New Year’s Eve in London

New Year's Eve in LondonLondon is the prime location for celebrating New Year’s Eve. There is an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and events to choose from. However, there is only one place in London where you can soak up all the night’s magic, the London Eye. In the surrounding area, eateries and bars are plentiful, but as this is a special night, why not do something out of the ordinary? Why not see what a river cruise can provide you and your party?

On a river boat cruise that passes the great Big Ben as it strikes midnight is sure to be an unforgettable experience, especially with the finest view of the fireworks in the background. The fireworks display at the London Eye on the South Bank is an incredibly busy event to attend (spaces are limited to 250,000 people in the viewing areas), so why not save yourself the hassle and the squeeze by having a pleasurable boat trip?

If not, then the best spots to catch the firework display include Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames.

Quick Facts

•    Big Ben was first heard over the radio on New Year's Eve in 1923
•    The tower was built during 1858-1859
•    Big Ben is the name of the largest bell in the tower
•    The tower is 320 feet tall

Locations

Big Ben, St Margaret's, 20 Dean's Yard, Westminster, City of London SW1P 3PA
London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB (0870 990 8883)

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk)

To get to the London Eye you will find there is a great range of public transport to choose from. However, the underground is the recommended form of transportation with the closest tube station being Waterloo (Bakerloo Line, Jubilee Line, Northern Line and Waterloo & City).

The closest overground station to the London Eye is London Waterloo Rail.

Bus routes to the London Eye – RV1, 76, 77, 341, 381, 507, 53, 148, 159, 453, 12, 211, 388, C10, 1, 4, 26, 139, 168 and 243.

However, if you wish to see the mighty clock strike midnight on New Year’s Eve the best tube station to get off at is Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee lines). London Charing Cross is the closest overground Station, located parallel to Victoria Embankment.   

Bus routes to Big Ben – 148, 211, 24, 11, 53, 87, 159, 453, 3, 88, 12, 507, C10 and 77.

About the MV Pride of London River Cruise

Can you think of anything more magical and romantic than seeing the New Year in on a luxury cruise along the River Thames? Expect to see London as you have never seen it before. When you take a luxury cruise with MV Pride of London you will travel through the heart of the capital taking in the sights of St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, the Millennium Footbridge, London Bridge, HMS Belfast and the Tower of London. From Tower Bridge you will cruise down past Canary Wharf towards the O2 Arena and taken back to see Big Ben strike midnight.

Price

£175 per person (over 21s only)

What’s included in the price?

Drinks – you will receive a glass of champagne upon arrival and can take advantage of the open bar throughout the cruise. However, champagne and shots are not included in the unlimited drinks menu. Choose from spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Food – Available to you is a hot and cold finger buffet.

Entertainment – On the upper deck you can dance the night away to the tunes played by the in-house DJ. Come together in style, join in the countdown and enjoy the firework display with fantastic views available from the outer deck. The fireworks can also be seen by the large windows on both upper and lower decks. After the display you can also enjoy free entry into Opal night club.

Other information

•    Smart/casual dress
•    Boarding time: 20:15 - 20:30 Festival pier, which is situated opposite the Waterloo overground and tube station on the South Bank and a short walk along from the London Eye
•    Arrive back at the Festival pier at 01:15 - 01:30

Book Tickets: http://www.londonpartyboats.co.uk/londonEvents/new-years-eve.asp

Other River Cruises to try:

•    City Cruises
•    Bateaux London
•    Silver Sturgeon

Accommodation

If London sounds like the ideal place to celebrate the end of 2011 and welcome in 2012, then you’re sure to be looking for a place to stay. Why not make the most of it and find out what London has to offer over the course of New Year’s Day? The capital is home to the world’s largest New Year’s Day Parade and for 2012 it’s sure to be even bigger as it marks Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

At Refresh Accommodation we have a fantastic selection of New Year’s Eve 2011 apartments that are suitable for couples, groups and families. Check out our selection below:

SACO Waterloo, Westminster (nearest underground: Waterloo)
Dolphin House, Victoria, (nearest underground: Pimlico)
Westminster View, Southbank (nearest underground: Vauxhall)
Empire Square, London Bridge (nearest underground: London Bridge, Borough)