Would you rather:

a) Eat your own bodyweight in chocolate and mince pies, surrounded by wrapping paper debris?

b) Flop about in front of a fire watching inane TV?

c) Plunge into the sea without a wetsuit with lots of other hardy, festive, and possibly a little insane, folk?

If you picked ‘c’ than Cornwall is the place to be over the festive period, as you’ll be spoilt for choice as to when and where you can join in with this curious custom.

Coverack

12.30pm – Coverack Harbour

The story goes that a local doctor made a bet that he could swim across the harbour and ever since it’s been a local tradition for the village residents to swim in these wintery waters. Now the Coverack swim has expanded significantly and sees people from far and wide taking the Christmas Day plunge! This is a no wetsuit swim, and whilst everyone is welcome, it is a fundraising event with funds raised going to Cancer Research

Sennen

11.00am – Sennen Cove

Another swim steeped in tradition, the Sennen Christmas Day swim attracts hundreds of people every year. Meet opposite the Sennen Surf School, let the salty water invigorate you and afterwards wrap your fingers around a mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Bude

11.00am – Crooklets Beach

Hosted by Bude Surf Life Saving Club and running for over 35 years, the swim takes place to raise money in memory of former member Mike Moyle. Everyone is welcome to join in, though be aware children under 14 must be accompanied into the water by an adult. Refreshments are provided free of charge, you can either find sponsors before the event or make a donation on the day. Visit their website for more details on sponsorship forms.

Polzeath

11.00am – Hayle Bay

Leave the comfort of your Cornish cottage and the wetsuit behind, and head down to Hayle Bay for the Polzeath Christmas Day swim! With hot chocolates and mulled tipples for afterwards, this festive event has a real community feel.

Falmouth

10.00am – Gyllyngvase Beach

One of the most popular and stunning beaches in Falmouth, Gyllyngvase is perfect for a refreshing Christmas Day dip! With fancy dress highly encouraged, this is a fun event for all the family.

Fancy spending Christmas in Cornwall and taking part in a Christmas Day swim? You can view our properties with Christmas availability here.

Tags: Beaches | Christmas | Gwithian | Hayle | Penzance | Sennen |