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The Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park Free
About
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 temperature of the water.
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 starts at 9am and takes place on the south bank of the lake, close to the Serpentine Cafe. Spectators are welcome, but you're advised to wrap up warm!
Prices
| Event | FREE |
|---|
Venue Details & Map
Hyde Park
- Address
-
Hyde ParkLondonW2 2UH
- Telephone:
- 0300 061 2000
- hyde@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park
- Public transport:
- Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch.