news years eve london

[hannah40]

we are a couple with children and would like to see the fireworks on news year eve is there a building you can go up and see them or is it just joining the crowds ?i have looked up the thames cruise butyou have to be over 18 and suggestions from you loy that live in london.Thank you.

[boxtops]

London Eye?

[ubasses]

I think the London Eye closes at 3pm on 31 Dec. The fireworks are set off from the the bottom, Anywhere you can see the Eye you will be able to see the fireworks.

[boxtops]

Ah, didn't know that, ubasses. Anywhere along the Embankment then - but it'll be packed.

[droopydrawers]

London on New Years Eve is no place for children on their own. It will be packed to the rafters.

I've not done it but know people have and am told the atmosphere is electrifying.

[TheNovice]

It'll be very very busy, but either embankment, Westminster or Waterloo bridges are good vantage points. Don't think any buildings will be open but if they are The Shard viewing floor would be ideal. I would avoid the cruises as these are not really for children (lots of drink going around) and slow going getting home due to the crowds although extra transport is laid on and it's free after 10.00 pm

[hannah40]

we are staying at a youth hostel near st pauls cathedral will we be able to walk to the river near there and see the fireworks?

[joggerjayne]

I wouldnt try for the Embankment. It's a massive crush. Also, by about 11.00, the Police close the footpaths leading down to the Embankment, because it wouldn't be safe to let any more people down.

I'd suggest Trafalgar Square. It gets busy, but it's so big that it's not squashed. The atmosphere there is really lovely ... everyone talks and laughs with each other ... possibly the only time that ever happens in London.

There are loads of families there. You can see the fireworks looking down Towards the river, over the tops of the buildings. They have a giant screen with a countdown clock and, up until midnight, they show music videos on the screen.

And because there are so many exits from Trafalgar Square, you can get out quickly and comfortably afterwards.

You don't get as good a view of the fireworks as you would standing right on the river, but it's a lot easier, especially with children,

And the restaurants around the Square all stay open so you can be having a pizza or a burger until 11.00, and then walk along to the Square itself.

The Square is closed to traffic, so you can walk out along the roads. They even close off Regent Street, which is eerie ... although you'd be going the other way if you're staying near St Paul's.