Where to watch the 2016 New Year’s Eve fireworks in London if you don’t have a ticket

Despite the fact everyone and their dog has written about where’s best to see the London New Year’s Ever Fireworks, I’ve still had quite a few emails about where I’d recommend, so I thought I’d unload some of my top tips, like a the travel blogging PEZ dispenser that I am.

Tickets for the Southbank are now sold out, but don’t worry if you haven’t got hold of those coveted tickets…

I’ve been up close and personal myself, having watched front row from Westminster Bridge, but in the end I wasn’t a big fan of the hellish crowds so I’ve avoided it since and discovered a mix of other vantage points. Now it’s been ticketed for the past few years (sadly the ticket doesn’t include a comfy couch and hot chocolate) more and more people have followed suit.

Here are a few of my personal recommendations where you can have a good chance at a free view for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London.

A few years ago, I – by accident- watched the fireworks from Blackfriars station platform and I had an amazing view, it almost beats the front row at Westminster Bridge. If I had to go out and see the fireworks I would try and get to Blackfriars Station – please note the station will be exit only from 9 PM onwards.

Closest Station: Blackfriars

Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath will always be the best place to see the fireworks. However, crowds are getting bigger every year, and if you want a good viewing spot, you’ll have to get in early (10ish) to stake out your spot.

Closest station? Hampstead National Rail or Tube Station, or Belsize Park and Gospel Oak Tube Stations.

Primrose Hill is another crowd favourite and even closer to central London than Parliament Hill – plus you get to be near Camden and all its stuff to do before or after. Make sure you arrive early (10ish), because spots fill up fast.

Closest station? Chalk Farm or Camden Town

If crowds aren’t your thing you might want to head out further, to the south maybe? You probably might have to squint a little more, but Hilly Fields in Brockley is likely to be a little quieter and you won’t have to get there so early.

Closest station? Lewisham or Brockley

Notable mentions – A quick survey of my London friends found people had had a good time at Alexandra Palace (if you can handle the steep walk up!), and for a more historic time – Greenwich Park is also definitely worth a try (complete with the Cutty Sark and Thor-tastic Royal Naval College in the backdrop).