This year why not shake off the over-indulgence of Christmas with a Boxing Day swim or kick off 2026 in style and join one of the fabulous New Year Day swims that take place in West Wales?
With one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK, the coast between Aberdyfi in the north of Ceredigion and Tenby in the south of Pembrokeshire is renowned for its surfing and water sports. But for a growing number of people the Boxing Day or New Year’s Day swim has become an annual event that blows away the cobwebs and sets them up for the year to come.
If you’d like to join in one of these cold water swimming events, read on to find out when and where to be with your swimming costume and a warm towel!!
Boxing Day Swims
Tenby, Pembrokeshire – Possibly one of the best Boxing Day swims in Wales, the Tenby swim takes place at North Beach. This beach is very popular for open water swimming, so much so that the Ironman Wales held their swimming leg here. This year the theme is ‘All things Welsh’ as the area gets ready for the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which will be held in Pembrokeshire in 2026.
Started in 1971 and organised by the Tenby Sea Swimming Association, the event has grown and grown, with hundreds of swimmers now taking on the challenge – all supported by hundreds more supporters. After the swim there is plenty to celebrate and hot soup to heat you up, plus all participants get a medal to recognise their bravery.
While there isn’t an entry fee, each swimmer is asked to donate £10, with the funds going to support local causes. This year the charities benefiting from donations are – Tenby RNLI, Tenby Sea Cadets, The Old Chapel, and Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity. The event has already raised over £300,000 for good causes, and this year promises to be one of the biggest events yet. Arrive for 11am, with the swim starting from 11.30am. Sign up here.
Aberporth, Ceredigion – Organised by the Aberporth Surf Lifesaving Club, this event offers a bracing dip and lots of fun. With hundreds of brave swimmers taking to the water, after the swim there’s mulled wine and soup, which is free for swimmers, with all funds raised going to help run this good cause. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out more about this event in 2025. Usually starts around 11am. Find out more.
Newport, Pembrokeshire – Mayor’s Boxing Day Dip – Another great fun Boxing Day swim takes place in popular Newport. Starting at the Newport Boat Club, the swim kicks off at around midday. Make sure to bring a warm towel for after you’ve been in! Find out more.
New Year’s Day Swims
Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire – 2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim and each year it has grown in popularity – it is now billed as the UK’s biggest New Year’s Day swim! It’s a fun, inclusive community event that raises money for local good causes – over the years it has raised over £800,000 for charities! This year’s theme is Ruby, to mark the 40th swim, so swimmers and spectators are being encouraged to come in fancy dress or something red to mark the occasion. Find out more.
Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire – Organised by the Poppit Sands Surf Lifesaving Club, this swim kicks off at around 2pm. It’s a fun event, with many people dressing up before donning their swimsuits ready to get in the chilly waters.
New Quay, Ceredigion – Head to the lovely New Quay beach for a bracing dip in the sea this New Year’s Day! With hundreds of hardy participants, the event raises money for good causes. Starts at 11am.
All timings are for guidance only and may change – please check on social media or websites for any final details or changes to the schedules.
Whatever you have planned for the festive season, the team at Cardigan Bay Properties wishes you all a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2026.
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