Once upon a time the New Year’s day swim was the preserve of the crazy or the hardened, lone sea swimmer. But since the national awakening about wild swimming, sea dips, and cold water swimming, they’ve boomed in popularity. And there is something magical about sluicing away the end of the year with an exhilarating communal dip.
This list is far from exhaustive. There are swims – formal and informal – right across the UK so check local listings for your favourite. And given they’re at the mercy of the elements, it’s always worth checking they’re going ahead before setting out.
Remember to stay safe. The Outdoor Swimming Society publish some Festive Swimming Dos and Don’ts and they’re well worth a quick look.
Photo of Bude by Big Ladder photography
Christmas Day Swims
- The White Christmas Dip – Boscombe Pier, 9.45am
A charity fundraiser at Boscombe Pier near Bournemouth. Pre-register on the website.
- Exmouth Christmas Day Swim – Devon, 10.45am
Founded in the late 60s by a group of friends and now one of the county’s largest.
- Sennen Beach – Cornwall, 11am
Hundreds of dippers descend on one of Cornwall’s prettiest coves.
- Bude Christmas Day Swim – Cornwall, 11am
Make your way to Crooklets beach for 11am for a swim with the Bude Surf Life Saving Club. Wetsuits prohibited! (Throw a tenner in the bucket to support the club.)
- Polzeath – Cornwall, 11am
The Cornish have a particular penchant for Christmas sea swims, but this Polzeath one is a fairly new addition to the scene. Wet suits are also forbidden but it’s worth checking to see if the sea sauna is open for a warm up before or after.
- Weymouth Harbour Christmas Swim – Dorset, 11am
An actual ‘swim’ where participants cross the harbour and back. The RNLI are on hand to supervise but it’s organised by the local Lions Club.
- Porthcawl Christmas Swim – Bridgend, 10.30am
A party-like sea swim on South Wales’ Coney beach that’s been going since 1965. Meet at the Hi-Tide Inn.
- Felixstowe Christmas Day Dip – Suffolk, 10am
One way to kick off your Christmas. It’s a charity fundraiser so dig deep for the local hospice.
- Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim – Suffolk, 10am
Supported by the Coastguard and various local charities, this one features a warm-up on the prom before a bracing dip.
Boxing Day Swims
- St Ives Boxing Day Dip – Cornwall, noon
Head to Porthminster Beach to join the throng of sea swimmers. Donations to charity.
- West Bay Wallow – Dorset, noon
Held in Bridport’s West bay and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this fancy dress swim is followed up with carols round the community Christmas tree.
- Deal Rotary Icebreakers Boxing Day Swim – Kent, 1.30pm
Inaugurated in 2018 and rapidly amassing followers. Register in advance for a discounted ticket.
- Ventnor Boxing Day Swim – Isle of Wight, noon
Head to the esplanade of the UK’s sunniest shore to join the dippers.
- Cromer Boxing Day Dip – Norfolk, 11.30am
Burn off the turkey excesses with a dook in the North Sea at Cromer.
- Portreath Beach – Cornwall, 11am
Leave your wetsuit at home – they’re not allowed here. This Boxing Day swim is arranged by the local life saving club and the entry fee covers warming mulled wine and mince pies after the event.
- Charlestown Harbour – Cornwall, 11.30am
Run by the local rowing club near St Austell, and fancy dress is encouraged.
- Paignton Walk into the Sea – Devon, noon
A ‘walk into the sea’ but most like to run and get it over with! £10 entry which goes to the local Lions Club.
- Tenby Boxing Day Swim – Pembrokeshire, 11am
A local institution with a bonfire on North Beach and hot soup for warming up afterwards. There’s a ‘superhero’ theme for fancy dressers this year.
- Pembrey Country Park Walrus Dip – Carmarthenshire, 10.30am
Make your way to Cefn Sidan beach for the Boxing Day swim and you can claim a certificate to prove you were hardy enough.
- Llandudno Boxing Day Sea Swim – Conwy, 10.30am
Organised by the Lions Club, you’ll need to pre-register for this charity fundraising dip.
- Whitby Boxing Day Dip – North Yorkshire, 10.30am
Registration for this one is mandatory and fancy dress judging begins the proceedings.
- Sunderland Boxing Day Dip – Tyne and Wear, 10am
Open to anyone over the age of 12 with fancy dress encouraged. Organisers recommend bringing an old pair of trainers for the road crossing before the big wet.
- Burghead Boxing Day Swim – Moray, 2.30pm
The fearless swimmers here have to hurl themselves from the harbour wall into the waters.
New Year’s Day Swims
- Hele Bay Merbabes New Year’s Swim – North Devon, 10am
An RNLI fundraiser just outside Ilfracombe.
- Lyme New Year’s Day Lunge – Devon, 1pm
Lyme Regis’ fancy dress fundraiser, organised by the local Rotary Club.
- Camber Sands Festive Dips – East Sussex, tide dependent
Also held on Boxing Day; the hardy can do both. Tide times affect timings so check in advance for the latest updates.
- Saundersfoot New Years’ Day Swim – Pembrokeshire, 12.30pm
A charity event with prizes for fancy dress. £5 to join in and a fabulous way to sluice off the Christmas excesses.
- Porthdinllaen New Year’s Day Dip – Llyn Peninsula, noon
Safeguarded by the RNLI, this new year’s cleanse takes place on Morfa Nefyn beach.
- Porty Dook – Lothian, 1pm
A hardcore dook in the North Sea off the Edinburgh coast. One for the brave!
- Broughty Ferry Harbour – Dundee, 2.30pm
Hundreds of dookers turn up for this one in a tradition that comes from the fisherfolk of the town. Spectators are welcome but mankinis aren’t.
Like sea swimming? You’ll love our Coastal Cafe Guide! Every salty sea swim demands a warming hot chocolate afterwards. (Click to buy.)
