UK's 2026 New Year's Day Swim: Hundreds Take Icy Plunge
Hundreds across the UK braved freezing seas for the 100-year-old New Year's Day swim tradition. See pictures and read why some events were cancelled due to dangerous conditions.
Hundreds across the UK braved freezing seas for the 100-year-old New Year's Day swim tradition. See pictures and read why some events were cancelled due to dangerous conditions.
Hundreds of swimmers across the UK braved freezing seas for the annual New Year's Day swim, a century-old tradition. See pictures and locations from Southend to Scotland.
Revellers across the UK and Ireland took a bracing plunge into the sea on New Year's Day 2026. See the photos and read about the chilly charity tradition.
Alexandra Hicks has spent 39 Christmases hoping for news of her brother Kevin, who vanished aged 16 in South London. She refuses to accept he is dead without proof.
New Lloyds data reveals the UK's top property hotspots for 2025, with Plymouth seeing a 12.6% surge. Discover where values soared and where they fell sharply. Explore the full regional analysis now.
The UK Health Security Agency warns of a 'rise in deaths' as snow blizzards and temperatures as low as -12C are forecast. Follow these six essential tips to stay safe and warm.
An American woman moving to the UK reveals her biggest surprise: UK pillows are larger, making her US bed linen useless. Discover the everyday items that differ across the Atlantic.
An American woman moving to the UK shares her surprising packing mistakes, from ill-fitting bed linen to wrong-sized baking trays. Discover the everyday items that aren't standard globally.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across northern Scotland from New Year's Day. Travel disruption is expected as Arctic air brings freezing conditions nationwide.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across northern Scotland from New Year's Day. Up to 30cm of snow could fall, causing travel disruption. Read the full forecast.
The UKHSA warns of a dangerous cold snap starting New Year's Day 2026, with amber alerts for northern England. Temperatures could drop to -7°C, posing severe health risks. Check on vulnerable neighbours.
The UK faces a freezing start to 2026 with an amber cold health alert. Temperatures could plunge to -7°C, posing severe risks to vulnerable people. Check on neighbours and prepare for wintry hazards.
A foundation honouring snowboarder Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin deleted a post wrongly stating $500k from a record surf went to a business. It later admitted only $10,000 was paid. Read the full story.
Kidus Tesera cycled from John O'Groats to Dover on a bike made from recycled materials, raising money for Age UK and Mekedonia. His journey restored his faith in community.
Bill Houghton, 80, crafts hundreds of wooden toys for children living in poverty in Wigan. Inspired by a three-year-old with no toys, his work supports the Daffodil Dreams charity. Read his heartwarming story.
The Independent's SafeCall campaign has raised £165,000 to launch a free, 24/7 national service for the 72,000 young people who go missing in the UK each year. Donate now to support vulnerable children.
U2's Bono joined Glen Hansard and Imelda May for a rousing Christmas Eve busking session in Dublin, raising vital funds for the homeless. Read about the star-studded 15th anniversary event.
Hundreds of festive swimmers plunged into icy UK waters for charity on Christmas Eve, despite a cold health alert and temperatures set to drop to -5°C. Read about the brave dippers and the weather warnings in place.
A 61-year-old hiker was crushed by a herd of cattle in the Scottish Highlands, suffering ten broken ribs. She survived by 'playing dead' until rescued by Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance. Read her incredible story of survival.
Alexandra Hicks shares her 39-year heartache after her brother Kevin vanished aged 16 in Croydon. The Mirror's Missed campaign with Missing People charity supports families.
The Met Office confirms 2025 is tracking to beat 2022 as the UK's warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.05°C. Discover the climate data and what it means for Britain's future.
All aboard! Discover six enchanting UK Christmas train journeys, from illuminated steam rides to Santa specials, for a magical festive day out. Book your tickets now.
Official analysis reveals the UK economy is £140bn smaller due to post-Brexit customs arrangements. Explore the full impact on trade and living standards.
The UK operator of TGI Fridays has filed to appoint administrators for the second time in December, seeking a rescue deal for its 49 restaurants and 2,000 staff. Read the latest on the chain's future.
UK waters see highest octopus numbers since the 1950s, with over 230,000 caught in Cornwall. Experts predict more 'blooms' due to warming seas. Read the full report.
British gardeners report daffodils flowering in December, a month ahead of schedule. Experts link the premature blooms to climate change, with a Cambridge study confirming a worrying trend. Read more.
The UK household saving ratio fell to 9.5% in Q3 2025, down from 10.2%. Economists note caution persists as savings remain above pre-pandemic levels. Read the full analysis.
A 2024 survey shows 50% of UK adults give stockings, spending £62 each. Discover why this Victorian tradition endures, even for those in their thirties.
Fresh weather maps reveal a 600-mile wall of snow is set to barrel into the UK from the east after Christmas, threatening a frosty start to 2026. Discover the full list of affected counties.
Not celebrating Christmas? Discover unique activities, open venues, and ideas for a memorable December 25th in the UK. Explore quiet streets, start new traditions, and find open restaurants.