The New Year’s Day swim is a staple tradition that dates back over a hundred years. Whether you want a visceral metaphor for a fresh new start or simply just want to refresh the system after a night of celebrating the new year, Britain’s bracing bays are the perfect place to indulge in a start-of-year swim.
Max Schmidt, Head of CamperDays, Europe’s leading camper tour operator, says: “There’s nothing better than jumping into cold water with a bunch of friends and family to kick off the new year.
“The annual plunge may seem like a classic British tradition but many cultures around the world lay claim to the practice, so it’s difficult to pinpoint where the tradition originated. The Brighton Swimming Club started its yearly Christmas dip in 1860, while it’s said that the first New Year’s Day swim took place in Scarborough in 1965. That being said, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club reported its first ‘polar plunge’ in the States in 1903, and the Netherlands carried out its first Nieuwjaarsduik, or the new year’s dive, in 1960.
“Most New Year’s Day bathers keep their swims local but some look to tie it in with a UK getaway. For those considering travelling further afield, staying in a campervan is the perfect solution, as you can rest assured knowing you’ve got a warm and cosy vehicle waiting nearby to thaw out with a hot cup of tea, warm shower and dry clothes.”
Below, Max shares his top spots for a New Year’s Day plunge.
- Loony Dooks, Edinburgh
After being cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic, the Loony Dook finally returned 1 January 2024. Started in the eighties by a group of hungover friends, this unserious take on the New Year’s Day swim takes place in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, just outside of Edinburgh. Fancy dress is optional, but you’ll likely be the odd one out if you don’t – New Year’s Day plungers have been spotted dressed as mermaids, Vikings, pirates, and even sharks.
While you’re there, you could also embark on a sightseeing boat tour upon the estuary, visit Midhope or Blackness Castles, or drive around the Pentland Hills Regional Park outside Edinburgh.
- Lyme Lunge, west Dorset
The Lyme Lunge is an annual mainstay of Lyme Regis, taking place in 2025 at Sandy Beach at 1pm.
This one is also a fancy-dress swim, and it’s organised by the Lyme Regis Rotary Club. Revellers are encouraged to organise their own digital fundraising pages in advance of the event to go to a number of charities including the Alzheimer’s Society and Asthma + Lung UK.
Once you’ve warmed up, you may like to follow the hiking trails on Ware Cliffs or enjoy a woodland walk in Trinity Hill.
- Scarborough South Bay, Yorkshire
This new year’s dip in Yorkshire has taken place each year on the South Bay Beach for over 20 years. With collection pots going year-round, all the money is reinvested back into the local community.
While in the area, take a set-jetting trip up to Goathland where you can see filming sites from the first Harry Potter film or drive up to the North York Moors coastal route to enjoy sandy beaches and historic fishing villages.
- The Big Dip, West Wittering
Each year The Big Dip takes place in The Witterings on New Years’ Day at 9:30am, an organised swim welcoming swimmers from Chichester and beyond. Swimmers are asked to pre-register online and donate £10 to take part with all money raised going to local charities.
A two-and-a-half-hour drive from London, this beach is a great option for city-dwellers looking to dust off the cobwebs and bring in the new year with a refreshing dip but be sure to bring aqua shoes, so you don’t risk any stubbed toes on the pebbles.
