Built in the 1920s as a safe haven for holidaymakers and locals to enjoy the benefits of sea swimming in a calm and sheltered way.
The architecture of the sea pool with the front walls sitting lower than the tide line allows for a fresh rotation of sea water at high tide without the use of pumps.
Originally built by local estate owners, the Thynnes, who pledged half the cost of the build (around £4,000) the pool is now under the care of the charity Friends of Bude Sea Pool, formed in 2011. They work hard to make sure the pool remains safe and in good condition, and while the pool is free, you can donate to the upkeep on their page.
When researching the old maps of the pool, the description “Saturday’s Pit” (Swimming pool) appeared on most of them but I cannot find any reference to this name elsewhere. If you know where it comes from, please leave a message on the post.
| Name | Bude Sea Pool Summerleaze Beach, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8HJ |
| Built / opened | 10th July 1930 |
| Cost | £4,000 |
| Dimensions | 290′ x 148′ |
| Capacity | 880,000 gallons |
| Water type | Sea water, unheated |
| Depth | Approx. 8′ in centre of pool but fluctuations due to tides and silt |
| Diving | N/A |
| Second pool | N/A |
| Designer | |
| Date closed | N/A |
| Status | Open |
| Links | FoBSP – Friends of Bude Sea Pool |
| Last updated | 10th July 2025 |
