Sung Kuk Kim
Fireworks over Palace of Westminster
Fireworks over Palace of Westminster seen from South Bank
New Years Eve is without a doubt the most celebrated event of the year. With the excitement of Christmas still lingering and the anticipation of 2019 replacing it, New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse for a party. So why not make it a night to remember and set 2019 off with a bang? We've rounded up some of the best NYE events, from classy dinner parties to family-friendly activities. Take a look:
1. Skate Party
Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Tickets: £50-£70. Advance booking essential > somersethouse.org.uk
Great for: Young people
Glide into the new year on skates at the famous rink at Somerset House. Collaborating with Sink the Pink - a club-meets-cabaret - the party will be filled with performers, classic dancefloor hits and drag stars. Food and drink will be available and for those not wishing to skate, tickets are £20 cheaper at £50. There is also exclusive access to the River Terrace where you can view the London fireworks, all included in the ticket.
2. The Best View
Sawyers Hill, Richmond Park
Tickets: Free > royalparks.org.uk
Great for: Everyone
Get a stunning view of the London skyline and the firework display in the city, from the more serene environment of Richmond Park. Take blankets and a flask filled with a hot drink and enjoy the display without the hassle and expense! Please note that bringing your own sparklers, fireworks and Chinese lanterns are not permitted at the park is a National Nature Reserve.
3. An Evening of Luxury
Epsom Downs, Epsom KT18 5LQ
Tickets: £95 > hospitalitylinechristmas.co.uk
Great for: Couples and groups
Enjoy an evening of luxury at the racecourse as you are greeted with a drinks reception, treated to a three-course meal and then entertained by a DJ and a glass of champagne to welcome in 2019. Smart evening dress must be worn and the party will end at 1 am.
4. Be Wined and Dined
Picasa
Denbies Wine Estate, London Rd, RH5 6AA Dorking
Tickets: £95 > denbies.co.uk
Great for: Couples
Spend your last day of 2018 at the Denbies vineyard, dining on a four-course meal with wine accompanying each course. Tickets include a sparkling wine on arrival and at New Year and a post-dinner coffee. A DJ and dancing will follow the meal.
5. Around The World Party
Battersea Evolution
Battersea Evolution, Queenstown Road, London SW8 4NW
Tickets: £185 > smartgroupltd.co.uk
Great for: Young people, couples
After last year's success, the NYE party is back at Battersea Evolution. With all events at the location being themed as 'Around the World in 80 Days' this year, this will be the final event following the theme. Canapés inspired by countries around the world will be served before a four-course dinner, the opportunity to have a drink in an igloo bar and be entertained by Cirque performers and bumper cars. The London fireworks will be streamed live at midnight.
6. Champagne & A Four Course Meal
Great Fosters Hotel, Stroude Rd, Egham TW20 9UR
Tickets: £155 > greatfosters.co.uk
Great for: Adult-free children
Visit Great Fosters hotel for a dinner and dance combination including champagne and canapés on arrival, a four-course meal and a cheese selection to feast on at 11 pm. The celebration ends at 1.30am but guests are welcome to spend the night and then attend the Jazz Brunch on New Year's Day.
7. A Family Extravaganza
Legoland
Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY
Tickets: £490 for a family of 4 > legolandholidays.co.uk
Great for: Families with young children
Spend the evening at Legoland and watch the firework display at 9.30pm through a pair of special 3D 'brick' glasses. Included in the price is one night's accommodation in a Lego themed room, dinner, a toasting drink, a New Year's Day Character Brunch and access to the play area, swimming pool and character meet and greets. A great excuse for a family mini-break!
8. Boat Party
Festival Pier, Southbank, London, SE1 8XZ
Tickets: £250 > designmynight.com
Great for: Everyone
Get the best view of the London fireworks by viewing them from the river. Everyone is welcome on the Pride of London boat, with guests having the option of hitting the dance floor or taking in the city sights on the deck. A two-course meal follows reception of champagne and canapés, and the bar is all inclusive in the price excluding shots, premium spirits and champagne.
9. Night At The Museum
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Tickets: £99, members: £89 > nhm.ac.uk
Great for: Over 18s
Experience the magic of the museum at night with free access to the exhibitions, musical bingo and Massaoke (karaoke with a live band). The theme is party animals - guests are encouraged to dress in coordination with this and can make their own animal masks at the event, too.
10. A Black Tie Event
Richmond Hill Hotel
Richmond Hill Hotel, 144-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RW
Tickets: £132, £209 including overnight stay > richmondhill-hotel.co.uk
Great for: Over 18s, couples
The Richmond Hill Hotel is hosting a gala dinner including a glass of prosecco on arrival, four-course menu with coffee, half a bottle of wine with dinner, a DJ until 1 am and a glass of champagne at midnight. The dress code is black tie and the evening is sure to be one of sophistication. Choose to stay the night at the hotel from an extra £77.
11. Clubber's Paradise
Clem Onojeghuo
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX
Tickets: From £105 > southbankcentre.co.uk
Great for: Young people wanting to dance
With an impressive five floors of themed club nights with music ranging from the 20s to the present day, live orchestras, dance lessons and photo studios, this event is the King of NYE parties. Situated right on the Southbank, the Hall also offers fantastic views of the firework display from exclusive terraces. Tickets include a glass of fizz.
12. The Manor "House Party"
Foxhills Club & Resort, Stonehill Road, KT16 0EL Ottershaw
Tickets: £120, member: £110 > foxhills.co.uk
Great for: Over 18s, couples
Far from what you'd expect at a house party, Foxhills is putting on a drinks reception, four-course meal, roulette wheel in the Pine's Casino and a fireworks display on the Manor Lawn. Guests also have the option to extend their stay and pay £395 for bed and breakfast.
13. Ride On A Train Of Luxury
Victoria St, Victoria, London SW1E 5ND
Tickets: £473 > belmond.com
Great for: Over 18s, couples
Enjoy a luxurious roundtrip from Victoria Station on the Belmond British Pullman train. A five-course dinner will be served to you in the vintage carriages, complete with champagne and wine. The event is black tie and as well as all food, champagne and wine, includes coffee, tea and table magicians to keep you entertained.
14. Dance The Night Away
G Live, London Rd, GU1 2AA Guildford
Tickets: £72, groups of 10+ save 10% > glive.co.uk
Great for: Over 18s
Music is central to this G Live event as it accompanies dinner, is part of the post-dinner entertainment and includes the band Letters To Daisy performing on the dance floor. A three-course meal, glass of fizz, casino tables and photo booth are all included in the price, and the London fireworks will be streamed at midnight.
15. A Masquerade Ball
The Trafalgar Tavern, Park Row, London SE10 9NW
Tickets: £120 > trafalgartavern.co.uk
Great for: Over 18s, couples
Be greeted by champagne and canapés before dining from a four-course menu with wine included and live entertainment throughout. After dinner, the Masquerade Ball begins with a DJ. Access for evening guests opens at 10 pm.
16. A View From Above
Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
Tickets: From £110 > skygarden.london
Great for: Young people with expendable income
With multiple packages to choose from, guests can choose whether to just purchase entry to the bar with a glass of champagne, enjoy canapés and bowl food in the garden bar for £155, or indulge in a four or six-course menu in the sky - £275 for the former and £395 for the latter. Guests are encouraged to dress in 'stylish disco inspired attire' with jackets to keep you warm when outside. Views of the fireworks will certainly be second to none here.
17. Gala Evening
Guildford Harbour Hotel & Spa, 3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street, Guildford GU1 3DA
Tickets: £105 > harbourhotels.co.uk
Great for: Everyone
Enjoy a gala dinner with prosecco on arrival, canapés, a three-course dinner and champagne at midnight. There will be live streaming of the fireworks from London at midnight, too. Smart dress is required and the party finishes at 1am although you can stay the night if you're not ready to go home!
