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

Ling Tang /
Ling Tang / | © Culture Trip
Lizzie Thomson

London Writer

Every year, thousands of revellers swarm the banks of the River Thames for London’s New Year’s Eve firework display. Once a free event, the spectacular show became so popular that it’s now ticketed and quickly sells out. If you didn’t secure a spot, don’t worry – there are plenty of other places across the city where you can see London’s famous fireworks.

1. Hampstead Heath

Park

Hampstead Heath offers spectacular views over the city
© Wei Huang / Shutterstock

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.

2. Millennium Bridge

Bridge

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.

3. Primrose Hill

Park, Hill Station, Natural Feature

Get views for miles from Primrose Hill
© Wei Huang / Shutterstock
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.

5. Sky Garden

Building

Sky Garden at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street in London
© Nathaniel Noir / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

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