2017 is almost coming to an end and across the UK there are many entertaining events up and running to celebrate the New Year. With the busy period of Christmas, it’s easy to lose track of time and completely forget to make plans for the New Year. We have included a wide range of different places from across the UK, so take your pick and choose the one where you think you will enjoy the most and set off with a planar air heater system fitted in your vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about the cold ruining your New Year celebrations. Keep in mind that most of these places require bookings in advance, but we also have a few last minute places you can visit, as well as family-friendly places so the kids don’t miss out too.
Manchester, MTV Base NYE Party at the O2 Ritz
The MTV Base New Year Eve is one of Manchester’s biggest New Year parties and it’s MTV-approved so expect some top tunes. The event is hosted by Charlie Sloth and joined by Bugzy Malone and many more; this is a club night on a huge scale you won’t forget.
Tip: Last entry is at 1:00 am
Manchester, Great Gatsby Party at The Fitzgerald
Feel like going all out this New Year? Then, the Great Gatsby Party in Manchester has all the glitz, glamour and excess of the 1920s. Dress to impress and join the party of the year in the Northern Quarter at The Fitzgerald playing tunes with jazz and electro-swing DJs, a silent cinema and 1920’s props. Prices are £15 per person including a glass of prosecco on arrival.
Tip: Book early to avoid disappointment. There is a 1920’s glamour dress code so think flapper dresses and tuxedos.
London, Thames New Year’s Eve Cruises
Celebrate the New Year on a boat with a four-hour cruise including a buffet with dinner and dessert, prosecco at midnight and a bar on board. Dance the night away with a DJ and disco entertainment on board to keep the party going through the New Year. When the clocks hit 12, toast the arrival of 2018 with a glass of sparkling wine while listening to Big Ben ringing in the New Year and watching the spectacular fireworks display from your floating grandstand. The cruise, starts at Millbank Pier at 8.30pm and is priced at £136 per person and finishes at 12.30am.
Tip: Book early to avoid disappointment
London Kew Gardens
If you haven’t had time to book any places then don’t worry we have last minute plans for you as well. To really get you and your family in the New Year spirit, then the Kew Gardens is just for you. During the Christmas and New Year period, the Kew Gardens becomes a magical wonderland of light, from a flickering fire garden to laser beams shooting from the iconic Palm House. A pathway to the grounds is lit by over a million lights, and the North Pole village is home to Santa and his elves and plenty of toasted marshmallows.
Tip: The Kew Gardens are open until 1 Jan 2018. Tickets are priced as follows: adult £18.50, child £12
Cardiff, Winter Wonderland
The Winter Wonderland in Cardiff is perfect for the family filled with lots of activities to do, including a huge ice rink, live music, a family fun fair and you will be able to get a perfect view to watch the magnificent midnight firework display. On New Year’s Eve, Winter Wonderland will be open as usual from 10 am and the family fun fair around Civic Centre will open from midday, the stage in front of City Hall will start at 7.30 and to finish the fun-filled day off with fireworks at midnight.
Tip: There will be a free bus service from 8 pm until 3am on New Year’s Eve.
Cornwall, St Ives
New Year at St Ives gives you the opportunity to reuse your Halloween costumes or even buy new ones from local shops in St Ives and roam around the streets filled with music and tasty street food. Make sure to get you and your family and friends in fancy dress so you fit into the crowd. Last year almost 30,000 people turned up at the seaside town for the firework show over the sea.
Tip: Get to the city centre before 6 pm, when roads will be closed
Portsmouth, Spinnaker Tower
For something extravagant this New Year, head over to the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and view spectacular fireworks from more than 500 feet above the Portsmouth harbour. The indoor New Year party will be filled with canapés, cocktails and of course music. The tower is one of the most unique buildings in the UK and has the largest glass floor in Europe. Tickets are priced at £65.
Tip: bookings are required
Stonehaven, Fireball ceremony
Why not move away from your usual firework displays in the New Year and go to an all round heated and exciting fireball ceremony at Stonehaven. Stonehaven is famous for celebrating the New Year or also known as ‘Hogmanay’ with many people from around the world coming to see the fireball ceremony on the High Street. Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is similar to celebrations of the New Year, but with a Scottish twist. The fireball ceremony is a regular feature of Hogmanay and the history behind it all is quite intriguing, the real reason behind the ceremony is to burn off the bad spirits from the last year and welcome new spirits into the New Year. The ceremony starts at midnight and lasts for about 20 minutes and the best thing about it, it’s FREE!
Tip: People start to gather around 10:30 pm, so get there early
Wales, Brecon Beacons
If you’re not up for a wild night out for the New Year, then the best way to start your New Year is to sit back and watch the stars from the comfort of your own campervan, while you make New Year resolutions with your loved ones. Breacon Beacons is named one of the best spots for stargazing in the world. There are longer nights in the winter, which is the perfect time to get a spectacular view of the stars.
Tip: plan a road trip in Wales
We hope you’ve got a rough idea of where you want to go, however, if you’re still unsure, why not spend New Year’s Eve at home with your loved ones. Make it a special evening by stocking up on fun games and food to bring in the New Year. We wish you a Happy New Year!