Fancy dress, a countdown and a mass run into the harbour on 1 January. Thirty seconds of swimming, an hour of parking.
This is the biggest single-day gathering of the Pembrokeshire year, and it happens on the coldest morning of it. Swimmers assemble on the harbour slipway at Saundersfoot in wetsuits, tinsel, superhero costumes and not very much at all, there is a countdown, and everybody runs into the water together.
The water is around 8°C. Most people are in for well under a minute. That is the correct amount of time.
Where to watch from. The harbour wall and the top of the slipway give you the run-in; the beach side gives you the crowd. Both fill up early. If you want a photograph of the moment they all hit the water, stand on the harbour arm rather than at sea level.
The honest bit. The swim lasts moments. Getting into and out of Saundersfoot takes the rest of the morning. The village car parks are full by mid-morning, the coast road backs up, and there is no realistic parking within an easy walk once things get going. Park in Tenby or at Wisemans Bridge and walk the old tramway tunnels in, or accept the queue.
If you are swimming. Bring a changing robe, a hat, warm layers, hot drinks and dry shoes for the walk back to the car. Cold water shock is real — go in steadily rather than diving, and get out before you stop shivering. Afterwards the pubs are heaving and the pubs and cafes around the harbour do a roaring trade in anything hot.
Check the organiser's page for this year's start time before you set off.
Held every New Year's Day in Saundersfoot harbour. Swimmers in fancy dress, a countdown, and a mass run into the sea for charity.
No booking to spectate. Park early or park out of the village and walk in — the car parks fill long before the swim.
Before you plan around this
Dates change every year — check with the organiser before you travel
We don't sell tickets and take no commission on any of these — links go straight to whoever runs it.
Accommodation books up around the bigger events — Saundersfoot especially.
Saundersfoot · Sleeps 2 · 1 bed
This super seaside apartment part of a converted hotel just 200 metres from the golden sandy beaches and harbour in the popular year-round resort of Saundersfoot on the Pembrokeshire coast. The coastal path runs right along the village and stretches for 186 miles ideal for walker
Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Saundersfoot · Sleeps 2 · 1 bed
This delightful accommodation part of a converted former hotel is just a short level walk from the beach and harbour at Saundersfoot a super seaside village. The coastal path runs right along the village extending for 186 miles in total across the National Park perfect for walker
Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Saundersfoot · Sleeps 2 · 1 bed
This super apartment was part of a converted former hotel refurbished in 2016 and is less than 200 metres from the delightful harbour and golden sandy beaches of Saundersfoot making this a fantastic year-round holiday destination. The coastal path runs through the seaside village
Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk