Fancy a festive dip? The best outdoor Christmas swims in the UK
Modern life has almost eradicated mass upheavals of joy - almost, but not quite, because there is nothing like a roaring band in a freezing sea for us remember that life is good.
< p class="dcr-1b64dqh">Community swims have a slightly different feel depending on the day they take place - Christmas Day swims are a rare opportunity to commune with your tribe (which may be different from your current family) and can inspire some joy for the rest of the day. Boxing Day swims can be a cleansing after all those indulgences. And charging on New Year's Day is a great way to embrace the year ahead.When I'm not close enough to participate in a big swim, I always find a place to dive at least one of the days. It's not the same as thrashing about in the middle of a happy group, but it's still a big, cold, happy kick to the arm (and butt and leg).
Precautions apply: Cold water increases blood pressure and causes gasping, and carries risks including heart attacks, asthma and panic attacks, and hypothermia. Winter swimming should not be undertaken while under the influence or hungover. The beauty of these swims – some of which have lasted for over 100 years – is that they retain their spontaneous nature and light touch of safety. Help them preserve this informality during the current explosion of winter swimming by managing your own risk. Check the process before you go - some swims require online registrations and charge upwards of £10 for local charities.
Northern EnglandPier Road, Whitby, from 10am on Boxing DayFun, frenetic and 48 year old, it's a local tradition for families who come together to spend Boxing Day together. It was last held in 2021, where 230 swimmers rushed into the freezing North Sea. Swimmers in the North East can also catch Boxing Day dives at Hartlepool, Redcar and Sunderland, while in the North West there is a modern organized swim at Salford Quays (£25, with tow floats). em> Whitby Lions Boxing Day Swim, £10
East of EnglandCromer Beach , starting at 10am on Boxing Day
What started with a few runners leaving for a Boxing Day race then continuing into the sea 30 years has become "a glorious spectacle reg arded by thousands," says current organizer Clive Hedges.
The dip s pies with a fun run, then 45 minutes later there's a dip , watched by onlookers lining Cromer's promenade and pier.
"Everyone is in the spirit of Christmas or life," says Hedges. The costume is a...
Modern life has almost eradicated mass upheavals of joy - almost, but not quite, because there is nothing like a roaring band in a freezing sea for us remember that life is good.
< p class="dcr-1b64dqh">Community swims have a slightly different feel depending on the day they take place - Christmas Day swims are a rare opportunity to commune with your tribe (which may be different from your current family) and can inspire some joy for the rest of the day. Boxing Day swims can be a cleansing after all those indulgences. And charging on New Year's Day is a great way to embrace the year ahead.When I'm not close enough to participate in a big swim, I always find a place to dive at least one of the days. It's not the same as thrashing about in the middle of a happy group, but it's still a big, cold, happy kick to the arm (and butt and leg).
Precautions apply: Cold water increases blood pressure and causes gasping, and carries risks including heart attacks, asthma and panic attacks, and hypothermia. Winter swimming should not be undertaken while under the influence or hungover. The beauty of these swims – some of which have lasted for over 100 years – is that they retain their spontaneous nature and light touch of safety. Help them preserve this informality during the current explosion of winter swimming by managing your own risk. Check the process before you go - some swims require online registrations and charge upwards of £10 for local charities.
Northern EnglandPier Road, Whitby, from 10am on Boxing DayFun, frenetic and 48 year old, it's a local tradition for families who come together to spend Boxing Day together. It was last held in 2021, where 230 swimmers rushed into the freezing North Sea. Swimmers in the North East can also catch Boxing Day dives at Hartlepool, Redcar and Sunderland, while in the North West there is a modern organized swim at Salford Quays (£25, with tow floats). em> Whitby Lions Boxing Day Swim, £10
East of EnglandCromer Beach , starting at 10am on Boxing Day
What started with a few runners leaving for a Boxing Day race then continuing into the sea 30 years has become "a glorious spectacle reg arded by thousands," says current organizer Clive Hedges.
The dip s pies with a fun run, then 45 minutes later there's a dip , watched by onlookers lining Cromer's promenade and pier.
"Everyone is in the spirit of Christmas or life," says Hedges. The costume is a...
What's Your Reaction?
