New Year's Eve in London, 2017

My best friend wanted to do something for New Year’s Eve that would be just as enjoyable for her three kids (8, 8 and 13) as it would be for us, and after some discussion we decided to go to London to witness the spectacular firework display.

Tickets to the firework display along the River Thames are limited to 100,000 and you have to register online. Tickets are then allocated via a ballot, if you are successful the costs vary depending on your ticket location. The tickets we were allocated allowed us to stand on the end of the bridge and were only £10. It was a fantastic location as we had full view of the fireworks with the London Eye and Big Ben visible, but also with the added advantage of seeing the reflection of the fireworks in the river – truly amazing!

I booked the hotel as soon as I received firework ticket confirmation to ensure we could get a family room at a good price and we stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton, London Docklands. I then purchased the rail tickets as soon as they were available again getting a good price.

We travelled to London early on the 30th and headed straight to Regent Street, where we visited Hamleys Toy Store and the kids eagerly spent their Christmas money. The city looks so magical at Christmas and we thoroughly enjoyed walking viewing the Christmas sights, with a sneaky peak into Harrods to enjoy a slice of their amazing cakes!!

In the afternoon we headed over to Hyde Park and spent the rest of the day at the Christmas Market enjoying the entertainment, German sausages and plenty of mulled wine, and not forgetting the ice skating rink that the kids absolutely loved. It really did feel very magical.

We had a chilled morning the next day, knowing that the kids were going to be up very late, we went for a late lunch and then headed back into the city centre. The organisation and security of the capital during what must be the busiest night of the year was impeccable, and made me immensely proud. The tube stations were all clearly directed so depending on your ticket you knew exactly which tube line and route you needed to take.

The evening's events did not fail to deliver at all. The whole area of the river bans had speakers set up so no matter where you were stood you were able to hear everything. I was initially concerned that the kids might get bored waiting for midnight, but there was entertainment throughout the evening, and the atmosphere was brilliant. As for the eventual fireworks display, words can’t describe how amazing it was! I could have cried! Everybody deserves to witness this spectacular display at least once in their lifetime.

Tips for the evening: Wrap up warm; take some supplies of food and drink (a sensible amount of alcohol is permitted, and there are shops and stands supplying food and drink but it can work out costly) One thing to consider is that once the displays have finished and everybody heads to the underground, it is extremely busy! Some stations will be closed so plan you route home before going out for the evening taking this into consideration, and you will save your feet a lot of walking!

Overall the best New Year’s Eve I’ve ever had, and the kids loved it too!