At Ladram we’re rock pooling aficionados and love to indulge our inner child along the shore of Ladram Bay.
Our latest guide is intended to aid those both young and old to discover some fascinating creatures.
When to go rock pooling?
You can go rock pooling at any time of the year however we would generally advise those with younger children to stick to March – September, this way you’ll avoid those cold fingers. Remember the sea is generally warmest towards the end of the summer.
Ladram Bay (pictured) provides a great family environment to go rock pooling however it is best experienced when the weather is calm and dry as the rock pools will be still and therefore easier to spot creatures.
Where to look in a rock pool?
In most rock pools you’re likely to find green seaweed (called gut weed) and this is not good for rock pooling. The ideal time to go rock pooling is when the tide is out as the pools closest to the sea edge offer the best locations.
Try not to cast a shadow over the area you wish to rock pool in, your shadow will scare the creatures away.
Who lives in rock pools?
Eagle eyed and lucky rock pooler’s could be lucky enough to spot any of the following creatures at Ladram Bay or wider southwest;
- Butterfish
- Blenny
- Goby
- Lumpsucker
- Pipefish
- Crab
- Prawns & shrimp
- Star fish
- Sea hares (slug)
In the bottom of rock pools you can see star fish, sea slugs and possibly a crab. Remember you’ll need to look carefully as hermit crabs might use a periwinkle for a shell.
The most adventurous rock pooler’s will be no stranger to getting their hands wet, be it turning over rocks or looking under seaweed. Doing so could uncover keel worms, sea squirts or sponges – all prize finds for rock pooler’s. Remember to return all creatures back to the area you found them.
Tools of the trade
Any self respecting rock pooler requires a bucket (clear buckets are best), this way you’ll be able to get a good look at the creatures you retrieve.
Traditionalists might bring along a net however please be aware that many creatures are very delicate and can get tangled/ hurt in nets. Avoid jabbing nets into pools.
It is also a good idea to wear shoes with grippy soles as rock pools can be slippy places. Wetsuit boots, old trainers and welly boots will do.
Tidal movements
Always keep an eye on the tides and when they are due to turn, set an alarm if necessary. You are generally going to spend most of your time looking into rock pools and might be unaware of the tidal movements around you.
For 7 day tide times for Ladram Bay visit the beach guide website.
Book your half-term holiday at Ladram Bay.
What’s On Over October Half-Term?
Book your Summer stay at Ladram Bay and give the family all of this to look forward to!
We’re excited to welcome you back for a winter of fun with our pool membership. Splash around in the heated pool, entertain little ones in the small pool with play area, host a children’s birthday party, hit an aquafit class or head to the gym for circuits.
Signing up
To sign up, follow this link to download our membership form and email it to info@ladrambay.co.uk with a passport photo attached for your pass. Alternatively, please bring a passport photo for your pass.
How to book
Booking for any activity is essential. Book up to 7 days in advance via this link. To learn more about making a booking, please follow this link to our helpful guide.
Winter Leisure Membership
We know that booking holidays can often feel like a stressful event, with so many options and things to consider. We’ve put together our top tips for perfectly planning your 2024 holiday.
Plan around 2024 bank holidays
Not only are long weekends at Ladram Bay the perfect escape from reality but booking a whole week off around a bank holiday means you get to save a day or two of your all-important holiday allowance and have a nice long (and well needed) break, too.
Book for annual events
Outside of the summer holidays, we host plenty of entertainment around the Easter holidays and Halloween to name but a couple. There’s fun for the whole family – from Easter egg hunts for the little ones to fancy dress parties for young and old. It’s always worth a visit to see what we’ve got going on! Check out or visiting acts, too. With a full entertainment programme all season long, there’ll be something you love.
Book ahead
Save on stress and plan your 2024 holiday well in advance. You’ll thank yourself next year! We offer a deposit scheme that allows you to pay the balance eight weeks in advance of your holiday, which gives you plenty of room to breathe.
Look at off-peak dates
We know the buzz of the summer holidays isn’t for everyone. For maximum R&R, look at dates outside of peak season when the weather is still warm but the little ones are back at school. Our season runs from March to November, so there’s plenty of time to explore the Jurassic Coast in a laid-back fashion.
Check for last-minute staycations
Not a forward planner and fancy a spontaneous getaway? Why not. It’s always worth checking availability online or giving us a call on 01395 568398 – you never know what will be available last-minute in your budget.
Explore different accommodation types
We’ve got lots of different accommodation types here at Ladram Bay depending on what kind of holiday you fancy. If you love being in the great outdoors, bring your tent or tourer and enjoy views out across the bay, or glamp in one of our Otterpods and experience the best of both worlds.
If a little luxury is your idea of a holiday, our sea-view holiday homes and lodges can’t be beaten for the ultimate family getaway. Give it a try and have a holiday you won’t forget.
Booking your 2024 holiday – our 6 top tips
