10 OF THE BEST TIDAL POOLS

Perfect pools around the country for a spot of invigorating saltwater swimming in safety

From the breath-stopping moment of submersion to the skin-tingling high of drying off and getting cosy again, seawater swimming provides a powerful sensory feast. However, rough seas and unfavourable tides mean that it’s not always possible or safe to enter the open water to revitalise body and mind. Over the years, coastal communities have addressed this problem by creating enclosed swimming spaces that are refreshed at high tide, warmed by the sun and offer protection from the vicissitudes of the ocean. Some are roughly hewn from natural rockpools while others have the regular lines and angles of a more traditional swimming pool, but all offer memorable bathing experiences amid the beauty of the British coastline.

1 LEAP INTO LIFE BLUE LAGOON, PEMBROKESHIRE

The vertiginous cliffs that tower above the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddi make it easy to see why Red Bull chose this location for its Cliff Diving World Series on three occasions, creating scenes of athletic feats against its rugged backdrop. The lagoon is a former slate quarry, which was flooded and abandoned in 1910, and the pool left behind – attached by a channel to the sea – has become a hub for watersports enthusiasts. Its depth and currents mean that entering the water is best done as part of an organised group, but this unique lagoon and its dramatic location are well worth a visit even if you’re not planning on leaping in. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/abereiddi-to-abermawr/features/ the-blue-lagoon-abereiddi.