One of the most spectacular evenings of the year is New Year’s Eve. With its spectacular fireworks displays, vibrant street parties, and cheerful crowds, the UK has emerged as a magical destination for people looking for an exciting way to greet the New Year. The British NYE fireworks can be seen from a few locations.
Here is a list of the best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in the UK.
London
London is the first choice when you think of New Year’s Eve fireworks in the United Kingdom.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in London
- South Bank – The South Bank is one of the best places to celebrate New Year in London. This area, on the banks of the River Thames near the London Eye and Big Ben, has prime viewing spots for the fireworks. It is a ticketed event.
- Westminster Bridge – Head to Westminster Bridge to get a closer look at the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London. Big Ben and the night sky of fireworks are visible from this spot.
- Parliament Hill – The open grassland known as Parliament Hill, is located in Hampstead Heath. It provides yet another amazing vantage point for observing the breathtaking skyline of London.
- Aqua Shard – The highest skyscraper in the UK, Aqua Shard, provides an unparalleled experience for seeing New Year’s Eve fireworks. A five-course dinner, cocktails, and live music are served to guests while they enjoy breathtaking views of the fireworks from floor-to-ceiling windows.
The New Year Countdown UK is broadcast on several platforms.
Edinburgh
The Hogmanay event, the largest and most magnificent UK New Year celebrations in the world, is held in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Hogmanay is celebrated for three days, with live music, processions, street parties, and a spectacular fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle at midnight on December 31st.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Edinburgh
- Princes Street Gardens – This is the best location to view the fireworks. Thousands of people gather here to witness the sky light up.
- Calton Hill – Calton Hill provides an excellent viewing location for the fireworks. You can also see Arthur Seat and the Scott Monument, two well-known sights.
Hogmanay features the Torchlight Procession, a street celebration, and the renowned ceilidh dance alongside the midnight fireworks.
Cardiff
The capital of Wales, Cardiff provides an excellent atmosphere for welcoming in the New Year.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Cardiff
- Cardiff Castle – The fireworks over Cardiff Castle are one of the highlights of the popular New Year’s Eve celebrations in Cardiff. Guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere with food sellers and live music before the main event.
- Bute Park – Bute Park is an excellent location to witness the fireworks. This is a place where families can get together out of the crowds and enjoy the performance.
Cardiff is a great place to celebrate the New Year because it hosts a funfair and ice skating, among other indoor festivities.
Newcastle
Tyne is a wonderful destination to see British New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Newcastle
- Quayside – Visit Quayside for the best views. You can see the fireworks from the Tyne Bridge without obstacles.
- Baltic Square – Baltic Square, located across the river in Gateshead, offers a more expansive view of the fireworks. You will also be treated to a stunning vista of the famous Sage Gateshead building and illuminated bridges.
Manchester
Manchester boasts one of the best UK New Year celebrations. It is known for its vibrant nightlife.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Manchester
- Piccadilly Gardens – Piccadilly Gardens features live music, food trucks, and street performances.
- Deansgate Locks – Deansgate Locks offers a more upscale experience. You may see the fireworks from the restaurants and pubs that line the canal.
Warehouse Project and Albert Hall host epic New Year’s Eve events, making them perfect for late-night revellers.
Birmingham
Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, hosts a spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Birmingham
- Centenary Square – The main spot to watch the fireworks in Birmingham is Centenary Square. The area features pubs, an ice rink, and street food sellers. Get tickets to a masquerade ball where you may partake in a live casino, a pipe band, and a six-course meal. With the nearby Birmingham Christmas Market still in full swing, you can enjoy a festive drink or snack while watching the fireworks light up the sky.
Liverpool
Liverpool waterfront provides the ideal setting for a spectacular fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Liverpool
- Albert Dock – One of the best places to see the fireworks in Liverpool is the Albert Dock neighbourhood. It is a great spot to welcome the New Year with many restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
- Pier Head – The view of the River Mersey and the fireworks show is breathtaking from Pier Head.
- Titanic Hotel Liverpool – Book a three-course lunch at Stanley Bar and Grill at Titanic Hotel Liverpool. Join other partygoers on the dockside before midnight to take in the amazing fireworks display. The hotel also hosts an exclusive Gala Dinner, which includes canapes and beverages, a four-course meal, and fantastic live music.
Belfast
The River Lagan provides a magnificent background for New Year’s festivities in Belfast.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Belfast
- Titanic Quarter – Visit the Titanic Quarter Belfast New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2025. A welcome cocktail, a fixed menu, and the opportunity to dance all night to a live DJ are included. After that, you may head outdoors to see one of the greatest fireworks displays in the UK over the famous Titanic museum. Other places to spend New Year’s Eve in Belfast include The Observatory, which has amazing panoramic views across Belfast and is the tallest pub in Ireland.
Brighton
Go to Brighton to see the seaside fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Brighton
- Brighton Beach – The beach is the best location to watch the fireworks.
- Brighton Palace Pier – The Palace Pier offers great views of the fireworks over the ocean. Brighton is a great place to celebrate the beginning of a new year because it has a lot of clubs, bars, and parties.
Bath
Bath, a city renowned for its Roman history and Georgian architecture, is a delightful spot to start the new year.
Best Spots to Watch the Fireworks in Bath
- Royal Crescent – The well-known Royal Crescent is a beautiful place to see the fireworks. The stunning backdrop for the light show is created by the curved stretch of Georgian homes.
- Bath Abbey – Parade Gardens and Bath Abbey are great locations to view the fireworks. The Abbey is illuminated for this special occasion. Bath is popular for its luxurious spas and peaceful retreats. It is a great option for anyone looking to start the year feeling refreshed.
In Summary
The UK is one of the best places to visit in winter for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration. Make sure that you check the public holidays in the UK before planning a trip to the UK.