Dipping season is back! UK looks to plunge into icy British waters. See details

The best spots in the UK to join in the seasonal tradition by plunging into icy British waters.

Northern England
Pier Road, Whitby, from 10 am on Boxing Day
This 48-year-old, entertaining tradition sees families gather to spend Boxing Day morning together. The last time it was held, 230 swimmers dove into the frigid North Sea. Boxing Day swims are also offered in the northeast at Hartlepool, Redcar, and Sunderland. In the northwest, Salford Quays hosts a contemporary organised swim.


East England
Cromer beach, from 10 am on Boxing Day
What began 30 years ago with a few runners going for a Boxing Day run has grown into "a glorious spectacle watched by thousands," says the current organiser Clive Hedges. The dip begins with a fun run, followed by a 45-minute dip watched by spectators lining the promenade and Cromer pier.

South-east
Sunny Sands beach, Folkestone, from 9.30 am on Boxing Day
The Folkestone Boxing Day dip has a three-minute maximum immersion time. It then proceeds to go to a charity of your choice. Dippers receive a medal for their first and tenth attempts, and the event is organised by Folkestone Lions Club. Boxing Day dips are also available in Deal, Kent, and Ventnor, Isle of Wight.

South-west
Crooklets beach, Bude, 11 am on Christmas Day
Thousands of spectators lined the beach and cliff to witness more than 600 swimmers raise money for the Bude Surf Life Saving Club. The southwest includes several customary swims that are not formally organised in addition to a few major events (no website or Facebook group).


Midlands
Blackroot pool, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, 10 am on Christmas Day
At this completely unplanned Christmas swim, up to 1,000 people sign up, diving into Blackroot Pool at 10 a.m. on the count of three. The Midlands is a little bit of a dry region for holiday swims, however, Mablethorpe hosts a New Year's Day swim.

Wales
The Hi-Tide Inn, Porthcawl, from 10.30 am on Christmas Day
This festival of fancy dress and fundraising features one of Wales' more significant swims (more than 1,300 participants), and it may be the only swim with roots in a local chamber of trade.

Scotland
Broughty ferry harbour, Dundee, 12 pm on New Year’s Day
This is the oldest holiday swim (130 years and counting). It comes from the Broughty ferry harbour club with the greatest name: Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association. The custom of YEABA members bathing in the River Tay every day goes back to 1891. On occasion, ice also has had to be smashed.

FAQs:

1. What is Boxing day?
   On December 26, the day after Christmas is celebrated as Boxing day.
2. What is the purpose of festive dipping?
   Festive dipping has a cultural and traditional value in addition to raising money for charitable purposes.