A New Year’s Eve in London is not just for partygoers, it’s an unforgettable experience for families too. Let’s plan your trip together!
As a travel blogger living in London, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations numerous times with my family. The energy and excitement in London on this night is unlike any other, with people from all over the world coming together to celebrate the start of a new year. In this article, I will be sharing my experience and recommendations for family-friendly activities to ensure that you have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in London.
Firstly, it’s important to prepare for the evening beforehand to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment. Booking accommodation in advance and choosing a location for watching fireworks are great ways to ensure that you and your family have a comfortable and fun-filled evening. I also recommend taking public transportation instead of driving, as traffic in the city can be quite overwhelming.
Safety is crucial, especially for families with young children. Make sure to educate your children on proper safety measures such as staying close to an adult at all times and how to identify police or security personnel if they
Preparations
As a travel blogger who has lived in London for years, I know how important it is to plan ahead for New Year’s Eve. My family and I always make sure to book our accommodations well in advance, as hotels and Airbnbs tend to fill up quickly. We also choose a location for watching the fireworks ahead of time, as some areas can get extremely crowded. Taking public transportation is also a must, as driving in the city on New Year’s Eve can be chaotic.
When it comes to safety, my biggest tip for families with young children is to make sure everyone has a designated meeting spot in case anyone gets separated. We always choose a central location that is easy to find, and make sure everyone knows where it is. It’s also important to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and to dress warmly as it can get quite cold in London on New Year’s Eve.
Overall, the key to a successful New Year’s Eve celebration in London with your family is to plan ahead and stay safe. By following these tips, you can fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Activities
As a travel blogger and London resident, I can attest that there are so many fantastic family-friendly activities to enjoy on New Year’s Eve in this city. One of my favorites is ice skating at Somerset House. It’s a classic winter activity that never fails to create a fun and festive atmosphere. The rink is surrounded by beautiful, historic architecture and the nearby cafes and restaurants offer a cozy place to warm up with a hot drink and snack.
Another must-visit spot on New Year’s Eve is the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This annual event is packed with entertainment, food stalls, rides, and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. My family and I love to stroll through the various sections, sampling different foods and taking in the sights and sounds of the festive evening.
Of course, one of the main draws of New Year’s Eve in London is the fireworks display over the Thames. My family and I have watched the fireworks from various locations over the years, and our favorite spot is on the South Bank near the London Eye. It can get crowded, but the atmosphere is electric and the views of the fireworks are spectacular. Just be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot and bring plenty of warm layers to brave the chilly temperatures.
Overall, New Year’s Eve in London is a wonderful time to enjoy the city with family and friends. With some proper planning and safety precautions, it can be a memorable and exciting experience for all.
My experience celebrating New Year’s Eve with my family in London
– Watching the fireworks at the London Eye: Last year, my family and I decided to watch the fireworks from the London Eye. We booked our tickets well in advance and arrived early to secure a good spot. The view was absolutely breathtaking and the atmosphere was electric. However, the crowds were quite intense and we had to make sure our youngest child was always within reach.
– Ice skating at Somerset House: A few years ago, we went ice skating at Somerset House on New Year’s Eve. It was a beautiful experience skating on the rink surrounded by stunning architecture. They had a DJ playing music and we even got to enjoy some mulled wine. The only downside was the long queues and the fact that it was quite cold.
– Exploring Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: One of our favourite New Year’s Eve activities is exploring Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. We love trying out all the different rides and games, and indulging in some festive treats. It’s a great way to spend the day with the family, although it can get quite busy and crowded.
– Celebrating with our neighbours: Some of our best New Year’s Eve memories have been spent celebrating with our neighbours. We typically gather at someone’s home for a potluck dinner and drinks, and then head out to watch the fireworks together. It’s a more low-key and intimate way to ring in the New Year, and it’s always fun to spend time with friends and family.
Personal Experience and Recommendations
I’ve had the pleasure of celebrating New Year’s Eve with my family in London on multiple occasions. One of our favorite activities is watching the fireworks display from a boat on the Thames River. It’s a unique experience that allows us to see the city from a different perspective and avoid the large crowds on land.
Another activity we enjoy is ice skating at one of the temporary rinks set up around the city. It’s a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the festive atmosphere. We usually follow up with hot chocolate and snacks at a nearby café.
For families who prefer a quieter celebration, I highly recommend going to the theatre to watch a show. There are plenty of family-friendly productions to choose from, and it’s a great way to spend time together while avoiding the crowds.
If you’re looking for a cozy night in, I suggest stocking up on games and movies and having a family game night. You can order in food or cook a special meal together. It’s a great way to bond and make memories without the stress of navigating the city on a busy night.
Based on my personal experience and feedback from other families, I recommend booking tickets in advance for any events or activities you plan to attend. Many popular attractions sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on the fun.
Finally, don’t forget to bundle up! London in winter can be chilly, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the weather. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the time spent with your family.
Conclusion
As someone who has celebrated New Year’s Eve with my family in London multiple times, I can attest to the fact that it is an incredible experience. The city truly comes alive with festive cheer, and there are so many options for families to enjoy the evening together.
From watching the spectacular fireworks display over the Thames to ice skating at Somerset House, there is no shortage of exciting activities to choose from. One year, my family decided to attend a show at the West End theatre, which was a lovely way to ring in the new year without being in the thick of the crowds.
If you’re looking for a more low-key celebration, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in London that offer special New Year’s Eve menus. One year, my family opted for a cozy night in, watching movies and playing board games together – it was the perfect way to end the year.
My top recommendation for families looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in London is to plan ahead and book your activities and accommodations in advance. This will ensure that you can get the most out of the evening without worrying about last-minute logistics.
Overall, celebrating New Year’s Eve with your family in London is a magical experience that you won’t forget. I encourage anyone considering it to go for it and try out some of the recommended activities and events – you won’t be disappointed!