Where To Go For Your Christmas Swims in Cornwall
Are you brave enough for the most festive way to celebrate Christmas in Cornwall? Join the thousands of people braving the cold weather to take part in freezing, festive swims in the name of fun and charitable goodwill. We’ve collated a list of Christmas swims in Cornwall for those that wish to take part, or simply offer moral support.
Christmas Day
Falmouth, Gyllyngvase Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Falmouth, this beach is outstandingly beautiful and perfect for swimming! We’re advising fancy dress for this one! A refreshing dip in the icy cold waters on a bright Christmas morning is exactly what the doctor ordered. Take the plunge with the crowds at 10am.
Coverack, Coverack Harbour
Ever since a local doctor made a bet with a friend that he would swim across the harbour, it has been a tradition to enter the cold December waters. Participants go in without wetsuits at this pretty fishing village on the Lizard peninsula. All the money raised goes towards Cancer Research. Those who take the plunge can warm themselves by a roaring fire with mulled wine in the Fisherman’s Rest at the top of the slipway. Head there for midday to get involved.
St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove
This icy swim is followed by plenty of hot mulled cider in the Driftwood Spars Inn. The tradition started with a dare issued by a previous landlady – offering five men a free pint if they went in the sea with just their swim shorts on. It’s grown from there, with now a few hundred brave souls taking part!
Polzeath, Hayle Bay
Wetsuits are strictly forbidden at this icy dip. At 11am over 400 people leave the comfort of their homes to brave the Cornish seas. Plenty of hot chocolates and mulled tipples are provided to warm up after.
Bude, Crooklets Beach
Though no longer an organised event, hundreds will gather at Crooklets Beach in Bude for a Christmas morning sea swim. In the interest of public safety, the Bude Surf Life Saving Club committee will have a volunteer patrol from 11am for a short time. Meet at 10.45am before braving the waters.
Sennen Cove, Sennen Surf School
A hugely popular destination with a mile of golden sand and clear blue waters, Sennen Cove becomes an unlikely destination for hundreds of fearless people for the annual Christmas Day swim. There’s nothing more invigorating than a dip in the icy Atlantic Sea, with a mulled wine to warm yourself up afterwards! Sennen Cove usually attracts more than 500 people each year on this day, which is a great motivator when taking the plunge. Turn up at 11am for a rewarding dip. Wetsuits are strictly forbidden.
Boxing Day
Poldhu, Poldhu Beach
No matter how hard the winter storms are blowing, this beach has a cafe which is open 363 days each year, offering hot chocolate and snacks. Every year Ross and Natalie Hocking, who run the Poldhu Beach Cafe, organise a Boxing Day swim for charity. Arrive at 10.30am for an 11am plunge.
St Ives, Porthminster Beach
Join in the fun from midday on Porthminster Beach for this charity swim. After your dip in the sea, they’ll be plenty of hot chocolates and bacon butties from the beach cafe to keep you warm.
Charlestown, Charlestown Beach
Charlestown Rowing Club attract hundreds of visitors to the harbour for the main Boxing Day event which starts at 11.30am. Since starting their annual event in 1991, the rowing club has donated to many charities. This includes Churchtown Outdoor Activity Centre for the disabled, the RNLI, Cornwall Hospice Care and many others. We’re encouraging fancy dress for this swim!
Falmouth Harbour, The Greenbank Hotel
Last but not least on our list of Christmas sea swims in Cornwall is Falmouth Harbour. For those brave enough to face a Boxing Day dip, The Greenbank’s wood-fired sauna is open from 8am until 2pm. Nestled right on the water’s edge, breathe in the scent of the fire, let the heat sink deep, then plunge into the clear waters for the most invigorating of swims.
Christmas at The Greenbank
Festive Afternoon Tea
Something sweet is coming to the Water’s Edge this festive season.
Festive Lunches
Discover twinkling lights, festive cocktails and scrumptious food.
Boxing Day Lunch
Relax, kick back and indulge with our Boxing Day lunch.
