10 OF THE BEST WAYS TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR

On islands as beautiful and varied as ours, there’s no shortage of special places to gather with family and friends to welcome 2018

Welcome in 2018

STREET PARTYING IN ST IVES, CORNWALL

For cool coastal walks and free firework displays, all within an idyllic Cornish setting, head to St Ives, where on New Year’s Eve the usually serene streets come alive with revellers. At 6pm the roads close and crowds are encouraged to take to the town – where you can dive in and out of its many pubs and bars. There will also be a selection of parties taking place around the harbour until midnight beckons and the crowds head to the beachfront to watch the fireworks, which are reflected in the beautiful Celtic Sea. stivesindecember.co.uk

THE SAUNDERSFOOT SWIM, PEMBROKESHIRE

A comparatively new tradition, the annual swim in Saundersfoot sees hundreds of brave souls sprint across the sand to splash about in the icy Atlantic – all in the name of charity. Beginning in 1984, when 17 men entered the sea for a sponsored dip to raise money for their local sports club, what was meant to be a one-off has proven so popular it’s now the main event in the village’s social calendar. Each year, the swim has become bigger and bolder, with more than 1,000 participants coming from far and wide to take a bracing dunk and celebrate New Year. saundersfootnyds.co.uk

WALKING WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST IN NORTH SOMERSET

A staple in many households, the traditional New Year’s Day walk is often much needed after one too many, but if you feel like doing something a bit different, why not join a National Trust guide on a walk across the limestone hilltops that surround the historic city of Bath? A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the skyline hills feel almost otherworldly – with six miles of meadows and ancient woodland looking down over the World Heritage Site. The walk includes a visit to Prior Park where, we have it on good authority, hot chocolate will be on offer. nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-skyline

THE ALLENDALE TAR BAR’L, NORTHUMBERLAND

Believed to cleanse and purify, fire features heavily in ancient new year rituals across the country, and the village of Allendale is no exception. Here, 45 local men (known as guisers) throw caution to the wind by carrying burning hot, tar-filled whisky barrels on their heads through the town. Now 160 years since the tradition started, locals and visitors alike flock here for an evening of merrymaking and music. The procession culminates at midnight – arriving at the town centre where the barrels are cast into the ‘Bar’l fire’ as the crowds chant, “Be damned to he who throws last”. visitnorthumberland.com/allendale

WILDLIFE SPOTTING ON THE ISLE OF SKYE, INNER HEBRIDES

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this far-flung island retreats into hibernation come winter. Quite the opposite, in fact, as it is now that wild red deer come down to lower ground in search of better grazing, making it the perfect time to see them and, if you’re lucky, you might also spot golden eagles and otters, too. With a long and varied history, fantastic walking opportunities and, crucially, no shortage of secluded spots, this misty isle is the ideal place to welcome in the new year away from the masses, while enjoying the fresh air and appreciating its wild beauty. isleofskye.com

WATCHING THE SUN RISE AT GLASTONBURY TOR, SOMERSET

Standing like a watchtower above the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor is a mythical and magical spot famed for its Gothic associations and ancient ley-lines. Legend has it that King Arthur even visited. It is often said to be one of the most spiritual sites in the country, and druids and tourists alike trek to the top of the West Country landmark to welcome the first sunrise of the year. On New Year’s Eve, the Tor, which was once an island among the marshes, also makes for a fantastic viewing platform – giving a 360-degree view of surrounding firework displays. nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor

THE COMRIE FLAMBEAUX PROCESSION, PERTHSHIRE

If you were to stumble upon the small Scottish village of Comrie on New Year’s Eve just as the pagan-style torchbearing Flambeaux Procession marches through, you might feel as though you’ve travelled back in time. This ancient fire festival – believed to cleanse the village at the start of each year – is thought to have Celtic or Pictish roots and, except for the addition of fireworks, little has changed for centuries. As the clock strikes midnight, bagpipes play and the poles are lit, then paraded through the village – a gaggle of festively clad revellers walking in their wake. comrie.org.uk

SEE EXOTIC FLOWER DISPLAYS IN TRESCO, ISLES OF SCILLY

For those who dream of warmer climes during the colder months, head to Tresco, which even in winter remains pleasantly mild. It’s home to the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden, the horticultural paradise established in the 1830s, where more than 20,000 exotic plants – many of which can’t be grown elsewhere in Britain – provide a colourful display. Often described as ‘Kew with the lid off ’, spring comes early here, so if you’re craving some colour after months of bare trees, a trip to Tresco makes for a brilliantly bright way to see in the new year. tresco.co.uk

THE AULD LANG SYNE FELL RACE, WEST YORKSHIRE

A bracing New Year’s Day run may not seem like the most appealing activity, but is nevertheless an invigorating way to start 2018. The Auld Lang Syne Fell Race at Penistone Hill near Haworth attracts an array of runners of all abilities – the less serious can happily flounce around in fancy dress, while more committed athletes could have triathletes to compete against, as Olympic medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee are regular entrants. The atmospheric 9.6km route through Brontë country is also incredibly breathtaking – just remember to book your place. woodentops.org.uk

STARGAZING IN THE BRECON BEACONS

Who needs fireworks when you can witness nature’s own display of shooting stars and dazzling nebulas? Winter is the best time of year to stargaze so, for a simple, family-friendly and free way to celebrate, wrap up warm, pack a flask of hot chocolate and head to the Brecon Beacons National Park – the fifth destination in the world to be granted International Dark Sky Reserve status. Usk and Pontsticill Reservoirs are both popular spots and on a clear night you’ll see the Milky Way and many of the major constellations – which trump sparklers any day. breconbeacons.org /stargazing