Grab your Santa hat and brave the waves at one of the many chilly Christmas dips that take place across the UK each year. From Wales to Weston-super-Mare, will you be one of the brave swimmers to hit the waves in the name of charity and community spirit?
1. Hit the winter waves of the west country in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Each year, brave Somerset locals delay their Christmas dinner to dive into Weston-super-Mare’s seaside Marine Lake. Dress in anything from fancy dress to cosy wetsuits and warm up with mulled wine and a mince pie following your swim. Created to raise funds for the two local charities Weston RNLI and Weston Hospice, the yule-tide dip is the county’s biggest, making it the place to be on Christmas Day! Swimmers meet at Marine Lake, 10am ready for 10:30am dip.
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2. Santa braves the sea… Porthcawl’s annual Christmas day swim, Wales
Be one of the thousands that jump into the icy December waters every Christmas morning at Sandy Bay, Bridgend County. This charity event draws swimmers from across the globe, taking the plunge dressed as elves, Christmas puddings and of course Santa Clause. The swim’s 55-year history has built a loyal following, making it one of the UK’s biggest, drawing hoards of festive spectators to watch the family-friendly event. Each year the Porthcawl Christmas Swim sponsors different local charities, and this year all funds donated will go to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. So the question is, will you dare the dip? The swim will take place at 11:45 am on Christmas Day at Sandy Bay.
christmasswim.org
Shake off the tinsel with chilly charitable dives along Wales Coast Path
It’s not just Porthcawl that offer’s refreshing festive swims: re-boost with a dip beyond Christmas Day.
3. Will you brave Tenby’s Boxing Day dip?
Located along the Wales Coast Path and named one of the UK’s best beaches, Tenby’s North beach has also been home to an invigorating Boxing Day tradition for over five decades. Tenby’s Boxing Day swim draws around 700 fresh-faced locals each year. With canoe races, crazy rafts and fun-filled fancy dress, brighten your Boxing Day with fun-filled seaside activities. Since its humble beginnings, Tenby Boxing Day Swim has raised nearly £280,000 for local, national and international charities. If swimming isn’t your thing, spectators can enjoy a walk along the Wales Coast Path adjacent to the North Beach for an elevated view of the hundreds of swimmers who fill the beach. The 49th Tenby Boxing Day Swim takes place on the North Beach on Thursday, December 26th 2019, from 11am.
www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk
4. Dive into 2020 with Barry Island’s brilliant New Year’s Day Swim
Established in 1984, Barry Island’s iconic New Year’s Day Swim has become one of the most popular events along the South Wales coast. Head to Whitmore Bay along the Wales Coast Path in the Vale of Glamorgan for a refreshing way to start the new year. Created by a group of lifeguard friends back in 1984, the Barry Island swim turned from a bright idea in a pub to a brilliant annual affair that raises hundreds for Tŷ Hafan, the Children’s Hospice in Wales. From 11:00 – 13:00, Barry Island.
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