
We’re in the depths of winter, the fire crackles in the hearth, you’re living off a diet of mince pies and chocolate, and the novelty slippers haven’t left your feet for days. What better time to strip down to your swimsuit and jump into the icy cold waters that surround the UK?
Sea swimming offers a refreshing and invigorating experience, the benefits of which for physical and mental health have been well documented. The cold water stimulates circulation, boosting energy levels and improving skin tone, while the natural salt water acts as a mild exfoliant and can help soothe sore muscles. Sea swimming has been linked to an improved sense of well-being, thanks to the release of endorphins it triggers.
When all the above points are considered, there’s little reason not to make like a festive fish and jump in the water with others seeking the same hit of ocean-based happiness. We’ve rounded up the best festive sea swims across the UK – some just for kicks, others in the name of charity. And what could be better than the promise of a cosy cottage to curl up in, post bracing dip?
Coastal holiday cottages
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Before you swim – cold water safety
Taking part in any of the following events is entirely at your own risk. Ensure that you are aware of the perils of cold-water swimming and follow the advice of safety professionals on the day. Consult the following RNLI safety information before you head to the beach.

The eagerly anticipated 2025 New Year’s Day swim in Saundersfoot will be the 39th occasion of what is thought to be the biggest festive sea swim in the UK. 2024 saw over 2,500 dippers entering the sea on Saundersfoot Beach, supported by a thousands-strong entourage of towel holders, hot-water-bottle touters and warm huggers. Participants are encouraged to don fancy dress and fundraise for their own causes, giving that warm fuzzy feeling inside, despite the freezing temperatures on the outside.
At holidaycottages.co.uk we are proud to be the main sponsor of the Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim as part of our commitment to supporting communities across the UK. Sponsorship contributes to the running costs associated with the event, so that money raised can be donated to local charities.
Saundersfoot cottages

St Ives Boxing Day Dip
If you’re going to jump in the sea on the day after Christmas, you may as well do it at one of St Ives beautiful beaches! The crowds will splash into the water at noon for the St Ives Boxing Day Dip, and unlike other events for hardier folk, you can wear a wetsuit if you like. It’s all about having fun, raising funds for charities, and community spirit.
St Ives cottages

Lyme Lunge New Year’s Day Dip at Lyme Regis
Congregate on the beach of Dorset coastal town, Lyme Regis, and support local causes with a sponsored splash in fancy dress. Organised by Lyme Regis Rotary Club, it’s an opportunity for a bit of festive fun, while sharing the love in the form of donations to participants’ chosen charities. The fancy dress aspect makes it a spectacle for spectators too – it’s one of the best New Year’s sea swims in the country.
Good to know
Where: Sandy Beach, Lyme Regis | what3words ///unsightly.habit.settled
When: 1pm, 1 January 2025
Registration: No pre-registration necessary
More information: Lyme Lunge
Other festive sea swims in Dorset:
Lyme Regis cottages

Ventnor Boxing Day Swim
If you’re planning to be on the Isle of Wight over the festive period, join the hordes of people who fling themselves, clad in fancy dress, into the sea on Ventnor Beach on Boxing Day. Shrug off the over-indulgence of the day before and pull out your best festive attire as you plunge into the icy water.
Ventnor cottages

Westward Ho! New Year’s Day Fancy Dress Dip
Regale yourself in your finest fancy dress (perhaps leave it on from the night before) and come on down to Westward Ho! in North Devon to run into the sea with hundreds of other saltwater revellers. Beginning with a fun and energetic warm up, there will be no wetsuits in sight for this costumed, lifeguard-patrolled paddle.
Westward Ho! cottages

Clevedon Marine Lake New Year’s Dip
Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset is a tidal pool on the seafront, making it the perfect spot to kick off the New Year with a festive swim. A collection will be made for the charity that manages the lake, so why not come on down with a pocketful of change and shake off the week of Christmas-related inertia?
Clevedon cottages

Southend RNLI New Year’s Day Dip
The RNLI charity New Year’s Day Dip at Southend-on-Sea is a well-attended festive sea swim, with funds helping to save lives at sea. Entry is £6 online (or £25 on the day), which includes a hot drink, a mince pie and the feel-good factor of supporting the local RNLI lifeboat.
Southend-on-Sea cottages

Aldeburgh Boxing Day Swim
Join 300 plus swimmers for a dip on Aldeburgh Beach in Suffolk on Boxing Day. Pull on a hat and strip down to your swimsuit, making sure you have a warm towel waiting afterwards. Attendees are encouraged to dip in or chip in, with spectators asked to donate to the chosen charity if they can.
Aldeburgh cottages

Cromer Boxing Day Dip
Their website says the sea temperature in December is between 5 and 8 degrees, so that’s what you’ll have in store for you if you take on the Cromer Boxing Day Dip, in Norfolk. Invigorate the senses and raise money for a local charity, all in the company of a jovial bunch of people. An out-and-back fun run starts the proceedings, and acts as a warmup for the dip at 10.30am.
Good to know
Where: Cromer Beach | what3words ///intelligible.worksheet.long
When: Fun run 9.30am, briefing 10.20am, dip 10.30am, 26 December 2024
Registration: No pre-registration necessary
More information: Cromer Boxing Day Dip
Other festive sea swims in Norfolk:
Cromer cottages

Llandudno Boxing Day Dip
Organised by the Lions Club of Llandudno, the Boxing Day Dip in North Wales attracts over 100 daring dippers, raising money for their favourite causes. You’ll want your outfit to be on point, because there are prizes for the best fancy dress, and you can even collect a certificate for taking part. While the event is free, there’s an opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the Grand Prize Draw.
Llandudno cottages

Hornsea Inshore Rescue New Year’s Day Swim
Raising vital funds for Hornsea Inshore Rescue, the Hornsea New Year’s Day swim invites participants to jump in the sea for a sponsored dip, with hot drinks and refreshments on hand for thawing out afterwards. As a rescue organisation which relies solely on donations and grants, this event contributes a significant amount towards their running costs for the year.
Hornsea cottages

South Queensferry New Year’s Day Loony Dook
An annual tradition dubbed the ‘loony dook’ by the Scots, much like in other places in the country, is an event which sees daring folk dunk themselves in the sea the morning after the New Year’s Eve celebrations the night before! The South Queensferry Loony Dook is one of the most well known, so grab yourself a whacky outfit and join the splashing crowds in the shadow of the Forth Bridge.
Good to know
Where: South Queensferry Beach | what3words ///coverings.finds.issued
When: 1.30pm, 1 January 2025
Registration: No pre-registration necessary
More information: The Loony Dook
Other festive sea swims in southern Scotland:
Edinburgh cottages

Burghead Boxing Day Swim
Supporting a number of different charities each year, the Burghead Boxing Day swim is the highlight of the festive calendar for many people in this part of Scotland. This one’s not for the faint of heart though, as it involves hurling yourself off the quayside into the icy waters of Burghead (or The Broch, as it is also known), guaranteeing full top-to-toe coverage. The stringent rules forbid wetsuits and footwear but encourage fancy dress! For safety, swimmers jump in pairs or threes, with safety divers and first aiders on hand to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Elgin cottages

Helens Bay Christmas Eve Dip
A warmup is included at the fun Christmas Eve Dip on Helens Bay Beach, Northern Ireland, and you’ll need it if you’re planning to dunk into the cold water with the crowds. Turn up early to bag a parking spot, bundle up with warm towels and layers, and feel the benefits of this festive swim.
Map of UK festive sea swims
Find all of the above festive sea swimming locations on our handy map.
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Stay with us over the festive season
After a chilly dip in the sea, there’s nothing better than returning to a cosy cottage, getting the fire going and curling up with a hot chocolate and a festive film on the TV. Take your pick of our beautiful coastal cottages, where you’ll find a warm welcome and comfortable base for your festive swimming escapades.
Coastal holiday cottages