Swanpool Beach

This popular cove is located on the outskirts of Falmouth, around a mile and a half from the town centre. Swanpool is a beach with something for everyone from families to naturalists (but possibly not naturists!).

Swanpool beach itself is sheltered and reasonably safe for swimming although, somewhat surprisingly, there is no lifeguard cover. Comprising mainly of a wide stretch of sand there are a few rocks visible at low tide. Along with a small collection of beach huts, one of the beach's most popular features is the Swanpool Beach Cafe. Not only is the cafe open year round, it is home to the "Quirky ice cream", with flavours living up to the name.

For those after a little more active entertainment the Elemantal UK watersports school is based on the beach. They offer equipment hire and tuition in a range of activities including sailing, kayaking, coasteering and even raft building.

The beach backs onto the Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This brackish lagoon (mix of fresh and salt water) is home to a wide range of bird species along with the rare Trembling Sea Mat - a type of microscopic animal found nowhere else in the UK.

Swanpool lake was once part of the sea but became cut off by a shingle bank during the last Ice Age creating a freshwater lake. It was only in the 1820s that a small channel was created between the lake and the sea allowing sea water in and some freshwater out, thus creating the unique environment.

There are plenty of facilities on and around the beach including public toilets in the car park adjacent to the beach. If you really want the British seaside experience then you could also grab a round of crazy golf and take out a rowing boat on the lagoon whilst you're here.

At the northern end of the cove is a path on the which leads round to the larger Gyllyngvase beach about 5 minutes walk away.