Start 2027 with one of Poole’s quirkiest annual traditions as the New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race returns to Poole Quay. Teams take to the harbour in homemade bathtub-inspired vessels, racing along the waterfront while crowds cheer them on from the quayside. Expect creative crafts, splashes, plenty of competitive spirit and a lively atmosphere, all while raising money for charity. The event is free to watch and has become a memorable way to welcome the New Year in Poole.
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Friday 1st January 2027
Poole New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race 2027 | What’s On in Poole
Date: Friday 1 January 2027
Venue: Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ
Admission: Free for spectators
Spectators: From approximately 9:30am
Race start: Currently listed for 10am
2027 timings: Subject to final organiser confirmation
Poole’s New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race is an annual charity event that sees teams design and build their own unusual vessels before attempting to race them along Poole Quay.
Rather than conventional boats, crews take to the water in homemade crafts built around the event’s bathtub theme. The result is deliberately light-hearted, with creativity and entertainment as much a part of the experience as reaching the finish line.
Hundreds of spectators traditionally gather along the Quay to watch the action and support the participating teams.
The current 2027 information states that spectators can begin gathering from around 9:30am, with the race expected to start at 10am.
The route is listed as running from the pontoons towards the Fish Shambles steps on Poole Quay.
For reference, the official 2026 event used a route from the pontoons east of Poole Bridge to the Fish Shambles steps just west of Poole Quay Boat Haven. Final route and registration details for 2027 should be checked once the organisers publish the updated event information.
The event is known for being fun rather than overly serious, with previous races featuring plenty of friendly rivalry and unconventional racing tactics.
The Bath Tub Race is held as a charity-focused New Year’s Day event, with participating crews helping to raise money for good causes.
Fundraising details and any nominated charities for the 2027 race will be confirmed by the organisers nearer the event.
Teams traditionally build their own bathtub-style vessels before entering the race.
Registration and safety checks are required before competitors can take to the water. For reference, the 2026 race required crews to attend registration and safety checks before launching.
Anyone interested in entering the 2027 race should wait for the official registration information before building or transporting a vessel, as rules, launch arrangements and safety requirements may change.
The Bath Tub Race is free to watch and can be a fun family activity on New Year’s Day.
Children can watch the unusual boats and crews from the quayside, although families should be aware that Poole Quay can become crowded around the race route.
Because the event takes place beside open water, younger children should be supervised closely.
Poole Quay has a wide selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, making it easy to combine the race with breakfast, lunch or a New Year’s Day drink.
Businesses along the Quay traditionally benefit from the crowds attending the race, although individual New Year’s Day opening hours should be checked directly before visiting.
Poole Quay is within walking distance of Poole town centre, Poole Bus Station and Poole railway station.
Public transport can be particularly convenient on New Year’s Day because the Quay becomes busy before and during the race.
Visitors should check festive public-transport timetables in advance, as New Year’s Day services may differ from normal weekday schedules.
Several public car parks are available within walking distance of Poole Quay.
Visitors travelling by car should allow additional time because the event attracts large crowds and nearby parking can fill quickly.
New Year’s Day parking charges and any event-related road restrictions should be checked with BCP Council before travelling.
The Poole New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race 2027 is listed for Friday 1 January 2027, with spectators currently advised to arrive from around 9:30am and the race expected to begin at 10am.
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