New Year’s Day in Otley and Ilkley: People take the plunge in annual tradition at White Wells and in the River Wharfe

Some intrepid folk enjoy taking a plunge in Ilkley’s iconic White Wells spa bath and others take part in a swim in the River Wharfe.

White Wells dates back to 1700 when it was constructed to gather natural spring water. While the water is said to have no direct healing properties, such “cold water therapy” is said to boost the circulation, and provides a mood boosting effect for people who take the plunge.

In Victorian times, people headed to the seaside to improve their wellbeing and when White Wells opened it helped to put Ilkley on the map as a spa town.

Meanwhile the annual Joe Town Memorial Swim took place in the River Wharfe at Wharfemeadows Park. It’s held in memory of local swimming and lifesaving teacher Joe Town, who died in 2011.