The National Lido of Wales in Pontypridd has confirmed the return of its popular Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swim events, offering visitors the chance to celebrate the end of 2025 and welcome 2026 at the open air attraction.
The seasonal events mark the end of yet another brilliant year for Lido Ponty, which, in 2025, celebrated 10 years since it officially re-opened following a £6.3m regeneration of the original lido that has stood in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park since 1927.
To date, 850,000 swims have been enjoyed at Lido Ponty by people of all ages and from all over the world.
This year alone 100,000 people have enjoyed early morning swims, summer family fun sessions and cold water swims.
As Lido Ponty continues to go from strength to strength, so does the popularity of its Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Swims.
After an Autumn/Winter programme of weekend cold water swims, where the water temperature in the main and activity pools is dropped to 14 degrees, the pool water temperature is increased back up to a toasty 28 degrees for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
This means all the family can enjoy a seasonal swim, chilling after a busy Christmas or starting the New Year in style. There will be five sessions to choose from on each day. All are welcome to attend and wet suits can be worn if you prefer.
Cllr Scott Emmanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Lido Ponty, said: “What a year the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, has enjoyed in 2025.
“It’s only right it marks the end of a year on a high with the return of the brilliant Boxing Day Swims and starts 2026 as it means to go on, with the popular New Year’s Day Swims.
“The visitor numbers for this attraction continue to increase every year, with 100,000 swims booked this year alone. Nearly one million people have enjoyed Lido Ponty since it re-opened in 2015, following completion of the significant regeneration of the original 1920s Lido.
“It’s a true success story in the heart of Pontypridd, bringing people from across Wales and beyond to the lovely Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, enjoying open air swims and the wider surroundings of historic Pontypridd.
“We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for Lido Ponty, its dedicated staff and fantastic customers.”
The indoor and outdoor changing rooms and showers will be available.
Tickets for the Boxing Day Swim are priced at £10. (Under fives go free) They go on sale from 9am on Monday, December 1.
Tickets for the New Year’s Day Swims are priced at £10 (Under fives go free) They go on sale from 9am on Monday, December 8.
