Hidden by the rolling waves, at low tide a secret underwater world is revealed, unveiling previously concealed creatures from the deep that are waiting to be discovered…
We’ve taken a deep dive into UK rock pools, so if you’re planning a day out at the seaside, you can find out what beaches have rock pools, how to rock pool and what you can find in rock pools too.
Watch the video above by the Marine Conservation Society (we are a proud supporter) and read on to find out everything you need to know about rock pooling. You could also click the button below to find your perfect cottage by the sea.
Coastal cottages
Where are rock pools found?
If you’re wondering, “where are the best rock pools in the UK?”, well – first you need to head to the coast! However, while most people would opt for a long, sweeping beach with soft, golden sand, if you’re searching for rock pools, then of course a rocky beach is best.
At high tide, these rocks will be covered by the crashing surf but, when the tide recedes twice a day, it reveals a hidden world filled with marine life as the seawater pools in the rocky coastline.
With over 11,000 miles of coastline, the Great British coast has more beaches with rock pools than we can list, but popular spots include Sheringham in Norfolk, Hope Gap in Sussex and Saltburn in North Yorkshire.
Some of the holidaycottages.co.uk team went rock pooling with Plastic Free North Devon at Croyde Beach and found loads of marine creatures. You can find your nearest rock pooling beach on this map, provided by Capturing our Coast.
How do I rock pool?
First of all, time your visit for low tide when the rock pools will be exposed and there’s no danger of being caught out by the tide coming back in. Low tide occurs roughly every 12 hours, so it’s important to plan ahead – you can find out the tide timetable for your location at the Tide Times website or BBC Weather. Spring tides are best; despite their name, they don’t only occur in spring but instead are the tides after the full and new moons when the sea recedes the furthest.
Then, you need to ensure you’ve got the necessary equipment. You don’t need much in order to rock pool, but these items will help you explore and identify the secret marine world of rock pools:
- Sturdy shoes – rock pools can be slippery!
- Appropriate clothing such as jumpers and waterproof gear, depending on what the famous British weather is doing that day
- A bucket – nets aren’t great for rock pooling as smaller creatures can get stuck in them
- A magnifying glass, identification guide and notebook if you are keen on identifying and logging your findings
You can then get stuck in and investigate these underwater habitats. Dip your bucket into the pool and see what creatures are in it – but be sure to put them back into the water as soon as possible. You can gently turn over stones to see if there is anything hiding underneath, or peer into seaweed and see what it’s concealing.
In order to keep the rock pool creatures safe and happy, The Marine Conservation Society advises that you avoid casting shadows over the rock pools, try not to move too suddenly and avoid keeping any marine life out of the water for too long. You can also help protect the coastal environment by doing a quick beach clean while you’re there.
Remember, the beach is a wild environment, so make sure you stay safe by following our beach safety guide.
What to look for in rock pools?
So, what lives in rock pools? The variety of rock pool flora and fauna is simply huge. Some of the things you can find in rock pools include well-known species such as seaweed, limpets and mussels, and you might also find shrimp, goby and long-spined sea scorpions!
If you’re heading to the beach and wondering what can you find in rock pools, we’ve put together a handy guide to some of the UK’s most common rock pool species. How many can you spot on your trip to the beach?
Download the guide
Common limpet (Patella vulgata)
Found: Clinging very firmly to rocks.
Fun fact: Limpets leave their posts at high tide to munch algae. They then return to the same spot for their entire lives!
Common starfish (Asterias rubens)
Found: Stuck to the side of rock pools.
Fun fact: Starfish have no brain or blood, and their mouths are found on their underbellies!
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Found: Between the high and low watermarks, around rock pools.
Fun fact: Its bubblewrap-like texture means it can float upright when it’s submerged, allowing it to absorb vital nutrients.
Shore crab (Carcinus maenas)
Found: Buried in the sand, hiding from predators.
Fun fact: These are the most common crabs on our shores - perhaps because female shore crabs lay up to 200,000 eggs at one time!
Beadlet anemone (Actinia equina)
Found: Suckered to the side of a rock pool.
Fun fact: While they look like red jelly at low tide, these anemones reveal their tentacles when submerged and use them to sting their prey.
Dog whelk (Nucella lapillus)
Found: In sheltered spots where they are safe from waves, like rock pools and crevices.
Fun fact: Dog whelks are carnivorous sea snails and like to munch on mussels.
Common mussel (Mytilus edulis)
Found: In a big cluster on rocks, crevices, groynes and piers.
Fun fact: It’s not just dog whelks who enjoy eating mussels – starfish, seabirds and even us humans enjoy dining on these beautiful bivalves.
Velvet swimming crab (Necora puber)
Found: In weeds and rocks, and swimming out at sea up to 80 metres deep!
Fun fact: With their beady red eyes, these crabs are faster and more aggressive than shore crabs, and are prone to nipping you with their pincers!
Rock pool prawn (Palaemon elegans)
Found: As the name suggests, in rock pools!
Fun fact: These see-through creatures are also called rock pool shrimp and can survive in many types of salty water.
Mermaid’s purse
Found: On shores, close to the tideline.
Fun fact: Start playing the Jaws music, as these common coastal sights are the egg cases of skate, rays and sharks!
Get away to the Great British coast
You can spend a whole holiday rock pooling with a stay in one of our coastal cottages. In some of the country’s most spectacular coastal locations, our cottages by the sea are just a stone’s throw away from sandy beaches, crashing surf and, of course, rock pools! Take a look at the full collection by clicking the button below.
Coastal cottages