In Pictures: Hundreds brave icy waters for New Year’s Day dip

While some Britons started 2023 nursing a hangover or catching up on sleep after a late night, some were up with the lark and braved the icy waters for a New Year’s Day dip.

A swim, a quick dip or even just a paddle has become tradition for many on January 1.

New Year’s Day dip
Fancy dress was key for those taking part in the Scarborough Lions New Year’s Day Dip in North Yorkshire (Danny Yorkshire/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Danny Lawson/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Danny Lawson/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
Dozens had a dip in the sea further up the coast at Whitley Bay (Owen Humphreys/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Owen Humphreys/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
There were similar scenes at Barry Island in South Wales (Ben Birchall/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Ben Birchall/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
North of the border, the Loony Dook took place against the backdrop of the Forth Bridge (Andrew Milligan/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Andrew Milligan/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Andrew Milligan/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
The Mablethorpe Big Dip in Lincolnshire saw the brave souls taking part raise money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal (Joe Giddens/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
Steve Atherton was particularly brave with his choice of outfit (Joe Giddens/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
The Serpentine lake was the venue for New Year’s Day dippers in London (Victoria Jones/PA)
New Year’s Day dip
(Victoria Jones/PA)