Blue Horizons Christmas Day Swim

Fancy swapping your Christmas morning lie-in for a dip in freezing cold water? Cheltenham Lido's Christmas Day Swim is back for 2026, with hundreds of brave swimmers expected to take the plunge. It's a much-loved Cheltenham tradition and certainly one way to wake yourself up before Christmas dinner!

Cheltenham Lido Christmas Day Swim 2026

• Date: Friday 25th December 2026

• Time: Gates open at 10:45am, plunge at 11am

• Cost: £5 per swimmer

• Location: Cheltenham Lido, Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7PU

• Booking required: Tickets available online

• Book: Book Christmas Day Swim tickets

Forget a leisurely Christmas morning. This one involves jumping into the Lido's icy outdoor pool, with plenty of festive atmosphere and encouragement from the sidelines.

Swimmers are asked to complete no more than two widths of the pool, so it's a quick dip rather than a full swimming session. All entry fees will help support improvements at Cheltenham Lido, and anyone feeling particularly charitable can also raise sponsorship for the Lido.

A word of warning: This is seriously cold water swimming, so it's important to be aware of the risks of cold water shock. The Lido advises anyone with relevant health conditions to seek medical advice before taking part. Bring warm clothes and a hot drink for afterwards, and don't enter the water until instructed.

You can find further information on the Cheltenham Lido website.