Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims in Cornwall
There is surely no better way to remedy a spot of overindulgence than by a freezing, festive swim! And don’t worry, you don’t have to brave the icy sea alone. Every year, thousands of locals and visitors all over Cornwall don nothing but swimwear and a Santa’s hat – wetsuits are usually frowned upon – for a bracing communal cold water dip. It’s a lovely way to celebrate Christmas and Cornwall’s beautiful surroundings or ring in the new year, as well as raise money for charity. Here is our pick of the best Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims around Cornwall. Some are organised and have safety precautions in place whereas others have grown organically and may not have lifeguard cover or first aid available so please exercise caution and know your limits!
Please note: these swims may or may not take place for 2021 due to COVID-19.
Christmas Day Swims
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, south Cornwall
Mark the festive celebration with a 10 am morning dip. You’ll be in good company; it’s a strong local tradition to jump in the sea here on Christmas Day, whether you’re young or old. The stunning surroundings help – beautiful Gyllyngvase is one of Falmouth’s most popular beaches and perfect for swimming.
Coverack, Coverack Harbour, the Lizard
The Coverack Christmas Day Swim at 12.30 pm is the highlight of the year for many locals. Started by Dr Ian Wort, who made a bet with a friend to swim across the harbour of this pretty fishing village on the Lizard peninsula, it has been a tradition to enter the cold December waters for more than half a century. Those who take the plunge – in full fancy dress, of course – have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the St Keverne and Coverack branch of Cancer Research UK. Warm up afterwards with mulled wine by a roaring fire in the Fisherman’s Rest pub.
Crooklets Beach, Bude, north Cornwall
The Mike Moyle Memorial Christmas Day Swim at 11 am is Bude Surf Life Saving Club’s biggest and most famous fundraising event, where more than 500 people take to the wintry sea with no wetsuits. You’ll be encouraged to get sponsorship or donate £10. Lifeguard safety cover, changing facilities, hot drinks, mince pies and sausage rolls are all provided – all you need to do is show up and dive in!
St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove
A few hundred people take part in this icy swim at 11 am, followed by hot mulled cider in the Driftwood Spars Inn. The tradition grew organically from a dare. A former landlady challenged five local lads to hop in the sea with just their swim shorts on. The reward was a free pint! Inspired by their bravery, the whole community now comes together to swim or cheer on the swimmers in this pretty Cornish cove.
Hayle Bay, Polzeath, north Cornwall
On Christmas Day, more than 400 brave souls take part in this bracing swim at 11 am at Hayle Bay, near Polzeath, New Polzeath and Trebetherick. Wetsuits are strictly forbidden but there is usually plenty of hot chocolate and mulled tipples around to warm up with after.
Sennen Cove, west Cornwall
Join the crowds venturing into the water at the very end of the UK at 11 am! Started by a bunch of locals who have been braving the cold sea for decades, this annual swim is hugely popular. Hundreds of fearless people race into the Atlantic to celebrate Christmas Day, warming up on the beautiful golden sandy beach with hot drinks afterwards.
Boxing Day Swims
Porthminster Beach, St Ives, north Cornwall
The good news is that wetsuits are welcome at the Porthminster Beach Boxing Day Swim, which takes place at a civilised 12 noon! Donate just £1 to enter the water and help fundraise for local charities while you have fun. If you don’t fancy a dip yourself, cheer on the swimmers. There’ll be hot chocolate and bacon butties from the beach cafe to keep you warm.
Poldhu Beach, the Lizard
Poldhu Beach Cafe is renowned for staying open 363 days a year, come rain or shine. Ross and Natalie Hocking, who run the cafe, organise a Boxing Day morning swim at the beach for charity. Leap into the waves then retire to the cafe for hot chocolate and snacks.
Charlestown, south Cornwall
The perfect antidote to overindulgence on Christmas Day is Charlestown Rowing Club’s annual Boxing Day Charity Swim at 11 am, which attracts hundreds of visitors to the historic port. Since starting the event in 1991, the club has donated more than £24,000 to local charities Churchtown Outdoor Activity Centre for the Disabled, the RNLI and Cornwall Hospice Care. Each year, a different charity is nominated to receive funds.
New Year’s Day Swims
Harbour Beach, Newquay, north Cornwall
A New Year’s Day swim in wintry waters will be sure to clear foggy heads. Head to Newquay’s Harbour Beach to watch the brave swimmers run into the sea at 1.30 pm or join them yourself. Arrive early because the quayside is usually crowded with spectators. All proceeds go to charity.
Looe Beach, Looe, south Cornwall
The Famous Looe New Year’s Day Dip at 11 am sees about 300 swimmers in fancy dress run into the sea, along with Looe’s own RNLI crew. Now in its ninth year, the event raises money for Looe Lifeboat Station. For intrepid bathers, a buoy is anchored 20 metres offshore but feel free to just nip in to test the water temperature and zip back out again! Or join the crowds of spectators to watch and cheer the dippers on from the beach, seafront and Banjo Pier.
Gorran Haven Beach, Gorran Haven, south Cornwall
Leave the comfort of your holiday cottage and say hello to 2022 with a refreshing morning sea swim and join the rest of the village in celebrating the year to come. Line up on the beach with all the swimmers and then race in for a bracing dip!
Fancy spending Christmas in Cornwall and taking part in a Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day swim? View our Cornish holiday cottages with Christmas availability here.