Few things in life are free, especially those that provide hours of entertainment for children! Rock pooling is one of life’s simple pleasures and there’s really no better way for the younger members of the family (and adults for that matter) to enjoy the untamed great outdoors.
There’s also no need for wetsuits, snorkels or expensive kit, just a sensible pair of shoes, sunscreen and a hat will do; which means that anyone visiting the coast can embark on their own miniature marine adventure or dip their toes into ocean exploration.
With a sprawling coastline and fascinating geology, Devon’s many beaches are treasure troves for adventure, with centuries of erosion producing a wealth of wonders in the form of sea caves, sandy coves and of course natural pools. Hidden in the shallow waters, explorers will discover creatures like starfish, crabs, anemones and barnacles as well as seaweeds, limpets, mollusks and small fish; a fascinating glimpse into a watery world that is usually unseen at high tide.
Before setting out to explore, it’s always a good idea to check the tides (tide guides are usually available online or from local tourist information centers). Also make sure that you respect the habitats of the local sea life and leave things as you found them.
And now for the fun bit. We asked local travel experts Luxury Coastal to share their top rock pooling spots with us so that the next time you set off on a trip to Devon, you’ll have a bit of an insider’s advantage to make the most of your days at the beach.
Wembury Beach in Devon
One of the top spots in the UK (yes the UK!) for rock pooling, the rock pools at Wembury Beach are teeming with marine life. Low tide exposes a plethora of pools that vary in size and depth, and which seem to go on for miles. In them you’ll discover such delights as limpets, pipe fish, sea scorpions, shore crabs, anemones, spiny star fish and sucker fish.
Preston Sands in Devon
Standing on the northern end of the promenade above Preston Sands at high tide, its hard to imagine what lies beneath the water’s surface which at first glance looks very deep indeed. But return in an hour or two once the tide subsides, and you’ll be rewarded with a maze of rocky outcrops that give rise to some of the best rockpools in Torbay.
Hope Cove
Situated in an Area of Oustanding Beauty, Hope Cove near Salcombe in South Hams is made up of two sandy beaches. At low tide Bigbury Bay’s rocky coastline exposes a wealth of rock pools where intrepid explorers will discover hermit crab, shrimp, periwinkles and small fish.
Maer Rocks
Exmouth beach with its two-mile sandy stretch has long been a family-friendly go-to for water sports lovers of all ages. However, if rock pools are what you’re after, you’ll need to head South East where you’ll find Maer Nature Reserve and Maer Rocks. Along with a fabulous sandy beach, it offers a seemingly endless mosaic of rockpools that are perfect for providing hours of fascination and discovery.
