Want free things to do in Newquay? Then look out for these hidden gems tucked in a corner of Whipsiderry Beach, between Porth and Watergate Bay, and only accessible at low tide, are a trio of deep, turquoise, serene rock pools.
One pool is inside a cave with a mine shaft for a skylight, another sits beneath a cathedral-like rock arch, and the third rests on a rocky ledge with views out to Porth Island and sunsets on the Irish Sea, beyond.
How to find the rock pools at Whipsiderry?
These are easy pools to find but you’ll need to be reasonably fit and active to navigate the steep steps to access this beach.
Park at Porth car park and walk up the hill past the golf course towards Watergate, take the steps down to Whipsiderry beach. Once on the beach follow the cliffs to the left (west), at the end end of the cove you’ll see the archway leading to the pools
When is the best time to visit the Whipsiderry Tidal Pools?
The pools are only accessible for a short period around low tide, check the tide times and keep an eye out not to get cut off by the tide. Summer will be busier, winter will be more dangerous. Sunsets are amazing.
Are the tidal pools at Whipsiderry beach dog friendly?
This depends on your dog… the beach is dog friendly all year round but the steps down are long and steep. It’s possible to walk around from Porth or Watergate on a low tide but you’ll need to time it well.
Are the rock pools at Whipsiderry beach suitable for small children?
The steep high steps down to this beach make it impossible to get buggies down here so we don’t recommend these pools for families with small children.
