A stunning Somerset lake has been named among the ten best natural swimming spots in the world. Clevedon Marine Lake is filled with seawater from the Bristol Channel every spring tide.
The tidal infinity pool has now been highlighted for its beauty in a new ranking of locations across the globe – and it’s right up there with world famous names including Bondi Icebergs pool in Sydney.
Researchers from AllClear travel insurance said they looked at online review scores and the number of searches to find the world’s most amazing places to take a dip – for those who love the balance between the wild beauty of the sea and the safety of a swimming pool.
Some natural swimming pools are naturally occurring, formed through volcanic activity, tidal movements or erosion. They can also be man-made but still function like a natural body of water – with non-chemically treated fresh or salt water.
The AllClear team said of Clevedon Marine Lake: “A historic tidal pool on the Bristol Channel, Clevedon Marine Lake is great for swimmers looking for an invigorating dip. Its expansive views and calm waters make it a favourite for swimmers, but also kayakers and paddleboarders.”
Charco Azul on the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands was named as the top natural swimming pool in the world. It was formed by flowing lava which created a stunning bathing spot filled with turquoise water.
Two other pools located in the Canary Islands also feature in the top ten, with Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools on the island of Madeira in second place. Sydney’s famous Bondi Icebergs Pools and Bronte Baths both also made the top ten, with Clevedon Marine Lake taking sixth spot.
Sarah Collinson from AllClear said: “Natural swimming pools offer travellers an amazing opportunity to connect with nature in some of the most breath taking destinations in the world, without the worries that swimming in the open ocean can bring. However, it’s important to remember that there is still an element of risk when enjoying the water in these beautiful swimming spots.
“Though many of these pools have lifeguards, not all of them always have someone on duty, and slippery rocks or poor accessibility are things to consider if you do decide to take a dip. It’s also important to make sure you have the right travel insurance for your trip so you can travel with peace of mind.”
Clevedon Marine Lake, owned by North Somerset Council, is run by volunteers from Marlens, a charity dedicated to keeping it clean and a safe place to play, swim and go boating.
The lake is open every day of the year and there is no need to book. Find out more about it here.
Top 20 natural swimming pools in the world, according to AllClear
|
Natural Pool Name |
City/Town |
Country |
Google Score x Search Volume |
|
|
1 |
Charco Azul |
El Hierro |
Spain |
278,300 |
|
2 |
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools |
Madeira |
Portugal |
155,570 |
|
3 |
Los Charcones Natural Pools |
Lanzarote |
Spain |
145,640 |
|
4 |
Bondi Icebergs Pool |
Sydney |
Australia |
99,900 |
|
5 |
Las Salinas de Agaete |
Gran Canaria |
Spain |
85,070 |
|
6 |
Clevedon Marine Lake |
Somerset |
England |
81,450 |
|
7 |
Bronte Baths |
Sydney |
Australia |
71,040 |
|
8 |
Vico Baths |
Dublin |
Ireland |
71,040 |
|
9 |
Kitsilano Pool |
Vancouver |
Canada |
66,600 |
|
10 |
Doca Do Cavacas Natural Pools |
Madeira |
Portugal |
53,240 |
|
11 |
Bude Sea Pool |
Cornwall |
England |
47,520 |
|
12 |
Mereweather Ocean Baths |
Newcastle |
Australia |
46,530 |
|
13 |
Newcastle Ocean Baths |
Newcastle |
Australia |
45,540 |
|
14 |
Sea Point Pavilion Tidal Pools |
Cape Town |
South Africa |
35,640 |
|
15 |
Pozo de Las Calcosas |
El Hierro |
Spain |
30,360 |
|
16 |
Camps Bay Tidal Pool |
Cape Town |
South Africa |
24,840 |
|
=16 |
Wylie’s Baths |
Sydney |
Australia |
24,840 |
|
18 |
South End Rowing Club |
California |
United States of America |
13,920 |
|
19 |
Dee Why Rockpool |
Sydney |
Australia |
13,630 |
|
20 |
Fairy Bower Sea Pool |
Sydney |
Australia |
11,280 |
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