The Best Places to Spend New Year’s in the UK
Events | Pub Accommodation | Staycation | Uk Pubs | Posted 2024.12.13
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection and anticipation of the year ahead. Whether you are seeking a lively party atmosphere, a cosy countryside retreat, or a cultural experience, the UK offers a diverse range of destinations to ring in the New Year. From vibrant city celebrations to peaceful coastal escapes, here are some of the best places to spend New Year’s in the UK.
Edinburgh, Scotland: A Spectacular Start to the New Year
Edinburgh is known for hosting one of the most iconic New Year’s celebrations in the world – Hogmanay. The city comes alive with a three-day festival that includes street parties, torchlight processions, live music, fireworks and traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing. The highlight is the midnight fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle, a stunning backdrop to the revelry. Whether you are dancing in the streets, attending a concert, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Edinburgh offers an unforgettable way to welcome to the new year.
Book a stay nearby:
Black Ivy, Edinburgh, Midlothian
The Inn on the Mile, Edinburgh, Midlothian
The Melville Inn, Lasswade, Midlothian
St Ives, Cornwall: A Cosy Coastal Escape
If you’re after a quieter New Years’ experience, the picturesque town of St Ives in Cornwall offers the perfect blend of charm, tranquillity, and natural beauty. With its cobbled streets, stunning beaches, and artistic atmosphere, St Ives is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city celebrations. Enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the town’s fantastic seafood restaurants or take a peaceful evening stroll along the shore as the waves crash under a starry sky. New Year’s Day in St Ives is often celebrated with a traditional “dip” in the chilly sea, a refreshing way to start the year with a sense of adventure!
Book a stay nearby:
Lifeboat Inn, St Ives, Cornwall
The Pedn Olva, St Ives, Cornwall
The Harbour Inn, Porthleven, Cornwall
London: The Ultimate Party Destination
Photo Credit: extravagantni
For those who want to experience the true energy of New Year’s Eve, London is the place to be. The city boasts an incredible fireworks display along the River Thames, with iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben as the stunning backdrop. Join thousands of revellers for a night of festivities at one of London’s famous nightclubs or attend an exclusive event at a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city. London also has countless theatres, restaurants, and pubs that host special New Year’s Eve events, making it an ideal destination for a glamorous, high-energy celebration. The city’s famous New Year’s Day Parade, featuring performers from around the world, adds an extra touch of magic to the festivities.
Book a stay nearby:
The Sanctuary House, Westminster, London
The Wellington Hotel, Waterloo, London
Cardiff: A Vibrant Celebration in Wales’s Capital
Cardiff is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience a vibrant, yet laid-back New Year’s celebration. The city comes alive with a host of events, from concerts in the city centre to a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party at the iconic Cardiff Castle. For a more intimate celebration, you can enjoy delicious food and drink at one of the city’s cosy pubs or restaurants. New Year’s Day offers the annual Cardiff Bay 5K, a fun way to get moving after the festivities, or you can explore the nearby Cardiff Bay area, perfect for a scenic walk to start the year fresh.
Book a stay nearby:
The Pontcanna Inn, Pontcanna, Cardiff
The Beverley, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Allendale, Northumberland: A Unique Northern Tradition
For something truly unique, head to Allendale in Northumberland, home of the famous Allendale Tar Barrels. On New Year’s Eve, locals carry flaming tar barrels through the streets in a centuries-old tradition, creating an unforgettable spectacle. The town’s celebrations are small yet lively, with a strong sense of community and a focus on fun, quirky traditions. If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical fireworks and parties, Allendale offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to make your New Year memorable.
Book a stay nearby:
The Boatside, Warden, Northumberland
Twice Brewed Inn, Bardon Mill, Northumberland
The Battlesteads, Hexham, Northumberland
Bideford, Devon: A Peaceful Start to the New Year
Photo Credit: Twymanphoto
For those looking for a quieter, more serene New Years’ experience, Bideford in Devon offers a peaceful setting with stunning views of the North Devon coastline. The town hosts a low-key New Year’s Eve celebration with a focus on community events, including a traditional dance or a cosy meal at a local pub. For outdoor enthusiasts, a New Year’s Day Walk along the Southwest Coast Path is the perfect way to start the year with a sense of calm and connection to nature. With its charming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Bideford is an ideal place to welcome the New Year in a relaxed and rejuvenating way.
Book a stay nearby:
The Cockhaven Arms, Bishopsteignton, Devon
The Royal Seven Stars, Totnes, Devon
The Rose & Crown, Yealmpton, Devon
The UK offers a wide variety of destinations for celebrating New Year’s, each with its own unique charm. From the high-energy celebrations in Edinburgh and London to the peaceful escapes in St Ives and Bideford, there’s a place to suit every type of celebration. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, traditions, coastal views, or cosy retreats, these destinations will help you start the new year in style, whatever your idea of a perfect celebration might be.
Written by Lucille Skinner
Social Media Assistant