A near-freezing sea swim off the Pembrokeshire coast has earned Great Western Railway’s Great Escapes podcast a place on the shortlist for one of the audio industry’s top awards.
The clip, featuring Dan Skinner taking a winter dip with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers, has been nominated for Radio Times Moment of the Year at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards 2026.
Dan (Shooting Stars, The Kennedys) joins the group for a bracing dip in the Irish Sea and what starts as a mad idea soon turns blissful – proof that a communal winter swim can clear the mind, lift the spirits and make you forget everything.
“The biggest surprise was how cold the water was – close to freezing – but also how quickly your body gets used to it!” said Dan.
It’s down to the public to decide who wins and you can vote here.
You can also listen to the full podcast here:
Launched in the Autumn, Great Escapes blends travel, humour and a healthy dose of curiosity as Dan and co-presenter Isy Suttie (Peep Show, Shameless) uncover the characters and communities that make Britain tick.
They dive headlong into everything from freemining caves and haunted prisons to giraffes, Babycham and pottery making – discovering history, food, folklore and laughter in equal measure.
And in a special Line to Legend Land episode released last month, Dan swims with a real-life mermaid off the bay of St Ives, while Isy meets local musician Will Keating, learning a traditional Cornish song and discovering how music helps carry stories through generations.
GWR Head of External Communications, Dan Panes, said:
“In a crowded landscape, credibility comes from creating things people actively choose to spend time with. Great Escapes builds on that approach – focusing on content that stands on its own merits, built around real experiences and strong storytelling, while also providing a platform to showcase the fantastic locations across the regions we serve. Recognition like this shows the impact that can have.”
Subscribe and listen to Great Escapes on your favourite podcast platform.
Image credit: GWR
