Best Fireworks Viewing Locations

Find your perfect spot to watch London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display

Interactive Map of Viewing Locations

Click on the markers below to see detailed information about each viewing spot

🗺️ Zoom in/out and click markers for detailed location information

Detailed Location Guide

Westminster Bridge fireworks viewing location
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Westminster Bridge

📍 Location: Westminster Bridge, London SW1

🚇 Nearest Tube: Westminster (2 min walk)

⏰ Arrival Time: 7:00-8:00 PM

👥 Crowd Level: Very High

💰 Cost: Free

Prime central location with direct views of London Eye fireworks. Gets extremely crowded - arrive early!

★★★★★ Best Views Very Crowded
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Waterloo Bridge fireworks viewing location
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Waterloo Bridge

📍 Location: Waterloo Bridge, London SE1

🚇 Nearest Tube: Waterloo (5 min walk)

⏰ Arrival Time: 8:00-9:00 PM

👥 Crowd Level: High

💰 Cost: Free

Excellent elevated views with less congestion than Westminster. Great photo opportunities of the Thames.

★★★★☆ Great Views Moderately Crowded
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Primrose Hill fireworks viewing location
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Primrose Hill

📍 Location: Primrose Hill, London NW1

🚇 Nearest Tube: Camden Town (10 min walk)

⏰ Arrival Time: 9:00-10:00 PM

👥 Crowd Level: Medium

💰 Cost: Free

Panoramic city views perfect for families. More space and relaxed atmosphere than central bridges.

★★★★☆ Panoramic Family Friendly
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Tower Bridge fireworks viewing location
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Tower Bridge

📍 Location: Tower Bridge, London SE1

🚇 Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (3 min walk)

⏰ Arrival Time: 8:30-9:30 PM

👥 Crowd Level: Medium-High

💰 Cost: Free (bridge walkway £25)

Iconic location with good river views. Consider paid glass walkway for guaranteed premium viewing.

★★★☆☆ Good Views Iconic Location
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Millennium Bridge fireworks viewing location
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Millennium Bridge

📍 Location: Millennium Bridge, London SE1

🚇 Nearest Tube: London Bridge (8 min walk)

⏰ Arrival Time: 9:00-10:00 PM

👥 Crowd Level: Medium

💰 Cost: Free

Modern pedestrian bridge with clear Thames views. Less crowded alternative with good sightlines.

★★★☆☆ Clear Views Less Crowded
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South Bank fireworks viewing location
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South Bank

📍 Location: South Bank, London SE1

🚇 Nearest Tube: Waterloo (3 min walk)

⏰ Arrival Time: 8:00-9:00 PM

👥 Crowd Level: High

💰 Cost: Free

River walkway with multiple viewing spots. Good facilities nearby including food, drinks and toilets.

★★★★☆ Great Views Good Facilities
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Essential Viewing Tips

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Arrive Early

Popular spots fill up 3-5 hours before midnight. Westminster Bridge is full by 8 PM.

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Transport Plan

Some tube stations close for crowd control. Have backup routes and expect delays. Check TfL live updates.

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Dress Warmly

London NYE is cold (2-8°C). Layer up and wear comfortable shoes for standing. Check weather forecast.

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Stay Hydrated

Bring water and snacks. Limited facilities available at viewing locations.

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Phone Battery

Bring portable chargers. Network congestion is common during the event.

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Pack Light

Many areas restrict large bags. Check specific location rules before traveling.

London NYE Fireworks History

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First Display

The London Eye fireworks display began in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium. Over 2 million people attended the first show, making it one of the world's largest New Year celebrations.

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Record Attendance

The 2019 celebration drew an estimated 100,000 people to central London viewing areas, with millions more watching on TV. The display uses over 12,000 fireworks launched from the London Eye and nearby barges.

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Official Recognition

The event is officially organized by the Greater London Authority and has become London's signature New Year celebration, broadcast globally to over 1 billion viewers.

Did You Know?

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The display is synchronized to a specially composed music soundtrack that changes each year

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Over 400 people work behind the scenes to organize the 10-minute spectacular

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The London Eye is temporarily closed for several days before NYE to install the fireworks

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Environmental considerations include biodegradable firework components and river safety measures

Safety & Accessibility

♿ Accessibility Information

Westminster Bridge

Step-free access from Westminster Station. Limited wheelchair viewing areas - arrive early.

South Bank

Excellent wheelchair access along the walkway. Accessible toilets available at Royal Festival Hall.

Primrose Hill

Uphill path may be challenging for wheelchairs. Best access via Prince Albert Road entrance.

Accessibility Resources

  • • TfL Accessibility Guide
  • • Contact venues directly for specific accessibility needs
  • • British Sign Language interpretation available at some locations

🛡️ Safety Information

Family Safety

  • • Keep children close in crowds
  • • Consider ear protection for young children
  • • Plan meeting points if separated

Personal Safety

  • • Stay aware of your surroundings
  • • Keep valuables secure and hidden
  • • Follow police and steward instructions

Emergency Contacts

  • • Emergency Services: 999
  • • Police Non-Emergency: 101
  • • British Transport Police: 0800 40 50 40
  • • Lost Property: Contact nearest station or venue

Can't Make It? Watch From Home

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TV Broadcasts

BBC One

Live coverage from 11:30 PM with pre-show entertainment and countdown

ITV

Special NYE programming with celebrity guests from 11:00 PM

Sky News

Continuous coverage with multiple camera angles

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Live Streams

BBC iPlayer

Free live stream available in the UK - no license required for live content

YouTube

Official Greater London Authority channel may stream highlights

Social Media

Follow @LondonGov on Twitter for live updates and behind-the-scenes content

Tip: International viewers can often watch via VPN services, though availability may vary by region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do the London NYE fireworks start?

The London Eye fireworks display begins at midnight on January 1st (00:00) and lasts approximately 10 minutes. The show starts with a countdown from Big Ben and features over 12,000 fireworks synchronized to music.

Do I need tickets for the fireworks viewing areas?

Most public viewing areas are free, but some premium locations may require tickets. Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge are free public areas, though they fill up quickly. Check the official Greater London Authority website for any ticketed areas or road closures.

What time should I arrive to get a good spot?

For prime locations like Westminster Bridge, arrive by 7:00-8:00 PM. Less central locations like Primrose Hill may allow arrival as late as 9:00-10:00 PM. Remember that once you claim a spot, you'll likely need to stay there until after the display to maintain your view.

Are there any bag restrictions?

Yes, many central areas restrict large bags and rucksacks for security reasons. Bring only essential items in a small bag. Glass bottles and alcohol may also be prohibited in certain zones. Check the specific restrictions for your chosen viewing location before traveling.

Will public transport run after midnight?

Yes, Transport for London runs special New Year's Eve services with extended hours. However, some stations may close temporarily for crowd control immediately after the fireworks. Plan alternative routes and expect delays. The Night Tube usually operates on selected lines, and night bus services are available throughout London.

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