The Ultimate Guide to Chilly Dips & a Coastal Christmas
If Christmas Day is about indulging in treats, Boxing Day is for those brave enough to jump into cold water for fun or charity. Across the UK, swimmers in fun costumes gather to raise money for local causes and get a head start on that ‘New Year, new me’ feeling. Check out Boxing Day Swims near you.
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Table of Contents
What Is A Boxing Day Swim?
A Boxing Day swim is a festive tradition in the UK where people gather at beaches, lakes, or harbours on 26 December to run into the cold water, all in the name of fun, community spirit, and raising money for local charities.
What makes Boxing Day swims special?
- It happens on Boxing Day (26th December) – right after all the Christmas indulgence.
- People dress up – everything from Santa suits to penguins, tutus, superheroes and novelty costumes.
- It’s freezing! – The water is usually around 5–10°C, which is part of the thrill.
- It raises money for charity – many swims support local causes or emergency services like the RNLI.
- It’s a huge community event – spectators gather to cheer, beaches get packed, and you can get a hot chocolate afterwards.
Most events are free to join, open to all ages, and perfect for anyone who wants to kick-start their post-Christmas energy with a dash of madness.
Take a Christmas Hamper
Devon Hampers send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and Christmas hampers.
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Boxing Day Swims in Wales
Wales absolutely smashes Boxing Day dips – huge crowds, iconic beaches, and events that feel more like festivals than swims.
Boxing Day Swim Porthcawl
One of Wales’s biggest swims is actually on Christmas morning, not Boxing Day! You can expect thousands at the Porthcawl Christmas Swim on Coney Beach, a carnival atmosphere, and outrageous fancy dress. It’s been running for 60 years!
Time: Arrival and registration are from 10.30am at the High Tide Inn, followed by carol singing and braving the waves around 11.45am with a big countdown.
Boxing Day Swim Tenby
A famous Pembrokeshire tradition, the Tenby Boxing Day Swim sees swimmers in colourful outfits take to the chilly waters of North Beach, egged on by cheering crowds. There’s a beach bonfire and steaming bowls of soup waiting for their return to shore.
Time: 11am for the 11.30am plunge.
If you want to Explore Pembrokeshire: Uncover 17 Hidden Gems and Must-Do Activities.
Boxing Day Swim Barry Island
The official swim is actually on New Year’s Day, even though you’ll find a few dippers on Boxing Day. A fun, family-friendly event on Whitmore Bay with a strong community feel.
Time: Fun on the beach starts from 11am, with the stampede to the sea at 11.30am.
Saundersfoot Boxing Day Swim
The Saundersfoot New Year event attracts huge crowds, an amazing atmosphere, and one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic charity dips. The charity swim is now 40 years old.
Time: It starts at 12.30pm on New Year’s Day.
Aberavon Boxing Day Dip
Port Talbot’s classic dip is loud, busy, and full of families. It’s an informal community event, with no official organisation, at Aberavon Beach.
Time: Meet at Francos Fish Bar or the slipway at 10.15am.
Ogmore-by-Sea Boxing Day Dip
A beautiful setting and strong community turnout. The informal tradition is popular with locals and visitors who brave the cold sea for fun.
Time: Meet at the beach slipway, near the Seaview restaurant, at 9am.
Llandudno Boxing Day Dip
A long-standing tradition and annual charity event organised by Llandudno Lions Club. Hundreds take on the challenge, and there are prizes for the best-dressed and first to enter the water. Meet at the Old Lifeboat slipway near St George’s Hotel. Spectators get the best view from the promenade.
Time: Check-in starts from 10am, and entering the water at 11.30am.
Where to go Wild Swimming in South Wales
If you prefer your swim with a bit more nature and a lot less chlorine, wild swimming might be your thing. From waterfalls to mountain lakes, South Wales is bursting with epic spots to take the plunge.
Check out Three Cliffs Bay for a scenic swim under a natural limestone arch, or Henrhyd Falls, where you can take a quick plunge near Wales’ highest waterfall. Llyn y Fan Fach, nestled in the Brecon Beacons, is another dream destination for wild swimming, offering breathtaking views.
Here’s where to go wild swimming in South Wales.
Don’t Forget a Drink!
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Boxing Day Swim Cornwall
Cornwall does seaside chaos better than perhaps anywhere – huge turnouts, plenty of surf clubs, and lots of post-dip pubs ready to warm you up.
Boxing Day Swim Paignton
A cheerful, well-attended event with great community spirit. The Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea raises funds for local good causes.
Time: Registration is from 10am. Fancy dress is judged at 11.45am. The walk into the English Channel is at 12pm.
Newquay Boxing Day Swim
An informal swim is a popular tradition for locals and visitors alike, who brave the cold sea for the Perranporth Boxing Day Swim.
Time: Starts at 10.30am.
Best Beaches in Newquay for Dogs
Who said seaside fun is just for humans? Take your four-legged friend for an adventure and explore the dog-friendly beaches in Newquay. Feel the sand between your feet and paws, and the salty sea breeze blow through your hair and fur: Discover the Best Beaches in Newquay to Take Your Dog.
Bude Surf Life Saving Club Boxing Day Swim
Iconic! One of the most photographed dips in the UK. Hundreds brave the cold Atlantic at Crooklets Beach. There are post-swim warm-up drinks like mulled wine or hot chocolate, too.
Time: The swim kicks off at 11am.
Things To Do In Bude
Bude is packed with seaside charm, from surfing the rolling Atlantic waves to wandering the colourful independent shops in the town centre. You can stroll along the canal, explore the dramatic clifftop walks, or warm up in a cosy café after a windswept beach adventure: All of the Things to do in Bude.
St Ives Boxing Day Swim
A scenic swim with big crowds. This is a community tradition at Portminster Beach, where participants dive into the depths of the Cornish waters.
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Exmouth Boxing Day Swim
A Devon favourite with hundreds taking part on Christmas Day. Thousands take the chilly plunge, starting at the Clock Tower on Exmouth Beach. The tradition started in the late 1960s
Time: 11am.
Boxing Day Swim Devon
Devon hosts several of the West Country’s biggest dips – perfect for those who like their swims wild and breezy.
Teignmouth Boxing Day Swim (Teignmouth Boxing Day Dip)
The Teignmouth Boxing Day Dip is actually known as the RNLI Teignmouth Walk in the Sea. It’s a fun and friendly dip with great coastal views, which helps blow the Christmas cobwebs away.
Time: Starting from 10.30am.
Torquay Boxing Day Dip
Participants run into the sea at Torre Abbey Sands, opposite the Belgrave Hotel. Hosted by the No. 200 (Torquay) Squadron Air Training Corps, it’s a fun, community fundraising event. Changing facilities are provided in the Grand Hotel afterwards.
Time: Starting from 10.30am.
Sidmouth Boxing Day Swim
A well-loved East Devon event which began in 1985. Whilst it’s no longer officially run, due to a lack of volunteers, many still gather and enter the water together.
Time: 11am.
West Bay Wallow
A brilliant Dorset–Devon border event known for costumes. The Boxing Day Swim West Bay is a charity fancy dress event where everyone runs in together!
Time: 12pm.
Boxing Day Swim Dorset
Dorset offers everything from family-friendly dips to rowdy seaside plunges.
Boscombe Pier Boxing Day Dip
The Macmillan White Christmas Dip starts early on Christmas morning at Boscombe Pier. The Bournemouth Boxing Day Swim is a tradition started in 2008, with John White and his family.
Time: Registration from 9.45am, and the charge into the sea is at 10.30am.
Swanage Boxing Day Swim
A longstanding dip with a fun, quirky vibe. The swim is on Swanage Beach, outside The Mowlem. Festive hats are encouraged.
Time: The town crier’s bell will ring at 11am sharp.
Boxing Day Swim Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight might be known for sunshine and surf in the summer, but come Boxing Day, it’s all about brave locals, chilly seas, and a big dose of festive madness.
Ventnor Boxing Day Swim
A much-loved island event with locals turning out in force at the Ventnor Esplanade. The annual event attracts over 1000 people to the seafront. Warm up in the Spyglass Inn afterwards.
Time: 12pm.
Boxing Day Swims in Sussex
Sussex swimmers are built differently – bold, brave, and definitely not bothered by the cold.
Christmas Day Swim Brighton
It’s technically Christmas Day, but famous enough to mention! It’s an informal tradition where hardy locals take a dip in the sea on Brighton Beach. Historically organised by Brighton Swimming Club, but happens spontaneously now.
Time: 11am.
Camber Sands Boxing Day Swim
A breezy Boxing Day splash with lots of swimmers on Chamber Sands Beach in East Sussex. The communal, informal dip helps shake off the Christmas indulgence.
Time: Typically 10am, but timed with high tide for better sea access.
Eastbourne Boxing Day Swim
A popular dip on the Sunshine Coast. The local sea-swimming group organises the annual, informal cold-water dip, Fish 2 Water. The festive reset aims to raise funds for the RNLI.
Time: 12.30pm.
Boxing Day Swims in Kent
Kent’s coastline is full of hardy swimmers and long-running Boxing Day traditions.
Deal Castle Boxing Day Dip
Well-loved and busy! Unfortunately, the 2024 and 2025 events have been cancelled due to issues with sea pollution. Instead, The Deal Icebreakers held a free event with DanceFit, sea shanties and games.
Time: 11am.
Herne Bay Boxing Day Dip
A local, informal, social swim for hardy locals to brave the cold sea. Organised by the Hi Hearne Bay Swimmers, meet at the Surf Club or jetty.
Time: 10.15am, but it does depend on tides and water quality.
Folkestone Boxing Day Dip
The Folkestone Hythe & District Lions Club host the Boxing Day Swim on Sunny Sands, come rain, shine or snow. Plus, it’s a fancy dress competition, with prizes for lots of categories.
Time: Registration starts at 9.30am, and the dip is at 11.30am.
Whitstable RNLI Boxing Day Cold Water Dip
The annual charity cold water swim encourages participants to plunge into the chilly sea on Boxing Day. Fancy dress is encouraged.
Time: 10am.
St Andrew’s Lakes Boxing Day Dip & Paddle
An inland “wild swim” vibe in calmer waters. St Andrew’s Lakes allow participants to swim or bring their own SUP or Kayak for a festive dip. There’s a roaring fire pit and a complimentary hot drink afterwards. Inducted swimmers only.
Time: 10am.
Boxing Day Swims in Essex
Essex loves a big, bold Boxing Day dip – and the coastline turns into a buzzing mix of brave swimmers, cheering crowds, and icy splashes.
Southend-on-Sea Boxing Day Dip
A huge charity swim with a great cause. The Southend RNLI Dip takes place on Jubilee Beach. Fancy dress, festive gear or wild hats are encouraged.
Time: Arrival from 10.45am with kick off at 11.30am.
Aldeburgh Boxing Day Swim
A bracing North Sea dip! The Boxing Day Sea Swim started in 1988. The White Lion Hotel kindly offers swimmers a hot chocolate afterwards.
Time: 11am.
Boxing Day Swims in Suffolk
Suffolk might be quieter than some of the busier Boxing Day hotspots, but don’t let that fool you – its swims are full of festive cheer, community spirit, and brave swimmer splunging into the chilly North Sea.
Felixstowe Lions Boxing Day Dip
One of Suffolk’s biggest festive events actually happens on Christmas Day! Meet on Felixstowe seafront, opposite Mannings Amusements, the event raises money for St Elizabeth Hospice. Very fun, very silly, very cold.
Time: Registration is from 8.30am, and the swim is at 10am.
Boxing Day Swim London
Even London gets in on the festive freezing fun.
Hampstead Heath Ponds
The most iconic London wild swim. Hampstead Heath’s famous swimming ponds attract many swimmers for festive dips. Expect large crowds, especially at the Mixed Pond. Not for the faint-hearted – it’s icy!
Time: Tickets are paid on entry during non-bookable sessions.
Boxing Day Swim Norfolk
With golden beaches, lively promenades, and long-running charity dips, the Norfolk coast turns into a festive playground on 26 December.
Cromer Boxing Day Dip
A massive crowd and brilliant atmosphere. Shake off those Christmas excesses, brave the cold, and raise money for charity. The pier viewpoint is perfect for photos.
Time: The dip takes place at 12.30pm.
Hunstanton Boxing Day Swim
A traditional seaside dip with lots of support is actually on Christmas Day. It’s a tradition that has been running for over 60 years. Hundreds gather on Hunstanton Beach before taking a dip in the North Sea.
Time: Registration from 10am and the swim at 11am.
Sea Palling Boxing Day Dip
Fun, friendly, and very festive. The popular, free charity event typically benefits local causes. Local lifeboat crews and coastguards provide safety.
Time: Registration at 11.30am and the swim at 12pm.
Boxing Day Swim Liverpool
Liverpool does Boxing Day dips with true Scouse spirit – loud, lively, and full of heart. Expect big crowds, bold costumes, and plenty of laughter.
Albert Dock Boxing Day Dip
A city-centre dip with a twist – harbour cold water combined with mega crowds. Brave souls take to the water from a pontoon in Salthouse Dock (next to Albert Dock), often in festive fancy dress, raising money for charity.
Time: From 10am.
Boxing Day Swim in Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s Boxing Day swims are a proper northern mix of grit, good humour, and glorious seaside tradition.
Whitby Boxing Day Dip
Huge, colourful, and full of fancy dress. The Whitby District Lions Club annual Boxing Day Dip is for those brave enough to run into the North Sea on Boxing Day, meeting at Whitby Bandstand.
Time: Registration opens at 10am, fancy dress judging at 10.30am, and the run into the sea is immediately after.
Boxing Day Swims in the North East
The North East doesn’t do things by halves, and its Boxing Day swims are no exception.
Redcar Boxing Day Dip
A lively North East favourite. Blow the cobwebs away at the Redcar Boxing Day Swim. Meet at The Palace Hub.
Time: 11am.
Boxing Day Dip Tynemouth
Enormous crowds and brilliant atmosphere. Held at Longsands Beach and organised by the North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards, which began in 1999. It’s one of the region’s biggest charity fundraisers.
Time: 11am.
North Berwick Boxing Day Dip
Full of community spirit, this unofficial tradition sees keen cold-water swimmers take a dip on Spittal Beach near Berwick-upon-Tweed. Even without an official host, local groups often provide hot drinks or warm spaces, and RNLI volunteers are usually on hand for safety.
Time: 11am.
Sunderland Boxing Day Dip
Join hundreds of dippers on Seaburn Beach for a festive splash. The event raises money for Louie’s. Conquer the North Sea, cure festive blues and raise money for charity.
Time: 10am.
Boxing Day Swims in Scotland
Brave? Absolutely. Freezing? Even more so. Scotland’s Boxing Day swims are legendary.
Portobello Boxing Day Dip
Edinburgh’s iconic festive swim is actually on Christmas Day. The popular, bracing, and often fancy-dressed cold-water swim is on Portobello Beach, where participants plunge in the Firth of Forth. It’s a unique way to start the Christmas period.
Time: 10am.
Broughty Ferry Boxing Day Dip
A Dundee classic is actually the famous New Year’s Day Dook, dating back to 1891, where hundreds brave the icy River Tay for charity. The Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association organises the charity event.
Time: 2.30pm.
Ayr Boxing Day Dip
Fun West Coast energy. The annual Ayrshire Cancer Support Big Boxing Day Dip is held at Ayr Beach to raise funds for Ayrshire Cancer Support. Participants meet at Blackburn Car Park.
Time: 11am.
Aberdeen Beach Boxing Day Dip
A big North Sea plunge, often called the Nippy Dipper, takes place on Aberdeen Beach. After all the turkey and mince pies, its description is referred to as a “refreshing dip”.
Time: From 10am.
Boxing Day Swims in Northern Ireland
A brilliant mix of coastal beauty and lively festive tradition.
Helen’s Bay Christmas Eve Swim
A popular festive swim at Helen’s Bay Beach in Cawfordsburn County Park actually happens on Christmas Eve. Every year, people plunge into Belfast Lough to raise money for local charities.
Time: 10am.
Donaghadee Boxing Day Swim
Community-led and very cheerful. Led by the Chunky Dunkers, an open water swimming group who participate in the annual 12 Swims of Christmas for charity, including a dip date on Boxing Day.
Time: 4pm.
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