Annual Christmas Day Swim
If the idea of jumping into the ice cold winter ocean on Christmas day sounds like a good idea then this page is for you. We bring you a guide to Christmas Days swims around the UK.
Take the Plunge – Christmas Day Swims around the UK
If the idea of jumping into the ice cold winter ocean on Christmas day sounds like a good idea then this page is for you. Your a guide to Christmas day swims around the UK. Christmas swims in the UK have evolved into a cherished tradition, characterised by communal gatherings where participants brave the icy waters of lakes and seas, often dressed in festive attire.
People take part for all sorts of reasons. For many, it’s about the thrill and the challenge of jumping into icy waters – it’s definitely a memorable experience! Others love the festive atmosphere and the chance to connect with friends and family. Plus, a lot of these swims are organised to raise money for charities, so participants often get to feel good about doing something for a good cause while having fun.
Christmas swims typically occur on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Each swim has its own unique atmosphere: Christmas Day swims are festive and communal, Boxing Day swims often serve as a “purification” after holiday indulgences, and New Year’s Day swims symbolise a fresh start for the year ahead.
Take part or go and support the swimmers.
London at the Serpentine
London’s famous Christmas Day swim at the Serpentine in Hyde Parke where members of the local club have been competing for the Peter Pan Cup since 1904.
Whitley Bay Annual New Year’s Day Swim
Join the Panama Swimming Club for its annual New Year’s Day swim which has been taking place at Whitley Bay for over 40 years. Fancy dress is optional and it is free to take part.
10.45 meet at the clubhouse, 11am start.
Brighton Christmas day Swim
Brighton’s Christmas Day Swim is a historic event has been held annually since 1860, attracting hundreds of participants who plunge into the sea on Christmas morning.
Hunstanton Christmas Day Swim
Jump into the sea with over a hundred other people cheered on by the spectators and dressed in and outrageous fancy dress costumes, at the Hunstanton Xmas swim. A prize of £25 for the best dressed individual and £100 for the best group will be presented prior to the swim. All swimmers raise sponsorship for local charities.
Porthcawl Wales
Approximately 500 swimmers take the plunge at Coney Beach at Porthcawl
Tenby Boxing Day swim
Tenby Boxing Day swim is a spectacle that sees around 600 brave souls race into the sea, watched by thousands of spectators. The tradition raises money for local charities and has a fancy dress theme – so if you’re taking the plunge this year make sure you’re kitted out as a pirate or a princess. The event has grown in size every year and now includes a raft race and a fancy dress parade. Everyone who takes part gets a medal, but perhaps more important is the roaring bonfire on the beach for swimmers to warm up by afterwards.
Starts at 11.30am tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk 26th December
Exmouth Christmas day swim
The Exmouth Christmas day swim takes place on Christmas day every year. The event attracts thousands of people with many being brave enough to take the plunge and go for a swim in the waters just of Exmouth beach.
Crooklets Beach Cornwall, Bude
Over 500 swimmers and 2000 spectators attend each year to make Bude Christmas Day Swim the biggest non-wetsuit wearing swimming event in the South West.