Short answer: Teignmouth has two waterfronts and you choose by the wind: the sea wall for drama, the Back Beach on the estuary when it is blowing. Ye Olde Jolly Sailor is a couple of minutes from the Back Beach.
Along Brunel's railway with the sea on the other side, level the whole way, trains passing a few feet from you. In a January swell the waves break clean over it — stay behind the wall rather than on it, and never turn your back on the sea.
The estuary side, with working boats hauled up on the sand. Sheltered, with real character, and the right choice if the front is unpleasant.
The level promenade, well kept and good for mobility scooters.
The Back Beach on the estuary is far more sheltered than the open seafront, which makes it the sensible side for a New Year's dip. The estuary mouth has strong currents — stay well inside.
New Year's Day swims on this coast are organised by lifeboat crews, surf clubs and pubs rather than councils, and most are announced in the last fortnight of December on local Facebook pages. Check there rather than expecting a listing.
If you are getting in: the sea is colder on 1 January than at any point in the summer, cold water shock is the real risk rather than the temperature itself, and it is worth going in with people rather than alone. Walk in, do not dive, and get warm clothes on quickly afterwards.
Almost everywhere opens later than usual on New Year's Day, and some places do not open at all. Ring in the morning rather than assuming.
The Back Beach car park is cheaper and bigger than the seafront, and on 1 January it is the one to aim for anyway.
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