which are considered among the prettiest in the world.
Ocean pools are a perfect choice for those who want to dip their toe into wild swimming, with all the benefits of a coastal location but without the worries of being tugged out to sea or having to deal with waves.
With this in mind, Conde Nast Traveller revealed the 14 prettiest ocean pools around the world, and two UK locations have made the list.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Australia topped the list, with Bondi Beach’s Bondi Icebergs Club taking the top spot and six other beaches appearing on the list.
The first British pool to make the list was Cornwall’s Bude Sea Pool, coming in at six, which was then followed by Kent’s Walpole Bay Tidal Pool at number 13.
Australia’s Bondi Icebergs Club has been named the prettiest ocean pool in the world (Image: Getty)
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Walpole Bay, located near Margate, is just a two-hour drive or train ride from London, making it a perfect day trip for those living in the city.
This man-made tidal pool was built in 1937, and was one of two constructed at the same time in Margate, with Walpole Bay’s thought to be the biggest in the UK.
As of 2014, Walpole Bay tidal pool has been granted a Grade-II listing, with the nearby Margate Main Sands also receiving this listing ten years later.
Visitors to Walpole Bay have been left in awe of the stunning tidal pool, with one writing on Tripadvisor: “Forget the Maldives with all that jetlag, sharks, overpriced drinks and ridiculously warm water. Head to Walpole Bay instead.”
Walpole Bay is just two hours from London (Image: Getty)
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“Brilliant free outdoor swimming experience: easy to get to, easy to use. I hope that it stays free to use!” added another.
While a third penned: “Possibly the best place in the world, but keep it to yourself, ok? Enter the pool by walking along the wall and going down the ladder. For most adults you can touch the ground there. Biggest tidal pool in the UK!”
The 14 prettiest ocean pools in the world
- Bondi Icebergs Club, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Yamba Ocean Pool, Main Beach, New South Wales, Australia
- Praia das Azenhas do Mar, Sintra, Portugal
- Bronte Baths, Bronte Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Mahon Pool, Maroubra Beach, New South Wales, Australia
- Bude Sea Pool, Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall, UK
- Camps Bay Ocean Pool, Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
- South Curl Curl Rockpool, Curl Curl Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Mona Vale Rock Pool, Mona Vale Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Madeira, Portugal
- The Bon Secours Beach, Saint-Malo, France
- Sea Point tidal pool, Milton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
- Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate, Kent, UK
- North Cronulla Rock Pool, North Cornulla Beach, Sydney, Australia