Short answer: Babbacombe Downs is the highest promenade in England, free and level the whole way — the best New Year's Day walk in Torbay. Cockington is sheltered parkland if the wind is off the bay.
The highest promenade in England, free, level throughout, with a coastal view at its best in clear January air. The obvious choice if the party includes anyone who cannot manage steps, or anyone who had a late night.
Free parkland, thatched cottages and lanes a few minutes from the seafront. Sheltered, which matters if it is blowing off the bay.
The quieter beach east of the harbour — impossible to park at on a summer morning, empty on 1 January.
Torbay is sheltered compared with the north coast, and Torre Abbey Sands and Meadfoot are the two people use. No lifeguards on 1 January.
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.
Kents Cavern is underground and open most of the year — check whether it opens on the 1st, because it is the one place here where the weather is irrelevant.
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