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A compact yet stunning tidal pool on Britain's south-west coastline is being praised as one of the country's best kept secrets.

The hidden mini lagoon, also referred to as the Mermaid Pool, sits on one of Cornwall's most frequented beaches on the North coast, yet very few tourists (beyond locals) are aware of its presence.

Fittingly dubbed one of the "North coast's best kept secrets", this tidal pool is completely submerged and concealed at high tide, rendering its presence a wonderful surprise for those who stumble upon it at low tide.

Porthtowan Beach's Mermaid Pool has an intriguing origin story, reports Cornwall Live.

In 1908, a local resident, Francis Beringer, succeeded in obtaining the permission of the Prince of Wales to build the tidal pool on Porthtowan Beach. His descendants allegedly still reside in Porthtowan village.

The sole requirement? An annual rental fee of 1 shilling to be paid to the Duchy of Cornwall land steward.

Built with the assistance of Cornish mining explosives specialist Jabus Foster Maynard, substantial rock boulders at the foot of the cliff were repositioned to create a concrete dam which would naturally hold seawater as the tide receded.

Vintage photographs from the 20th century depict the Mermaid Pool in all its splendour, and locals even claim it held water considerably better in those days. Nevertheless, it continues to be a spectacular secret location for some wild saltwater bathing.

Tucked away amongst the rocks, beneath the cliffs on the eastern side of Porthtowan Beach, the Mermaid Pool remains concealed from the eyes of visitors.

The water filling Porthtowan's secretive Mermaid Pool arrives courtesy of submersion at high tide, making low tide the ideal moment to enjoy a splash around in this tidal retreat.

Reaching this saltwater haven does come with considerable risks, however. Originally accessible via a treacherous set of 'steps' descending from the coastal path cliffs, erosion and a succession of rockfalls have rendered this route far too perilous and unstable for public use.

Approaching the Mermaid Pool from the north at low tide is your safest option, keeping your back to the sea. This will guarantee you maintain a clear sightline of the concrete wall as you make your way towards the pool.

Should the tide prove too high during your visit, clambering across the large rocks from the main beach area may be worth considering, though it's essential to exercise caution and common sense at all times.

Sturdy footwear will prove invaluable when navigating the Mermaid Pool's barnacle-encrusted rocky path, and extra vigilance is particularly important when accompanied by children or dogs.

The optimum time to take a dip in this shimmering blue tidal hideaway is two to three hours either side of low tide.

A word of advice: locals are naturally well aware of the rock pool's existence, so school holidays and sweltering days will typically draw larger crowds. An evening sunset during summer or a sheltered winter swim could well be among the finest times to visit this breathtaking oasis.

Porthtowan Beach is no 'hidden gem', and it's consistently celebrated as one of the finest beaches in Cornwall, particularly for surfing. Its vast array of activities suitable for all ages makes it a firm family favourite, especially throughout the summer months.

Porthtowan's soft, sandy beach is flanked by dramatic cliffs and azure waters, and if that weren't enough, it has proudly held the prestigious Blue Flag award - recognising environment, amenities, and the quality of the beach - since 2005.

A handful of shops dotted around the beach make it a go-to destination for sun-soaked days out, with convenient facilities further enhancing the beach's overall appeal. Porthtowan Beach truly is a one-stop destination for everyone.

During low tide, Porthtowan's beach almost doubles in size and stretches to a staggering 1.5 miles, connecting with Chapel Porth and running beneath the spectacular cliffs of the renowned Wheal Coates tin mine.

Thanks to its surrounding cliffs, Porthtowan Beach also provides excellent shelter, protecting visitors from blustery winds. Low tide reveals rock pools throughout the area, and frankly, what more could you ask for?

Surrounded by captivating caves, striking cliffs, and glistening rock pools, Porthtowan Beach truly has something to offer every visitor, particularly those with a passion for the great outdoors.

For families, there's even a children's play park situated at the top of the beach, making it a genuinely welcoming destination for all.

However, Porthtowan Beach is perhaps best known for its superb surf, establishing it as a must-visit summer hotspot for surfing enthusiasts, particularly those keen to catch their very first wave. With RNLI lifeguards positioned throughout the beach, it's an ideal location for some summer fun in the water.

Porthtowan also forms a breathtakingly scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path, peppered with numerous remnants from Cornwall's rich and storied history.