It’s relatively rare that we come across somewhere in the UK that completely unexpectedly knocks our socks off. And the Bude Sea Pool is one of those places.

Created in 1930, the pool is a beautiful, part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach, Bude. It is a vast body of water carved perfectly into the coastline, creating a genuinely spectacular fusion of powerful nature and man-made brilliance. Run by a team of volunteers the pool is free to swim in.

We recommend getting here towards the end of the day as the pool is perfectly positioned to watch as the sun sets over the sea and surfers head out for the last ride of the day. Sat there taking in the scene you can be forgiven for thinking you might be in Sydney.

Pro Tip: Grab some beers from town and once you're out the water head down to the sand to watch the last of the rays whilst sipping on a cold one. Not a bad end to the day!