Here's where you can take a Christmas dip

Taking a bone-chilling dip in the sea on Christmas Day or Boxing Day is a festive tradition like no other – one that hardy swimmers across the region don't shy away from celebrating.

And this year is no different, with thousands of people across a variety of events expected to the brave the potentially chilly winds and dive headfirst into the North Sea.

Some of the swims act as fundraisers for charities and organisations, while others simply provide daredevils with a way of getting their adrenaline fix before tucking into their turkey.

One of the most popular festive swims has been the Boxing Day Dip on Mersea Island, Essex, which started more than 20 years ago, but will not go ahead this year.

But, be it in Essex, Suffolk or Norfolk, there still remains many seasonal swims to attend or – if you're feeling courageous – take part in this year

Starting at 11:00 GMT on 26 December, this swim takes place opposite the Moot Hall and costs £10 to take part.

Founded in 1988, this year's event will raise money for the RNLI and Make A Wish foundation.

Hot drinks and snacks will also be on offer for those to enjoy after the swim.

Taking place in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice, the 20th anniversary of Felixstowe's festive dip will take place opposite Mannings Amusements.

Swimmers will charge into the sea at 10:00 on 25 December, with spectators and participants arriving from 08:30.

The cost of entry is £20.

Described as an "exuberant annual fundraiser" and "one of Norfolk's biggest events in the festive season", this swim starts at 11:00.

Prior to the swimmers diving in, there will be a fancy dress competition, while those who take part will be treated to hot soup upon exiting the water.

Registration opens at 10:00 outside Alive Oasis.

Kicking-off at 10:00 at the East Point Pavilion, the Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim in Suffolk is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

In previous years the event, for which participants are encouraged to wear fancy dress, has generated more than £10,000 for local charities.

Registration, which costs a minimum donation of £5, opens at 8:30.

A festive dip with a difference, this event combines swimming with a 20-minute fun run.

Taking place at Cromer Pier on Boxing Day, the swim itself starts 10:30 and is free to attend and take part in, although donations will be welcomed.

The perfect festive swim for the late-risers, the Sea Palling Boxing Day Dip, near will see dash into the chilly North Sea at midday off Sea Palling Beach on the north-east coast of Norfolk.

It's free to enter but there is a suggested donation of £5, which will be given to the Let's Do It Anyway charity, which strives to promote social welfare, equality and inclusion for children and adults.

Registration for the event opens at 11:30.

Now in its ninth year, the Southend RNLI New Year's Day Dip is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the 2025 - or potentially nurse a hangover.

The event, taking place on Jubilee Beach on Marine Parade, opens at 10:45 with swimmers taking to the sea 45 minutes later.

It costs £6 to take part - if paid in advance - or £25 on the day, with all proceeds being donated to the RNLI.

Southend has previously hosted its event on Boxing Day.

Since 2012, this event has raised more than £38,000 for local charities, and will hope to carry on in a similar vein this year.

It starts at 10:30 on Southwold seafront in Suffolk, just below Gun Hill, and all participants will receive a medal.

It costs £15 in advance or £20 on the day.

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