Festive swims and dips are part and parcel of the period for some people
Festive swims are extremely popular(Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Many people will be heading out over the festive period for a cold-water dip. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the places you could go this year if you wanted to join in.
Christmas Day
Porthcawl
It’s the Porthcawl Christmas Swim’s 60th anniversary this year and since 1965 the Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim has been raising money for local charities.
2025’s event will start at 10:30am, for registrations and swimmers will enter the sea at 11:45am. You can register for the swim here.
This year’s two big charities are 2Wish and Sir Gareth Edwards’ Cancer Charity. There’ll be carols at the beach, too and if you can’t make it or don’t fancy getting in the water, you can donate on the event’s website, too.
Boxing Day
Tenby
Enter the annual Tenby swim by registering here and making a donation to the dip! Anyone who registers online will be entered automatically into a special prize draw. The swim has a lengthy track record of raising funds for charity and this year proceeds go to Tenby RNLI, Tenby Sea Cadets, The Old Chapel and Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity.
Taking place on Tenby’s North Beach, this year’s swim has an all-Welsh theme as the National Eisteddfod is taking place in Pembrokeshire in 2026.
Pembrey
The Walrus Dip is back at Cefn Sidan, Pembrey Country Park, for 2025! Participants and spectators should arrive at the park by 10.30am latest and be at the starting line by 10.45am (due to tidal conditions there is likely to be a 10-minute walk to the start line from the main entrance to Cefn Sidan Beach).
This dip is free to do. More information, here.
Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs
Chill out with a cold-water dip at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs this Boxing Day and afterwards, dippers will welcome the close proximity of the warm changing rooms with hot showers and look forward to a warm welcome in the café for a well-deserved breakfast or hot drink and cake.
Times are 9.15am & 9.45am. Click here for more.
Newport, Pembs. Mayor’s Boxing Day Dip
The local boat club in Newport is the start for this dip in the estuary at Parrog at midday on Boxing Day. Information.
New Year’s Day
Whitesands, Pembrokeshire
The popular beach near St David’s is hosting its NYD swim again and registration starts at 11am with the brave swimmers diving in from 12pm.
Afterwards there’s cawl and a quiz at the nearby Farmer’s Arms in St David’s. More info, here.
Saundersfoot
It’s the Saundersfoot swim’s 40th anniversary and organisers are encouraging everyone to come in fancy dress or something in the colour red – to help create a sea of ruby red to mark the occasion.
What began back in 1984 with just 10 swimmers has grown into a spectacular coastal event. Now recognised by Pembrokeshire County Council as a major event, the Saundersfoot Swim is proudly the UK’s biggest festive dip and has raised thousands for charity.
The fun starts at 12.30pm. Register, here.
National Lido of Wales
The Pontypridd pool is running an NYD swim and there’s one session left, so be quick! It’s the early one and you can book in, here.
If you have a festive dip to add to the list, please email kathryn.williams@reachplc.com