Celebrate New Year's Eve in London

If you’re one of the lucky ones to be spending New Year’s Eve in London this year, then you might want to consider this list of things to do if you haven’t got plans already. London’s one of the best capitals in the world to celebrate in – and we don’t exactly do it in halves, either! From breath-taking fireworks on the Thames, to a Scottish-themed alternative – there’s plenty to do for everyone, kids and adults alike. So if you’re ready to celebrate the end of 2014, then read on... Fireworks Display Because the London Eye’s Fireworks Display has been such a success over the years, this year it was decided that it would be ticketed. Unfortunately all the tickets have now sold out, but it doesn’t mean that you still can’t get a great view from different points along the river. Primrose Hill, in North London, is one of London’s best vantage points, so we recommend you head up Hampstead Heath for sweeping views over the city. What’s more, it’s free and there are no restrictions on drinks if you want to fill a thermos with coffee (or mulled wine). If you’re south of the river, another one of our favourite spots to catch a range of firework displays is the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Set up on the summit of Greenwich Park, you can look over the O2 and East London, as well as over neighbouring Blackheath, and see the horizon lit up at the stroke of midnight. You might be stretched to see the ones at the London Eye but you’ll definitely get your fair share of light displays throughout the evening. Go Bowling I bet you haven’t ever been bowling over New Years! If you have, or if you fancy it again, then this will be right up your lane. All Star Lanes in Shoreditch, Holborn and Bayswater hosts annual New Year’s Eve retro bowling parties and this year they're back with a bang! Fifties lovers, and those looking for a laugh, this is a great place to spend the New Year. You can book a range of packages, including a two course dinner, Prosecco and a game of bowling, plus there’s a prize for the best dressed – so make sure you’ve got your glad rags with you. Throughout the evening there’ll be a DJ spinning everything from funk to rock ‘n’ roll, to get you in the mood true retro style. Alternative Ceilidh Got a spring in your step about 2015? Well maybe you should take it out on the dancefloor! London’s electronic Ceilidh Night, in the heart of London’s East End, is a great alternative New Year's Eve to indulge in a bit of Gaelic traditional Scottish dancing . Don’t worry if you have no idea what a ceilidh is (FYI it’s pronounced kay-lee) the DJ will instruct you as you go - and no one takes it that seriously... Forget your bagpipes, too, it’s all about bass. Get your dancing shoes at the ready for a really random start to the New Year! Head down to Hackney Downs Studios, from 8.30pm. Winter Wonderland If you’re with the kids, you might not be planning on staying out late to watch the clock strike 12am but you might still be looking for fun things to do on the night. A child-friendly (but fun) option to celebrate the run up to 2014/2015 is Winter Wonderland. This Christmas Market doesn’t close until 10pm so you can make the most of the winter evening, fun fairground rides, food stalls and ice skating – and get the kids tucked up in bed before the New Year. It’s a fun family night and with plenty to do it’s a great way to hold on to that last bit of festive cheer before the holiday season is truly over. Midnight River Cruise Probably one of the most romantic things to do in London over New Year is to take a midnight Thames River Cruise with City Cruises. Not only will you have a prime view over the much-celebrated fireworks, as mentioned above, but you’ll have a selection of dining options depending on the package you choose. From a simple picnic, to a full blown four-course dinner, there are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s aboard a River Cruise on the Thames. We recommend you book early though, as spaces are limited, but it’s a great thing to do and you’re guaranteed unbeatable views. If you’re a sucker for romance – and fireworks – it might be a winning combo... Make sure you check the London Weather Forecast in advance and bring plenty of layers if you’re celebrating outside.