North Baths Sea Pool
A historic open-air sea pool offering a bracing, safe, and community-loved swimming experience. A perfect NC500 stop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the scenic views
North Baths Sea Pool
Best Time
Enjoy the scenic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic open-air sea pool offering a bracing, safe, and community-loved swimming experience. A perfect NC500 stop.
"A lovely historic swim spot and well worth a visit."
🌊 Brace for Cold Water
The water is cold and can be choppy, but the steps make entry easy. Embrace the invigorating chill!
🚶 Park & Walk
Street parking is available nearby; expect a short walk through public paths to reach the pool.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Sea Pool Swim
Open-air pool
Experience a refreshing swim in a historic, well-cared-for open-air sea pool. Invigorating and safe.
Scenic NC500 Stop
Coastal location
A beautiful and scenic spot for a casual walk and swim, perfect for those driving the North Coast 500.
Community Care
Poolside
Appreciate the clean, well-maintained environment and friendly locals who support this superb facility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill
Local Charm & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Brace for Cold Water
The water is cold and can be choppy, but the steps make entry easy. Embrace the invigorating chill!
🚶 Park & Walk
Street parking is available nearby; expect a short walk through public paths to reach the pool.
📜 Learn the History
Look out for interesting signage detailing the pool's rich history.
👍 Support the Pool
This great facility is well-cared for by the local club; show your support!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Brace for Cold Water
The water is cold and can be choppy, but the steps make entry easy. Embrace the invigorating chill!
🚶 Park & Walk
Street parking is available nearby; expect a short walk through public paths to reach the pool.
📜 Learn the History
Look out for interesting signage detailing the pool's rich history.
👍 Support the Pool
This great facility is well-cared for by the local club; show your support!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the North Baths Sea Pool as a historic and well-maintained gem, perfect for a refreshing swim. The easy access and safe environment are highlighted, making it a popular stop for families and NC500 travelers. While the water is bracingly cold, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the community's care for this unique facility.
"Stopped here for a swim while driving the NC500 and it was a really enjoyable stop. Just a short walk from the town centre, the area felt well cared for with no litter and plenty of benches poolside. There’s also interesting signage about the pool’s history. The pool itself was a good size, felt safe, and made it easier to check for jellyfish compared to swimming in the open sea (we’d seen quite a few further down the coast!). Overall, a lovely historic swim spot and well worth a visit."
Maddy & Stephen
"Beautiful and scenic spots for a casual walk and swim if you want. Very friendly locals around. Had to park on the streets nearby and walk through the public paths in between buildings though."
Dharmic Suresh
"So glad I saw this on google maps - such a great find! I had a great swim here - it's cold and choppy but I felt safe enough, & the steps in make it really easy to access."
Sarah Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Baths Sea Pool is located near the town centre and is a popular stop for those driving the NC500. Parking is available on nearby streets, and you'll need to walk through public paths to reach it.
While the pool itself is open-air, the steps provide easy access for swimmers. The surrounding area is generally well-maintained.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding tickets or entry fees is not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but it's described as a community-supported facility. It's advisable to check local information or assume a small donation might be appreciated.
Specific opening hours are not detailed, but it's generally used for swimming during daylight hours, especially by locals and visitors on the NC500.
Reviews suggest it's a well-cared-for facility by the local club, implying it might be free to access or operate on a donation basis.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water is described as cold and choppy, typical of an open-air sea pool. However, the steps make it easy to enter and exit safely.
Despite being cold and choppy, swimmers have reported feeling safe due to the pool's structure and easy access steps. It's also easier to spot jellyfish compared to open sea swimming.
The pool area is well-cared for, with no litter and plenty of benches poolside. There are also informative signs about its history.
Yes, the pool is popular for both kids and adults alike, offering a safe environment for families to enjoy a swim.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic architecture of the sea pool against the coastal backdrop. The surrounding scenic views and the activity of swimmers also make for great shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic appeal of the pool and its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the water is cold, the controlled environment of the sea pool offers more predictability than open sea swimming. Parents can feel more at ease knowing the pool is well-cared for and offers a contained space. It's a refreshing and memorable activity that adds a special touch to a family trip along the coast.
🚗 Road Trippers (NC500)
Be prepared for the bracing sea water, but the easy access steps make it a convenient and safe dip. The pool is well-maintained and offers a unique historical swimming experience. It’s a chance to connect with the local community and enjoy a truly authentic Scottish coastal stop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historic Coastal Gem
This open-air sea pool provides a unique swimming experience. Unlike swimming directly in the open sea, the pool offers a more controlled environment. Reviewers noted it felt safe and made it easier to check for jellyfish compared to the open ocean. The steps in make it really easy to access, which is a significant plus for swimmers of all levels.
For travelers on the NC500, the North Baths Sea Pool is a highly recommended stop. It's described as a lovely historic swim spot and a great facility that deserves support. The combination of its historical significance, community care, and enjoyable swimming conditions makes it a standout attraction.
The NC500 Swimming Experience
Travelers often mention the cold and choppy water, which is characteristic of sea pools in this region. However, the pool's design, with its easy-access steps, ensures that the swim is manageable and enjoyable for most. It provides a safe alternative to open sea swimming, especially for those concerned about marine life or unpredictable currents.
Beyond the swim itself, the area around the pool is well cared for, free of litter, and equipped with plenty of benches poolside. This makes it a pleasant spot to relax before or after your swim, taking in the coastal atmosphere. The friendly locals also contribute to the welcoming experience, making it a truly authentic stop on the NC500.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit