This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the Serpentine Swimming Club have been plunging themselves into the lake's icy waters every Christmas Day since 1864. At temperatures of below four degrees Celsius in winter, the swimmers will want to get a wiggle on so it's lucky that they are all in hot pursuit of the prestigious Peter Pan Cup. The name of the 100-yard race dates back to 1904 when J.M Barrie, the creator of the boy who refused to grow up, presented the first cup. While most of us are still tucked up in bed or delving into our stocking as the competitors line up (and pretend not to shiver) for their 9am start, a jolly crowd gathers to witness the spectacle. It's a great way to get some fresh air on Christmas morning and you'll feel like you've earned your post-lunch snooze. Behind you, Hyde Park offers a wonderful wintry landscape and, if you want to continue the Peter Pan theme, why not nip across to see the famous statue in Kensington Gardens.
Note: You must have competed in the entire Winter Series to take part. Spectators are welcome and the race starts on the south bank of the lake close to the Lido Cafe.
Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2009
Serpentine, W2 2UH
Christmas Day, 25th December 2010
This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the... More
Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race
Serpentine, W2 2UH
Christmas Day, Friday 25th December 2009
This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the... More
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2 2UH
22nd November 2008 - 4th January 2009
Throughout December and into early January a section of Hyde Park... More
Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race
Serpentine, W2 2UH
Christmas Day, 25th December 2008
This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the ... More
Running
British Military Fitness & Serpentine Running Club
It may seem perverse but some people find being shouted by an army officer a great motivator when it comes... More
Being Queen involves many privileges, not least of which is getting to celebrate your birthday twice every year. The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes have the ...More
12 minutes walk from Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2008
Located at one end of Oxford Street, one of London's most famous shopping districts, with Bond Street not far and Hyde Park opposite, this Art ... More
12 minutes walk from Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2008
The Lancaster London nestles up against Hyde Park - the perfect place for your morning stroll. Views are most notable from the top floor executive ... More
1 minutes walk from Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2008
A year in the construction, this £3.6 million attraction opened in a blaze of farcical incompetence, as the architects discovered two shocking things: kids play ... More
10 minutes walk from Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2008
If you're feeling flush and flashy then Cutler & Gross in Knightsbridge is a very exclusive place to invest in eyewear. They stock a selection ... More
10 minutes walk from Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2008
Quintessentially English, this pretty al fresco spot, attached to the Mandarin Oriental hotel and overlooking Hyde Park, offers a real summer treat. Enjoy a light ... More
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical terms one huge, merging expanse. The 'split' dates back to 1728 when Queen ... More
The Park Manager,
The Ranger's Lodge,Mayfair,
London,
W2Map
1 minutes walk from Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race 2008
Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the Serpentine Swimming Club have been plunging themselves into the lake's icy waters every Christmas Day since 1864. At temperatures of below four degrees Celsius in winter, the swimmers will want to get a wiggle on so it's lucky that they are all in hot pursuit of the prestigious Peter Pan Cup. The name of the 100-yard race dates back to 1904 when J.M Barrie, the creator of the boy who refused to grow up, presented the first cup. While most of us are still tucked up in bed or delving into our stocking as the competitors line up (and pretend not to shiver) for their 9am start, a jolly crowd gathers to witness the spectacle. It's a great way to get some fresh air on Christmas morning and you'll feel like you've earned your post-lunch snooze. Behind you, Hyde Park offers a wonderful wintry landscape and, if you want to continue the Peter Pan theme, why not nip across to see the famous statue in Kensington Gardens.
