Each year on New Year’s Eve, vibrant celebrations take place across England, Scotland and Wales, with fireworks lighting up the sky as the clocks strike twelve. But with so many events to choose from, deciding where to toast the New Year can be challenging. To make this decision easier, we’ve selected Britain’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations to be a part of as you welcome 2017.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Hogmanay is famous worldwide, and it’s the culturally rich city of Edinburgh that’s home to this unique celebration. Over three days, the Scottish city hosts a series of events including concerts, a torchlight procession and traditional ceilidh, as well as the main event, a New Year’s Eve street party and fireworks display.
New Year’s Eve at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
As Christmas and New Year approach, Cardiff celebrates the return of Winter Wonderland. An Alpine Village, funfair and outdoor ice rink all spread the festive cheer, but it’s on New Year’s Eve that this event really shines, with a fireworks display and live music.
New Year’s Eve at Winter Wonderland Cardiff
London New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Said to attract crowds of around 250,000 people, London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is the city’s main year-end event. As the spectacular display takes place over the Thames, people gather along the riverbanks and surrounding streets, with attractions to keep everyone entertained.
London New Year’s Eve Fireworks
New Year’s Eve Thames Cruise
For a different perspective of the fireworks overhead, some people take to the river on a New Year’s Eve Thames Cruise. From sightseeing boats to Champagne toasts, there are cruises to suit every taste, but the Bateaux London Cruises stand out for their lavish offering encompassing dinner, Champagne and live music.
New Year’s Eve – Bateaux London Cruises
New Year’s Eve Party at The View from The Shard
There aren’t many London settings with a better outlook over the city than The View from The Shard. Situated on floors 68, 69 and 72 of the iconic landmark, this venue affords 360-degree views of the cityscape, making it the ideal location to watch the fireworks from, preferably with a cocktail in hand.
Last Dance with Dippy: New Year’s Eve Ball
A favourite attraction in London for visitors of all ages is the Natural History Museum, where perhaps the best-known exhibit is Dippy the dinosaur. In the coming year, this famous artefact will be sent on a tour of other major museums in the UK, but the New Year’s Eve Ball gives people the chance to dance alongside Dippy before saying farewell.
Having planned New Year’s Eve, don’t forget about the rest of your stay. Make the most of a visit to London, Edinburgh or Cardiff by exploring with Evan Evans, or by setting out on a five-day Gems of Britain tour.
Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / Sean Shot. NYE in Edinburgh © iStock / ianwool. NYE in London © iStock / extravagantni. The View from The Shard © Flickr / Charlie Marshall.
