News / floating harbour

New Year’s Day swim to take place in docks for first time

By Martin Booth  Wednesday Nov 27, 2024

A New Year’s Day dip is a long-held tradition at locations including the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park, the River Forth in Edinburgh and – closer to home – at Clevedon Marine Lake.

Traditions have to start somewhere and on January 1 2025, swimming will be allowed to take place in Bristol docks on the first morning of the first day of the year for the first time.

Before that, the winter swimming series in the harbour begins on Sunday with a winter solstice swim taking place on December 21.

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Organised swimming in the docks began in April after two successful trials.

Taking place in front of the Cottage pub, the open water swimming sessions cost £7 and are organised by All-Aboard Watersports in partnership with Bristol City Council.

For more information, visit www.swimbristolharbour.com

Main photo: Mia Vines Booth

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