Best cities for New Years Eve

Celebrate 2022 in these locations

This New Year’s Eve, it’s safe to say we’ll be making up for last year’s lost celebrations. Make it a memorable one by hitting up one of the best cities for New Year’s Eve parties. Whether you want to dance on a rooftop bar until the early hours, or wine and dine at one of the UK’s fanciest restaurants, we’ve covered it all and more in our guide on where to spend your New Year’s Eve.

1. London

Best for: A classic New Year’s Eve celebration

Ring in the new year in style in the capital. With winter pop-ups, VIP parties and cosy bars galore, you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to celebrate in London when the ball drops. Replacing the usual fireworks spectacular this year is a brand new live show, hosted at the world-famous Trafalgar Square, including live music and performances from well-known artists. 

If you do one thing: Book The Shard for unbeatable views at midnight. 

Big cottage to stay nearby: Hanover Terrace opposite Regent’s Park is the epitome of a luxury big cottage, with regal interiors and a hot tub to use.

2. Leeds

Best for: Painting the town red

The largest town in West Yorkshire with literally hundreds of bars and clubs, it’s no wonder Leeds is one of the best cities for New Year’s Eve. Head into the bustling city centre and discover intimate bars, rumbling nightclubs and award-winning restaurants for a great party.

If you do one thing: Dress up as modern art style and party to house and disco at Sheaf Street.

Big cottage to stay nearby: The Bells - Emmanuel is a two-bed in the heart of Leeds with moody, gothic interiors and a hot tub.

3. Edinburgh

Best for: Hogmanay celebrations

Edinburgh is known for its incredible New Year’s Eve street parties. A must-have on your bucket list, the 3-day long Hogmanay celebrations include live acts, an annual plunge into the River Forth and of course, a spectacular fireworks show. The atmosphere in the streets is like no other, it’s safe to say nobody celebrates the New Year like the Scottish do!

If you do one thing: Buy a ticket to the iconic Torchlight Procession – an incredible fire and light show that blazes through the city.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Admire the bold sumptuous interiors and take advantage of the Jacuzzi baths in the Edinburgh Hill Penthouse.

4. Newquay

Best for: A party by the sea

Gather your nearest and dearest for a New Year’s Eve party down by the coast. Starting in the vibrant town centre, visit Newquay’s plethora of pubs and clubs for an unforgettable evening. Then carry on down to Newquay Harbour to watch the fireworks display as the countdown begins.

If you do one thing: Dig out a fancy dress costume and join in with the street celebrations.

Big cottage to stay nearby: The Penthouse Fistral Beach sleeps six and has incredible sea views.

5. Cardiff

Best for: Festive fun for everyone

Spend a night in Cardiff for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Be sure to head to City Hall for their festive Winter Wonderland experience. Whizz around the ice rink, fill up on festive food and then enjoy a drink at the coolest spot – the ice bar!

If you do one thing: Finish the night at an 80s party hosted at The Globe.

Big cottage to stay nearby: The Overstone At Cardiff Bay is a trendy apartment with lively decor and has a prime location for exploring the city.

6. Dublin

Best for: A fireworks extravaganza

Brimming with fun, festivities and fireworks; celebrating December 31st in Dublin is not a night you’ll forget in a hurry. The city lights up as the party takes over the streets and the skies. Of course, there’s plenty of cosy bars, pubs and clubs to duck in and out of to shelter from the cold.

If you do one thing: Attend the Three Countdown Concert – they have an incredible lineup of international artists.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Admire views across the city and enjoy quality time with your guests in the open-plan living area at Metro Apartments Dublin Airport.

7. Swansea

Best for: A magical evening

Swansea Bay’s amazing Waterfront Winterland and family-favourite Alpine Village is making a return this year. Hop on the observation wheel to see Swansea from above, sample local dishes from the food stalls and cosy up in the Alpine Bar with your nearest and dearest.

If you do one thing: Go for a New Year’s Day walk in the beautiful Gower Peninsula.

Big cottage to stay nearby: The Granary sleeps four and has amazing views of the Gower countryside.

8. Liverpool

Best for: Partying like it’s 2019!

Known for its massive club nights, Liverpool is perfect for gathering your best friends and dancing until the early hours of the morning. Whatever your budget is, this thriving city has something for everyone – glamorous hotel parties, funky discos, underground clubs and so much more.

If you do one thing: Dance on the tables and drink steins at Bierkeller.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Stay along the banks of the River Mersey at 342 South Ferry Quay.

9. Brighton

Best for: A seafront shin-dig

Soak up the cultural and vibrant atmosphere in Brighton this New Year’s. There’ll be themed parties, classy soirees and comedy nights to explore. Go all out and book a cabaret or drag show, and start 2022 surrounded by glitz, glam and a whole lot of sparkles!

If you do one thing: Cure your hangover with a New Year’s Day stroll down Brighton Lanes.

Big cottage to stay nearby: North Laine Cottage is nestled in the heart of Brighton’s city centre.

10. Birmingham

Best for: Ducking in and out of city centre bars

Birmingham is bursting with activities and venues to spend the last day of 2021 in. Embark on a pub crawl throughout the centre or book a table at one of the city’s top restaurants. Top it all off with New Year’s Eve fireworks at Centenary Square to mark the start of a brand new year.

If you do one thing: Attend the New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Book a countryside retreat at Park Barn.

11. Belfast

Best for: Themed parties and endless drinks

Belfast is easily one of the best cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The streets are lined with pubs and clubs playing music all night long to see the start of a new year in the right way. Large groups can sip on cocktails, sit down for a five-course dinner or celebrate at an all-day party.

If you do one thing: Visit The Crown Bar – a traditional Irish pub.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Number 91 is a charming three-story home just a short distance from the city centre.

12. Manchester

Best for: An impressive event choice

Home to an unreal music scene, there’s something to suit every taste in Manchester. All you need to do is browse their huge club night lineup for New Year’s Eve and you’ll find the perfect event to see in the new year. The renowned Warehouse Project is back this year for its massive NYE party.

If you do one thing: Walk around the incredible Manchester Christmas Markets, which spans over seven locations.

Big cottage to stay nearby: The Barn is perfectly located for accessing Manchester and the countryside.

13. Bath

Best for: A sophisticated party

Toast a glass to the year in Bath; this elegant city is hosting a range of glamorous New Year’s Eve parties this year. Visit the Roman Baths on New Year’s Eve for an evening of canapes, mulled wine and prosecco sitting beside the steaming waters of the Great Bath.

If you do one thing: Watch the magical fireworks display from the Roman Baths.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Barn in Somerset is a stunning barn conversion that sleeps up to six guests.

14. Glasgow

Best for: Putting on your glad rags

Put on your party shoes and celebrate New Year’s Eve Scotland-style. With Hogmanay celebrations kicking off in Glasgow on the 30th December, there’ll be Drag acts, street parties and all the food and drink you could possible imagine.

If you do one thing: Book a ticket for Hogmanay celebrations at Òran Mór’s impressive auditorium.

Big cottage to stay nearby: Old Barn Farmhouse is perfect for a New Year’s Day walk in the countryside.

15. Torquay

Best for: Celebrating down at the harbour

Part of the English Riviera, Torquay is a beautiful coastal city that will make for a unique New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy food and drinks down at the harbour. Or if you’d prefer a quieter New Year’s Eve, stroll down to the shore with a big coat and a blanket and see in 2022 with a loved one on the beach.

If you do one thing: Book a table for dinner at Pier Point, it gets busy down on the seafront!

Big cottage to stay nearby: Fonthill is close to the town centre but far enough away to enjoy the peace and the quiet too.