25 December 2014

Overview

While children across London are eagerly waiting to unwrap their presents, members of the Serpentine Swimming Club are preparing to swim their traditional 100-yard (91-metre) Christmas Day race.

Swimmers have met in London's Hyde Park on Christmas morning since 1864 to compete in the Christmas Day swim.

The first Christmas Day swimming race was won by H. Coulter. He won a gold medal, which became the customary prize for the winner.

J.M. Barrie and The Peter Pan Cup Novelist J.M. Barrie donated the first Peter Pan Cup in 1904, the same year that his play Peter Pan made its debut on the London stage.

Like the fictional boy who never grew up, the race has taken on a legendary appeal.

Serpentine Swimming Club The Serpentine Swimming Club is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the country.

The club holds races every Saturday morning, with the distance depending on the time of year.

The Race The Peter Pan Cup is only open to members of the Serpentine Swimming Club who have qualified during the season.

The icy Serpentine waters are usually below 4C (40F) degrees in the winter, so swimmers must become acclimatised over a period of time.

The race on 25 December takes place on the south bank of the lake, close to the Serpentine Café. Spectators are welcome, but you're advised to wrap up warm!

Practical Information 25 December 2014

Free

Hyde Park Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH