The best seaside resorts in the UK for a dip on Christmas Day or New Year

A festive tradition with an icy twist, a dip in the British water is a refreshing start to Christmas Day. Even if you don't feel like jumping in the water, cheering on those who dare is a great way to start the festivities.

Many coastal towns and wild swimming organisations hold their own annual event, some for the thrill of it, others use it as an opportunity to raise money for charity. There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie in swimming together and it's a great way to feel energised and refreshed over the holidays. Perhaps a dip on Christmas Day will inspire a love of wild swimming – a great New Year's resolution we think.

The Guardian has revealed the best swimming spots in the UK for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, from Whitby in North Yorkshire to Porthcawl in Wales. Read on to find out more.

This major Christmas Day swim event features 600 swimmers raising money for Bude Surf Life Saving Club and is watched by thousands on the beach and cliff top. Free hot drinks are on offer to warm you up whether you take a dip or go down to watch.

Cost: £10

Venue: Crooklets Beach, Bude, 11am on Christmas Day

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This family-friendly tradition, which is almost fifty years old, promises lots of fun. Last year 230 swimmers braved the North Sea and the club raised over £3,000.00 to support its work in supporting local organisations and charities. Fancy dress costumes are strongly encouraged and prizes will be given to the best dressed participants.

Cost: £10

Venue: Pier Road, Whitby, from 1am on Boxing Day

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The day starts at 10.30am with a fun run, followed by a dip in the sea at 11.30am. Spectators can watch the fun from the promenade and Cromer Pier. This year money is being raised for Sarcoma UK, so remember to dig deep into the donation buckets.

Cost: free

Location: Cromer Beach, from 10:30am on Boxing Day

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Raise funds for a charity of your choice with the Folkestone Boxing Day Dip. The maximum dip time is three minutes. Hosted by Folkestone Lions Club, the event features medals and a fancy dress competition for added fun.

Cost: free

Location: Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone, from 9:30am on Boxing Day

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A totally unorganised Christmas Day swim, with a countdown starting at 10am until 3pm and up to 1,000 people jumping into Blackroot pool. There is also a New Year's Day swim in Mablethorpe.

Cost: free

Venue: Blackroot Pool, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, 10am on Christmas Day

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Over 1,300 people take part in this swim and fundraiser, which has been running since 1965. It is said to have started when one swimmer (dressed as Coco the Clown) pushed another (dressed as Santa Claus) off the pier. This year, donations are being raised to support the Porthcawl RNLI.

Cost: free

Venue: The Hi-Tide Inn, Porthcawl, from 10:30am on Christmas Day

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YEAABA is a truly traditional swim event that has been running for 130 years. It stands for Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association. In all that time it has only been cancelled once, and that was because of COVID-19. Swimmers, known as 'dookers', can be sponsored to raise money for a charity of their choice. Children aged five and over are welcome to take part.

Cost: £15 for adults, £10 for children aged five to 16

Venue: Broughty Ferry Harbour, Dundee, 12 noon on New Year’s Day

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Before you enter a celebratory swimming event, be sure to read the Outdoor Swimming Society's safety information on outdoor and cold water swimming. They have published an important list of do's and don'ts, as well as details of medical conditions that make cold water swimming risky.

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