Want to try the Wim Hof Method? The UK is full of cold plunge locations just waiting to have toes dipped in them

If you haven’t heard of Wim Hof, then you’re probably not a ‘cold’ person! The Dutch athlete is best known for record-breaking feats such as swimming under ice and running barefoot on ice and snow.

But he has built a business empire based on his fitness methodology – breathing techniques and cold immersion training. Or, to the layman, plunging yourself into cold water.

Scientists are divided on the benefits of Hof’s techniques, but there is research to suggest that cold immersion training can increase people’s pain thresholds (although anyone looking to do so should consult a GP first – and get out before numbness kicks in).

A video showing Danish supermodel Helena Christensen submerging her body into a frozen outdoor swimming pool went viral last week, as the cold plunge wellness habit continued its rise in social media searches.

Indeed, searches for the term ‘natural cold plunges’ skyrocketed by 853% in the last year alone.

Now, a new study, by leading tour operator software provider Bókun, has revealed the best natural cold plunge locations in the UK and worldwide as January offers people the opportunity to undertake new wellness habits and travel. 

This rise in colder activities also co-insides with a surge in colder wellness travel, seeing demand for ‘cooler countries’ (+2590%), ‘cold countries’ (+170%) and ‘cold holiday’ (+61%) also increase over the past decade.

Research suggests that the optimum temperature to benefit from a cold plunge is between 10-15℃. Therefore, to identify the best natural cold plunge locations, Bókun has analysed the average freshwater sea temperature from around the UK to reveal the top locations for January and on average all year round.

If you’re looking to participate in a cold plunge or begin a new wellness habit this January, data analysis has found that Cornwall is the best county to visit. It boasts 16 cold plunge locations at the recommended temperature (10-15℃ ) during January.

In top place, the Cornwallian parish of Landewednack has been named the ultimate cold plunge location for January in the UK. The scenic Church Cove water averages at 10.8℃. 

Meanwhile, in second place ranks Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly and Saint Mary’s at an average sea temperature of 10.7℃. 

Global data analysis found that the United States has the most optimum locations globally for cold plunging in January, with 17% of locations registering between the optimum temperature of  10-15℃ during the first month of the year.