Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Sea Swims in Cornwall
Every year we marvel at the fearlessness of those who charge into the sea for a celebratory (albeit brief) swim into the Atlantic Ocean during Christmas and New Year. For many of us, a log fire, a good glass of wine and the occasional blustery walk is enough – but in some places the tradition of an icy dip is the traditional way to mark the festivities.
These festive swimming events, which are organised all over Cornwall, have sometimes been a tradition for over 50 years and the list of beaches taking part is forever growing.
Whether you are happy to be a bystander or someone who is more than happy to run headlong into the icy water, we have got a comprehensive list of Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Sea Swims in Cornwall.
Christmas Day Swims in Cornwall
On Christmas Day, some would say that there is no better way to work up an appetite and the Bude Christmas Day swim is a great opportunity to make a splash.
Hundreds of people are expected to gather at Crooklets Beach in Bude for a Christmas Day dip. While it is no longer an official organised event, Bude Surf Life Saving Club committee will have a volunteer patrol on hand from 11.00am for a short time. Meet at 10.45am to be ready to head into the surf.
Or head to picturesque Sennen Cove for an 11.00 am Christmas Day dip, but make sure you leave your wetsuit at home, they are strictly forbidden but fancy dress is encouraged. This Christmas swim usually attracts more than 500 people, so you will be in good company if you need a little extra encouragement to head into the icy waters.
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes also has an 11.00am start on Christmas Day. The story goes that it started with a dare over 20 years ago when a pub landlady offered a free pint to five lads if they ran into the sea in just their boxer shorts. Now a few hundred take the plunge on Christmas day, many following the swim with a hot mulled cider in the Driftwood Spars Inn.
Hayle Bay, New Polzeath is another big event with over 400 people. Again, no wetsuits are allowed.
Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard Peninsula starts their Christmas Day swim at 12.00 noon and is a smaller gathering. The Cadgwith Cove Inn will also be serving snacks from 11.30 am to 2.00 pm.
Coverack in the St Keverne Parish’s Christmas Day swim also began as a bet between a doctor and his friend that he would swim across the harbour. Since then, locals and visitors dress in their swimming costumes or festive attire and raise money for Cancer Research.
Porthtowan Beach swim starts at 11.00 am. Everyone is welcome to join in and free mulled Rattler is usually served at the Victory Inn from 12.00 noon.
Boxing Day Swims in Cornwall
Shake off the festive hangover with a Boxing Day swim. You can choose from wetsuit-free events as well as those with foodie options to warm up with after your dip.
Porthminster Beach, St Ives starts at 12.00noon and wetsuits are allowed! There is a £1 donation to charity. For supporters and cheerers, Porthminster Cafe will be serving festive hot chocolates and bacon butties to keep everyone warm. If, however, you are aiming to take a festive splash away from the crowds this year, there are plenty of opportunities for a solo dip across St Ives’ many beaches.
Organised by the Charlestown Rowing Club, the Charlestown Beach Boxing Day swim in St Austell starts registration at 10.45 am for an 11.30 am entry into the water. The event raises money for a local charity and has so far raised £24,000 for the RNLI, Cornwall Hospice Care, Churchtown Outdoor Activity for the disabled and lots more. This year, they are raising money for Young People Cornwall and are asking entrants to raise a minimum of £10 in sponsorship.
Perranporth Beach, Newquay starts at 10.30 am and there is a no wetsuit policy.
Poldhu Beach on Lizard Peninsula starts with a warm-up at 10.30 am. The Cafe will be open on Boxing Day from 10.00 am until 3.00 pm for hot drinks, mulled wine, mince pies and a reduced hot food menu.
Watergate Bay in Newquay centres its Boxing Day swim around the Wavehunters Surf School where they serve hot chocolates to help everyone warm up!
New Year’s Day Swims in Cornwall
What better way to see in 2026 than with a refreshing sea dip? There is a host of Cornwall New Year sea swims to choose from, many raising money for great causes too.
Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth holds a New Year’s Day swim, starting at 12.00 noon and again, wetsuits are allowed!
The Harbour Beach swim in Newquay, or ‘Dip for CLIC’, starts at 1.30 pm. Arriving early is advised by the organisers as the quayside is usually crowded with spectators. The event raises money for Young Lives vs Cancer, supporting young people with cancer.
Finally, the Gorran Haven Beach swim starts at 11.00 am and raises funds for RNLI. Warm up afterwards with something sweet from Cakebreads Bakery.
We hope that you have a wonderful time at these events – whether you are swimming or not. Do not forget to tag us in all of your fabulous photographs with #CornishEscapes
Whether you are thinking of braving a festive swim off Cornwall’s coast, or simply want to enjoy being beside the sea at Christmas time, why not book one of our fabulous properties with a sea view? Check Christmas and New Year availability now.