Alternative Places To See London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Any Londoner will know Hampstead Heath’s Parliament Hill offers spectacular skyline views of the city all year round, but the London’s New Year’s Eve firework display is a particularly special and vibrant occasion. To make an evening of it, head to one of Hampstead’s pubs for dinner and drinks before midnight to get you in the festive spirit. To get here, hop on the tube to Hampstead or Belsize Park.

If you don’t mind wrapping up warm and getting there a bit earlier, Millennium Bridge is a little bit further down the river and offers a great spot from which to watch the firework show light up the sky. Similarly, Southwark Bridge, Tower Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge are all fairly close to the fireworks and don’t require tickets, so if you want a clear view of the event but haven’t managed to grab a ticket, these locations are great alternatives. Please keep in mind that some bridges may be closed, so make sure you do your research to avoid disappointment.

At nearly 63 metres (207 feet) above sea level, Primrose Hill is a popular site for panoramic views across the city. This popular viewpoint is less than five kilometres (three miles) from Central London, making it a great place from which to take in the New Year’s Eve firework display. Chalk Farm and Camden Town are the closest tube stations.

Located on London’s South Bank, Central Bar at Royal Festival Hall promises great views of the riverside firework display. The venue hosts a spectacular vintage club night every year, with music from the 1920s through to the 1990s, covering swing, rock’n’roll, soul, disco, house and cabaret. The balcony on the fourth floor has an incredible view of the London Eye and the river, so you’ll have a prime firework viewing spot. To top it all off, there’s also a hair and beauty salon, walkabout entertainment and photo studios. If you’re a lover of all things vintage, don’t miss this great party.

If you’re looking to see in the new year with a splash of sophistication, Sky Garden’s parties are renowned for being an exclusive way to celebrate. The 360-degree view of the capital means guests can watch the official New Year’s Eve fireworks display as well as any others that are visible around the city. VIP tickets include a champagne breakfast with smoked salmon and caviar served from 5am – the perfect first meal of the new year. With live music and DJs performing throughout the evening, Sky Bar’s extravagant bash is certainly the ultimate way to celebrate if you have the cash to splash on a ticket.