Only 1 mile from Kingfisher Cottage
Swanpool is a sandy cove about a mile from Kingfisher Cottage on the west side of Falmouth. It’s a friendly, fun and welcoming environment, which can be reached along Swanpool road or across the coast path from Maenporth beach or Gyllynvase beach.
There’s a large carpark, crazy golf course, toilets & changing rooms, kayak hire, free wifi on the beach or just simply relax on the sand.
Classic British seaside experience
Along with a small collection of beach huts, one of the beach’s most popular features is the Swanpool Beach Cafe – great for hot drinks, snacks and even ponchos. The cafe is open all year round and is home to the “Quirky ice cream”, with flavours living up to the name – http://www.swanpoolbeach.co.uk/cafe/
For a more substantial meal with a fantastic view, head across to the 2022 Michelin Guide recommended Hooked on the Rocks restaurant – https://www.hookedontherocksfalmouth.com where the menu includes excellently prepared crab, lobster and their speciality of scallops with seaweed butter and hazelnuts.
Those after a little more active entertainment can try Elemantal UK watersports school based on the beach. They offer equipment hire and a range of tuition including sailing, kayaking, coasteering and raft-building – https://www.elementaluk.com
The beach backs onto the Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This lagoon is home to a wide range of bird species along with the rare Trembling Sea Mat! http://www.swanpool.org.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. In the 1820s a small channel was created between the lake and the sea allowing sea water in and some freshwater out, thus creating this unique environment.
If you really want the British seaside experience then you could 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 coast which leads round to Gyllyngvase Beach about 5 minutes walk away. Whilst a path from the southern end loops over to Maenporth beach about 15 minutes away.
Car Parking fees are in line with Falmouth town and Gyllyngvase Beach, starting at £1.40 per hour, although free November to end of February (2020).
Please note: Dogs are allowed on this beach but, like most beaches in Cornwall, not between 1st July & 31st August (between 10 am & 6pm). Nearby Sunny Cove, positioned halfway between Swanpool and Maenporth beaches, allows dogs all year round – as well as naturists.