Christmas and New Year Sea Dips: The UK's Festive Swims

For some people the festive season is not complete without running into a freezing sea. Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day dips take place all around the British coast, many of them raising money for charity, some in fancy dress, and a few with histories going back more than half a century. You can take part or simply watch, which is nearly as much fun and considerably warmer.

At a glance

When: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Sea temperature: often under 10°C. Cost: many are free or ask for charity sponsorship; some require registration. Essential: warm clothes for afterwards, and no showing off.

Some of the best-known

Tenby Boxing Day Swim, Pembrokeshire

One of the biggest and longest-running in Britain, held every Boxing Day since 1971 and organised by the local sea swimming association. Hundreds of swimmers, many in costume, take to the water on Tenby's North Beach in front of large crowds. In 2026 it falls on Saturday 26 December.

Saltburn New Year's Day Dip, North Yorkshire

A local tradition since the 1960s, held beside the Victorian pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, with swimmers gathering in the late morning and going into the North Sea at 11am.

The Loony Dook, South Queensferry

On New Year's Day, swimmers wade into the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, with the Forth bridges as a backdrop. It turned forty in 2026. It is no longer part of Edinburgh's official Hogmanay programme; since 2023 it has been run by locals as a free event, with details usually posted in December.

Brighton on Christmas Day

In Brighton, a Christmas Day swim has long been a tradition among hardy locals, these days more informal than organised.

Doing it safely

Know about cold water shock

Sudden immersion in cold water makes you gasp and breathe fast for the first minute or so, which is when most problems happen. Walk in rather than jump, keep your head above water, and stay in only briefly. If you get into difficulty, the RNLI's advice is to float on your back until your breathing settles.

Join an organised event

Organised dips usually have lifeguards or safety cover. Swimming alone in winter is far riskier. If you have a heart condition, check with a doctor first.

Get warm afterwards

Have warm, loose clothes, a hat and a hot drink ready, and change quickly. Shivering can continue for some time afterwards, so do not drive straight away if you feel cold.

Watching instead

The crowds on the beach are part of the fun, and you need no sponsorship or nerve. Big dips draw spectators in the thousands, with costumes, music and a carnival feel, so arrive in good time if you want to see the start.

Making a break of it

A festive dip makes a good centrepiece for a few days on the coast over Christmas or New Year. See our guides to wild swimming staycations, Christmas staycations and New Year staycations.