Hi all
We're planning on spending New Year's in London this year (yeay!) Now I would like to know, what are the opening hours around New Years in London? Is everything (museums, sights, shops etc) open or does everything shut down?
Also: does anyone have a good insider tip on where to go to see the fireworks best?
Thanks in advance :)
On NY's eve, it's business as usual, everything shuts down only on Christmas and partially on Boxing Day. To catch a good view of fireworks, one may have to queue up pretty early near Westminster along river Thames but Primrose Hill isn't a bad spot eiter + you easily get a spot too.
Thanks for the tips :) Everything is open on New Year? That's hard for me to imagine being from Switzerland where over Christmas/New Year it's basically a 2-week holiday ;)
Yeah, no. Many museums and galleries etc are closed on New Year's Day. The British Museum, National Gallery etc. You will find many shops won't open until midday and there are shortened hours for sights and shops on NYE.
I did fireworks on the Thames thing a few times, including for the Millennium, and it isn't a pleasant. A large number of bars will be charging a cover at the door, it is rammed, there are queues for the gross portable toilets.
Westminster Bridge is fine but is it like being in a cattle crush and you'll need to get there early for a good spot and don't think about trying to leave your spot and come back. The more pleasant experience was Blackfriars Bridge. Less crowded, good view along the river.
Okay, that sounds more what I imagined - what about 2nd of January? Is this also a public holiday in UK or this is a normal Saturday? Thanks, then I will plan something for New Years Day that does not involve any sights etc :)
it will be a normal Saturday just much less crowded given it's a long weekend. Everything will be open as usual.
You are aware that the fireworks are ticketed, £10 as I remember:
http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/new-years-eve-fireworks-in-london-how-to-get-tickets
3 years ago, i was in london over new year and really enjoyed it. i stayed at lincoln's inn fields and went down to the thames to enjoy the fireworks on new years eve. do go early. i was pleasentely suprised on how relaxed everything was. yes, it was extremely busy, but in a nice way.
on new years day, you might want to check out the parade.http://lnydp.com/
i loved it. its free, its great fun, nothing special and somehow tacky, but again - its good fun.
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.