Father Christmas’s arrival is only days away (eek, who can believe it!?) and with this magical time of year comes the modern tradition of a festive cold dip. We’ve compiled a list of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year swims happening around Cornwall so that you can swap your pjs for a pair of trusty swimmers! Have fun, stay warm and try not to freeze your baubles off.

Christmas Day Swims

Where? Crooklets Beach, Bude
When? 10:30am register, 11am sea swim

No wetsuits!
Back for another year, the Mike Moyle Memorial Swim is preparing for the biggest turnout yet, with a target of 600 merry swimmers! This event raises money for the Bude Surf Life Saving Club while raising money in memory of former member Mike Moyle. Everyone is welcome with open arms, but be warned… No wetsuits are allowed on this one!

Crooklets beach - photo credit: @wooldown

Where? Watergate Bay
If the promise of infamous Beach Hut extreme hot chocolates isn’t enough to get you in, we don’t know what will! Contact Watergate Bay to find out more info.

Where? Gyllygnvase Beach
When? 10am
We love Falmouth for a winter dip, you’ll adore this family fun Christmas Day dip, with fancy dress encourages and Santa heading in for a splash. A great way to start this magical day!

Where? Sennen Cove
When? 11am
No wetsuits!
Meet by the local Sennen Surf School and prepare to be amidst many other merry dippers as this swim attracts hundreds each year! After you’ve braved the cold, you’ll be rewarded with an opportunity for mulled wine or hot choc. A perfect way to start Christmas Day!

Sennen Beach - photo credit: @karldavies

Where? Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
When? 11am
No wetsuits!
The St Agnes Christmas Day swim began over 20 years ago with a dare when a pub landlady offered a free pint to a group lads if they ran into the sea in just their boxer shorts. A new tradition was born and is, to this day, one of the most popular swims in Cornwall! After your wetsuit-free dip, you’ll be welcomed in to the Driftwood Spars where you can enjoy a hot glass of mulled cider, it doesn’t get better than that!

Where? Coverack Harbour
When? 12:30pm
No wetsuits!
Another tradition stemming from a bet! It is said that a local doctor made a bet with his friends that he could swim across the harbour, since then locals and visitors have been dipping while raising money for cancer research. After the swim, the Fisherman’s Rest welcomes dippers in for a place to dry off and get warm.

Coverack - photo credit: @cornwall_in_squares

Where? Hayle Bay
When? 11am
No wetsuits!
This wetsuit free-dip will be sure to get the blood pumping, adrenaline rushing and ignite your Christmas spirit with hundreds of other dippers taking the icy plunge!

Where? Cadgwith Cove, The Lizard
When? 12pm
A more intimate gathering on one of the most picturesque coves in Cornwall, this swim is definitely on our Christmas bucket list! The local inn will be serving drinks and light snacks from 11:30-2pm for those who fancy a delicious warm up.

Where? Porthtowan Beach
When? 11am
Free mulled Rattler for all! That’s sure to raise the Cornish Christmas spirit. The Victory Inn will be welcoming dippers, giving you a place to get warm, drink and be merry! This is a beloved Christmas swim so you’ll find yourself in good, cheery company.

Boxing Day
Where? Porthminster Beach, St Ives
When? 12pm
£1 donation to charity
The wetsuits-welcome St Ives swim is for charity and is always a great time! Whether you arrive suited and booted or in your favourite pair of speedos, you’ll be joined by masses of cold water fiends. The fun doesn’t stop once you’re out of the sea, as Porthminster Cafe will be serving all the treats for you to enjoy!

Where? Poldhu Beach, Lizard
When? 10:30am
This annual dip is organised by the wonderful owners of the Poldhu Beach Cafe, with mulled wine, hot drinks, mince pies and a hot food menu open form 10—2, you’ll be toasty warm after your dip! All donations go towards the charity chosen by the cafe.

Where? Charlestown Beach
When? 10:30am
This event (organised by the Charlestown Rowing Club) has been a Cornish favourite for years, raising over £24,000 for local charities including the RNLI, a cause well worth getting chilly for! Fancy dress is always encouraged!

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

Where? Perranporth Beach
When? 10:30am
No wetsuits!
The Perranporth Life Saving Club are back again with this brilliant dip, join others as you race into the Atlantic and warm up afterwards with the organised refreshments (for a small donation).

New Year’s Day
Where? Harbour Beach, Newquay
When? 1pm
If you’ve had NYE in Newquay, then you’ve experienced a foggy head the next day. What better way to clear it than with a adrenaline fuelled dip at the Harbour? This swim raises money for Young Lives vs Cancer, a great cause to support in the new year!

Photo credit: @robierobes

Where? Gorran Haven Beach
When? 11am
Start the year off on the right foot by dipping a toe into the waters of Gorran Haven! The event is organised by St Gorran Rowing Club and raises money for the RNLI, after you’ve taken the plunge head to the village hall for hot drinks, sweet treats and a raffle.

Where? Gyllygnvase Beach, Falmouth
When? 12pm
Wetsuits welcome!
The best way to say hello to 2024 is with a Cornish dip in Falmouth! Join the crowds as you head into the chilly south coast waters, the perfect start to a new year. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, nothing beats a swim in the Cornish sea!

There you have it, a range of fun, fabulous and festive dips to fill your calendar over the holiday season. We hope you all have the most wonderful Christmas & New Year with your loved ones, and we’ll see you for a dip soon!