Welcome to our Bluetit Event page!
Fancy joining us for a fun day out? Here you’ll find the details for the upcoming Arctic Flappers Nippy Dippers event!
❄️ The Lake at Cromhall Quarry, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire - 14 November 2026❄️
An Arctic Flappers Nippy Dippers event will encourage you to challenge your limits in a supportive, fun environment, and leave you feeling like you can take on the world. It is non-competitive and all about connecting with fellow Bluetits and supporting one another to achieve something incredible in cold water.
The Lake at Cromhall Quarry
We’re back at The Lake at Cromhall Quarry for the third year in a row!
Sticking with what we know works best here, we’ll be running the following swimming distances: 1100m, 750m, 550m, 300m, 150m, and 50m, in that order.
The top three distances will be for those seasoned Bluetits who love a longer challenge and have plenty of winter swimming experience behind them.
The middle distances are for those who’d like to push themselves a little bit further than they normally would, but are confident in their ability to complete the course.
Our 50m swim is for those Bluetits who love to join in and have a dip, and we’re also offering a buy one and get one free ticket for those who’d like to bring a buddy along to dip with them!
How the day at The Lake will look
When you arrive at the site, all who are swimming will head towards registration in the marquee, at least 45 minutes before your estimated start time, depending on your chosen distance.
During your free time between registration and your event, along with the spectators, you can browse the stalls and take in the atmosphere.
When it’s time to swim, an announcement will be made for you to get changed. You’ll then be led to the entry point to cheering crowds to have your safety briefing and to take place in your event!
Once your event is over and you’re all dressed, dry, and warm, you can re-join the spectators and take some more time to browse the stalls, before the raffle draw takes place at the end of the day.
Provisional schedule for the day
Due to the shorter daylight hours in November, in a change from previous years we’ve moved the swim start times from midday to 11am. Here’s how our new schedule looks:
10:00 - Event opens and registration opens. Registration priority is given to those taking part in the 1100m, as their swim is first.
*you must register no later than 45 minutes before your estimated event start time*
Estimated start times for the swims:
- 11:00 - The 1100m swim
- 12:00 - The 750m swim
Short break for the water safety team
- 13:30 - The 550m swim
- 14:00 - The 300m swim (Wave 1)
- 14:20 - The 300m swim (Possible wave 2)
- 14:45 - The 150m swim
- 15:00 - The 50m swim - Both buddy and Solo (May be split into 2 waves 10 minutes apart, depending on numbers)
- 15:30 - Raffle draw takes place
- Event closes as soon as the raffle has finished!
Accessibility
Please note, the entry into the water at this venue is via steps rather than a slipway.
Before you book…
For more information about the event, please have a read through our FAQ's below, as well as our Terms and Conditions, found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the event being held?
The event is being held at The Lake at Cromhall Quarry, Wotton Road, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA.
Do I have to be a fast swimmer?
No. This is an inclusive, non-competitive event, and is all about the experience. We won't be timing you, or announcing who came first.
There will however be a cut-off time on the 750m and 1100m swim for safety reasons.
What swims can I enter?
You can enter any of the events, as long as you’re capable of comfortably swimming your chosen distance in water temperatures below 10ºC (the estimated water temperature at the venue in November).
Please note that for the 1100m and 750m distances we will require you to sign a further declaration on the day to confirm your ability to swim (please see ticket page and the terms and conditions for further information).
Can I enter more than one swim?
Yes, you can swim in more than one event (such as both the 1100m and 50m).
Separate tickets will need to be purchased for each event you enter.
We recommend making sure there is a gap in between your events to give you time to warm back up.
How much is entry?
Entry to the swims ranges from £20-£45 per entrant, depending on the distance.
How cold will the water be?
This event is happening in the off-season as we are aiming for that cold water experience.
The water temperatures could be as low as 10ºC.
Please only consider entering the 1100m or the 750m swims if you are comfortable swimming your chosen distance in cold temperatures. The organisers reserve the right to shorten the distances if the water is too cold according to their safety team.
Do I get a badge?
Yes, would it be a Bluetit event without one?!
As well as a warm glow, a sense of achievement, and some fantastic memories, you will take away a tote bag, event patch, and distance badge!
How old do I have to be to enter?
Entrants must be 18 or over. Under 18s are welcome to come and spectate as long as they are accompanied by an adult at all times.
What time do I need to be there?
The registration opens at 10am, and we suggest all entrants, especially those taking part in the 1100m and 750m events, arrive for then.
All ticket holders must have registered for their event AT LEAST 45 minutes before their estimated event start time, or may not be able to take part in their event.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! It's free entry for all spectators, and the more the merrier to cheer the swimmers on! But please do car share wherever possible.
For the 1100m and 750m swims, we do also encourage you bring a warm up buddy along who can help you dress after exiting the water.
What do I need to bring on the day?
As well as your usual swim kit and things to keep you warm, you will need:
- A tow float and a bright swim hat so you're visible in the water
- Swim shoes
If entering the 1100m and 750m swims, we recommend nominating a warm up buddy to hold your robe and help you dress afterwards.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available on site, but as usual, we do suggest car-sharing where possible.
What facilities are available onsite?
What stalls will be there?
As always, we'll have our stocked-up Bluetits merch stand for you to buy your Bluetit goodies. We'll also be supported by many other businesses (to be confirmed), with a wide range of products for sale.
