Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Best Spots for New Year's Day Swim
New Year's Day is a popular time for people to go for a swim in cold water.
There are many places in the UK where you can do this, like Broughty Ferry Harbour in Dundee, which has been doing this for over 130 years.
Some places, like Saundersfoot Beach in Pembrokeshire, have special themes and costumes.
Others, like Hampstead Ponds in London, have special hours on New Year's Day.
It's important to swim safely and check the conditions before you go in.
Some places require tickets, so you should plan ahead.
Broughty Ferry Harbour in Dundee hosts the oldest festive swim, over 130 years, with limited spots and no mankinis allowed.
The River Cam in Cambridgeshire offers a scenic two-mile stretch for swimming, with no official event but intrepid swimmers present.
Saundersfoot Beach in Pembrokeshire expects thousands of swimmers, with a ruby theme for its 40th anniversary, requiring tickets.
Hampstead Ponds in London have extended hours on New Year's Day, with the Mixed Pond closed but Ladies’ and Men’s ponds open.
Derwentwater in Keswick, Lake District, hosts an 11am fundraising Fancy Dress Dip, with hot chocolate and cake provided, requiring tickets.
- Who
- Outdoor swimming enthusiasts and the general public
- What
- New Year's Day swims at various locations
- When
- New Year's Day
- Where
- Broughty Ferry Harbour, Dundee; The River Cam, Cambridgeshire; Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire; Hampstead Ponds, London; Derwentwater, Keswick, Lake District
- Why
- To start the year with an invigorating and life-affirming activity
- Broughty Ferry Harbour, Dundee
- Oldest festive swim, over 130 years, 12pm, limited spots, no mankinis allowed
- The River Cam, Cambridgeshire
- Two-mile stretch between Byron’s Pool and King’s Mill Weir, no official event, intrepid swimmers
- Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire
- Thousands of swimmers, 12.30pm, ruby theme, tickets required
- Hampstead Ponds, London
- Mixed Pond closed, Ladies’ and Men’s ponds open, extended hours 7.30am to 2.30pm
- Derwentwater, Keswick, Lake District
- 11am fundraising Fancy Dress Dip, hot chocolate and cake, tickets required