Monday, October 31, 2016

The London New Year’s Eve Guide 2016

London has world-class fireworks and parties going off throughout New Year’s Eve. So by the time Big Ben strikes midnight, the capital’s streets will be packed with people revelling in the atmosphere.

Here is how to get the most out of the big night – and where to spend the morning after the night before.

Things to do in London for New Year’s Eve 2016

NYE Fireworks 2014 (c) Greater London Authority

NYE Fireworks 2014 (c) Greater London Authority

Where to watch the London fireworks for free

There’s still some tickets for 2016 and there’s usually a release of returned tickets in December. You can get four tickets per person at £10 each – book here.

But if you’ve left your plans to the last minute, and still want to get a feel for the fireworks then there are a few vantage points.

The City

The Cannon Street (next door to St Paul’s) and Monument areas of the city are a good bet to head to if you want to get close to the fireworks but don’t actually have a ticket. Visit the Transport for London website before you leave home, as the tube stations may close earlier than normal to cope with the numbers of people.

These two spots may be the worst kept secret so you might want to think about getting their early and bagging an area.

Bridges

Vauxhall Bridge, Tower Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Millennium Bridge are all outside the ticketed area and offer the best river views. Again these are likely to prove popular.

Head up high

fireworks in London

The famous fireworks (c) Alexandra Palace

If Michelin-star dining and spectacular views sounds like your idea of a new year celebration, then Galvin at Windows in the London Hilton, Park Lane, is a high-end option. .

If you want something a bit more cheap and cheerful then the hills around London offer a decent vantage point to see the fireworks. In north London head to either Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill or if you don’t mind being further out, Alexandra Palace.

For those who managed to get tickets for the London NYE 2016 Fireworks, you can find out all the information about getting to the event and timings on that page.

Big-Ben

New Year’s Eve parties

There seems to be a Gatsby-themed glitz and glamour-themed edge to this years New Year’s Eve so expect some champagne-fuelled 1920s excitement at the likes of Steam & Rye and Bocconcino Mayfair.

The New Years Eve World Countdown Party at Scarlet’s Bar, just off Leicester Square, will run until 3am.

If your best laid plans have gone awry or if you’re suddenly struck with the fear of missing out, you can find out the latest ticket prices and availability for parties, club nights and gigs at  Design by Night.

New Year’s Day 2016

New Year’s Day Parade

New Year’s Day Parade

New Year’s Day parade

Now in its 30th year, the famous New Year’s Day parade takes place come rain, snow or shine. Starting at midday in Piccadilly (junction with Berkeley Street) and finishing at 3.30pm in Parliament Square, it’s become a great way to blow off all the cobwebs from the night before and see in the first day of 2016.

There are more than 8,500 people taking part, from cheerleaders to marching bands, and many of the colourful performers raise money for charity along the way. Click here for information on the map route and how to get there in plenty of time to see all the action.

The Southbank Centre also likes to spring into the New Year with gusto, so if you can summon up the energy, join in with the Ceilidh Liberation Front’s New Year’s Startup. This free live music event runs from 1pm until 5pm in the Clore Ballroom and don’t worry if you don’t know the steps, someone will show you the right way to go.

Need a place to stay?

If you still haven’t found somewhere to stay, and don’t fancy the journey home after an epic party; check out our latest London hotel deals and see in the New Year in comfort and style.

However if you want to escape the capital, then there are some enticing New Year city breaks so you can wake up somewhere different in 2015.

We’ve also put a guide to the best places to stay in Edinburgh for New Year if you fancy celebrating north of the border – they call it Hogmanay

 

The post The London New Year’s Eve Guide 2016 appeared first on lastminute.com Blog.


from lastminute.com Blog
http://www.lastminute.com/blog/london-new-years-eve-guide/

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