NEW YEARS DAY DIPS 2026
As we gear up to welcome 2026, why not dive straight into it with some crazy New Years Day Dips. It's time to spice up your New Year's Day with an icy plunge that'll get your heart racing and your spirits soaring!
The UK offers a huge choice of cold-water swimming events on the first day of the year taking place on beaches and lakes! Each event promises a mix of adrenaline-pumping fun and a vibe of togetherness that's hard to beat. Oh! You can even dress up!
We have piled together all the New Years Day Dips in the UK you can find in various locations so you can find an event near you!
NEW YEARS DAY DIP AT WESTWARD HO! - NORTH DEVON
Arrival Time: 11:15am
Dip Time: 12pm
Price: Free
Registration: Free
Address: 33, Nelson Road, Bideford EX39 1DS
Event Page: Westward Ho! New Years Day Dip
The annual New Year’s Day Dip in Westward Ho! is a cherished tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. Each year, participants don colourful fancy dress to take a brisk dip in the sea, celebrating the arrival of another year. This event has become a cornerstone of the Westward Ho! community, firmly embedded in its history and spirit.
JUBILEE POOL - PENZANCE NEW YEARS DAY DIP 2026
Arrival Time: 10:30am
Dip Time: 11am
Price: £4 per person Booking required
Address: Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance, TR18 4F
Event Page: Events - Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
Take the plunge at Jubilee Pool, Penzance, with the New Year’s Day dip at 11:00 AM. It’s the perfect way to start the year with a refreshing splash. You can also enjoy a sweet treat in the jubilee café once you have finished your dip. Don’t forget to visit us in our Penzance store we would love to hear about your new years dip adventures!
ANGLE NEW YEARS DAY DIP 2026
Dip Time: 12pm
Price: Free
Registration: Free
Address: West Angle Bay Pembrokeshire SA71 5BE
Event Page: Angle New Years Day Dip 2026
Back again for 2026, this New Years Day dip is a family run event and completely free of charge! Every person that enters the dip will receive a medal and some sweet treats with BBQ rolls. This event is in aid of Paul Sartori Foundation and fancy dress is encouraged.
ST MARGARET'S HOSPICE NEW YEARS DAY DIP 2026
Arrival Time: 2:30pm
Dip Time: 3:30pm
Price: £12 per person (advance booking) or £15 per person (pay on the day)
Registration: Need to register
Address: Minehead Beach, Esplanade, TA24 5BG
Event Page: St Margaret's Hospice | New Year's Day Charity Dip
Whether you’re a seasoned sea swimmer or dipping for the very first time, there’s no better way to welcome 2026 than with a bracing splash! Grab your friends, pull on your best fancy dress, and feel the buzz of doing something bold for a brilliant cause.
Once you’ve conquered the chill, warm up with a free hot drink and plenty of smiles all round. You can visit us at our Minehead store and share your New Year’s dip stories - we’d love to hear all about your chilly adventure!
LYME LUNGE 2026
Dip Time: 1pm
Registration: None
Price: Free or get sponsored for charity.
Address: Sandy Beach, Lyme Regis
Event Page:
This annual fancy dress dip on Lyme Regis beach starts at 1 PM and raises funds for incredible charities. Whether you’re a seasoned dipper or trying it for the first time, it’s a bracing way to welcome 2026! Hot soup is served for all Lungers, provided by The Harbour Inn. A changing tent is provided.
This year's Lunge will be raising funds for The Rainbow Trust and Well Child, which both help families with life threatening or terminal illnesses.
SCARBOROUGH BEACH NEW YEARS DAY DIP 2026
Dip Time: 12:30
Price: £10 single, £18 couple, £30 group (children under 10 free with an adult)
Registration: Yes
Address: Foreshore Road, Scarborough YO11 2QE
Event Page: Scarborough Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse
The Scarborough Lions Club are back again this year, organising another New Year's Day Dip! You'll need to contact them to register, and can raise money for a charity of your choice.
SAUNDERSFOOT NEW YEARS DAY DIP 2026
Dip Time: 12:30pm
Price: £5 per adult and £3 per child
Registration: Yes
Address: Saundersfoot Beach, Saundersfoot SA69 9HE
Event Page: NYDS - Saundersfoot Festivities Ltd
2026 will mark Saundersfoot's 40th New Year's Day charity swim! To recognise this, the theme will be Ruby - everyone is encouraged to wear red, and fancy dress is encouraged!
The event first began in 1984, with just 10 swimmers. This incredible event has grown into a spectacular coastal event. Over the years, the event has raised over £800,000 for chaarities thanks to the generosity of sponsors, volunteers and participants.
DARE TO DIP - NORTHERN IRELAND 2026
Arrival Time: 11:45am
Dip Time: 12pm
Registration: Register online
Price: Standard ticket - £15
Address: Crawfordsburn Beach - Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT
Event page: Dare to Dip - 1st January 2026 - Cancer Focus Northern Ireland
Make a fresh start to the New Year and Dare to Dip at Crawfordsburn Beach!
This community swim helps to raise much needed funds for Cancer Focus NI. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there's a prize for the best outfit!
If your New Year's Day dip has sparked a new passion for cold water swimming, check out our blog below for everything you need to know about this invigorating activity.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COLD WATER SWIMMING
TOP TIPS FOR NEW YEARS DAY DIPS
Here are some top tips to consider for before taking the plunge:
Safety First: Always swim in designated areas with supervision from lifeguards or people in charge of safety if possible. If you know you get cold, consider wearing a high-performance wetsuit in the water! You can even wear your fancy dress costume over the top of it. Always check the tide times before jumping into the sea!
Warm-Up & Aftercare: After your swim, wrap up in warm, dry clothes! We always recommend one of our Four Seasons Changing Robes to wear as they allow you to warm up fast! Sip on a hot drink and nourish yourself with a hearty snack to help your body recover.
Celebrate & Enjoy: Embrace the adventure! celebrate your bravery! Share stories, laughter, and toast to a refreshing start to the New Year's Day plunge!
Need more tips? Check out our blog open water swimming tips for more information!
It's not just about the crazy thrill or the tingling cold—it's about feeling pumped and totally connected. Stepping out of that icy water brings this incredible sense of "I did it!" that bonds everyone together. These plunges aren't just a wild way to start the year; they're like a badge of courage, showing we're up for challenges. Here's to a year of epic adventures and loads more adrenaline rushes!