English tidal lido right on the beach that you can only visit twice a day

ONE of the prettiest pools in the UK is near a popular seaside town – but you will have to time it well to jump in.

Found in the historic fishing village in West Cornwall, Mousehole Rock Pool in Cornwall is open for 24 hours a day, but when you can swim in it depends on whether the tide is in or out.

AlamyThe man-made tidal pool is on the edge of Mousehole in Cornwall[/caption] AlamyThe pool is open 24 hours a day but is only suitable for swimming at certain times[/caption]

Mousehole Rock Pool is a tidal swim spot that you can only visit twice a day – because it’s best to go in high tide.

During high tide, the pool is exposed to the sea for a few hours on either side, making it accessible for swimming. 

The pool can drain with the falling tide and will become shallower.

The tide varies throughout the year, but in summer, Mousehole usually has two high tides a day – in mid-morning and the evening.

The best time to visit the tidal pool is just after high tide and you can check these with the 7-day tide forecast before going.

Mousehole Rock Pool was built in 1969 for the local children to teach them how to swim, and has remained popular ever since.

Anyone who ventures there will discover the stunning views across Mount’s Bay towards St Michael’s Mount and the Lizard.

There’s also the Rock Pool Cafe Mousehole which has reopened after winter break.

It’s situated above the Mousehole Rock Pool cafe so you can take in the views over the bay.

The pool recently went under repairs to plug a leak as it wasn’t holding water during low tide.

AlamyMousehole is a charming village in Cornwall[/caption]

The repairs were spearheaded by the Friends of Mousehole Rock Pool.

Volunteers with the support of local businesses have already emptied the community pool 

The first phase of the repair work had been due to start in March 2021 but was delayed.

It took place on July 10, 2022 with a second repair day was also held later that year to repair the rock pool and again in 2023.

More work is needed to maintain the pool as the plans going forward are to restore the access area for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The village of Mousehole, just less than three miles south of Penzance and is especially popular during the summer.

However during the winter, Mousehole is considered one of the most magical place to visit because of its Christmas light display.

Its annual Christmas lights adorn the harbour, usually from mid December.

But there’s not just a couple of lights – there’s an estimated 7,000 bulbs that light up every evening and around 30,000 tourists head down to the coast to see them each year.

And more UK lidos, sea pools and splash pads that are free to get into – perfect for the hot weather.

Plus, the ‘national treasure’ beach lido in the UK’s trendiest seaside town – that you can’t swim in.

AlamyThe tidal pool in Mousehole fills up during high tide[/caption]