…into Bude Sea Pool, one of the last remaining tidal lidos in the UK.
Built in the 1930s, half-funded by the Thynne family, Bude Sea Pool is set behind the stunning Summerleaze beach. Part natural and part man-made, the pool and its surrounding sunbathing terraces are an iconic feature of the seaside town of Bude, Cornwall. It has provided a free, safe haven for bathing for nearly a century but its history hasn’t always been straightforward.
The early 90s brought fears that North Cornwall District Council might close the pool on public liability grounds or cease to fund its upkeep. A number of petitions demonstrated the pool’s importance for residents and visitors alike, and during the early 2000s the Council drained, cleaned and equipped the pool with new safety rails, rostering on extra lifeguards so that the pool could continue to open. However, there were growing concerns for the pool’s future and in 2012 Cornwall Council ceased to fund its maintenance and operation.
Such was the importance of the pool to the people of Bude and its visitors, that the Friends of Bude Sea Pool (FoBSP) was formed to keep the pool operating, taking over its management and the raising of funds to support its future. FoBSP is a registered charity and relies on the support of friends, donors and local business sponsors as it receives no public funding.
£40,000 is needed every year just to keep Bude Sea Pool open and free of charge for everyone. There are lots of ways you can support Bude Sea Pool as an individual, whether that be a sponsored event or buying Sea Pool merchandise; or discover how to become a business sponsor.
Today the pool is hugely popular, continuing to provide a safe swimming environment. Measuring 91m long by 45m wide, it’s created under the curve of the cliffs in a conservation area. A dip in the pool is a unique experience, its sheltered waters a stark contrast to the Atlantic breakers beyond its protective walls.
The volume of water in the pool depends on how much sand the sea has washed in and changes with every tide; you might even find yourself sharing your swim with one of the shoals of fish that sometimes get washed in! Today the calm waters are used by endurance swimmers, triathletes, kayakers, and surf lifesaving clubs; while beach hut enthusiasts and sunbathers also love to make the most of this unique amenity.
Our range of townhouses and apartments are the perfect base from which to explore, discover your next holiday here.
Elite West Holidays is proud to sponsor Bude Sea Pool, and we highly recommend you add it to your Cornish holiday itinerary!
