New year
Fireworks light up the London skyline and Big Ben just after midnight Getty

Around 500,000 people crowded a small area of central London last year to catch a glimpse of the New Year's Eve firework display, with many turned away for safety reasons.

This year, for the first time, only 100,000 spectators who have tickets will be allowed to watch the spectacle along the River Thames.

The tickets, priced at £10 each, sold out weeks ago – but for Londoners who failed to grab a ticket in time, all is not lost. You can watch the fireworks from various locations outside of the city centre.

The prime viewing spots will be extremely busy, and road closures from Oxford Street, Elephant & Castle, Southwark Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge will be in place by the evening. Check the TFL website for travel advice.

Greenwich Park

One of south London's largest green areas, the royal park outside the Royal Observatory is a prime location to watch the firework display thanks to its panoramic views across the city. It will be very busy, so make sure you get there early. You can walk to the park from Greenwich or Cutty Sark DLR stations.

The park will be very busy, so make sure you get there early. You can walk to the park from Greenwich or Cutty Sark DLR stations.

New year
Fireworks light the sky above the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament over the river Thames Getty

Alexandra Palace

Situated in north London, Alexandra Park is an ideal spot to watch the display, as there are likely to be less crowds. There are fantastic views across London, but remember to wrap up warm and bring a blanket. The easiest way to access the park is by Wood Green station.

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill, located on the northern side of Regent's Park, is one of the highest points in London, at 76m high. Standing on the hill's peak gives a clear view of the central London, as well as Hampstead and Belsize Park to the north. The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm.

Hampstead Heath

Further out from the city, Hampstead Heath covers 320 hectares and is a fantastic family-friendly spot to watch the fireworks. The grassy public space is one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate.

new year
500,000 spectators turned up to watch the fireworks in central London on 31 December 2013 Getty

Monument and Cannon Street

Both of these central London areas are outside the ticketed zone and will provide a good view of the fireworks, but will be extremely busy. Make sure you avoid Embankment, Waterloo, Westminster and Charing Cross stations, which are all in ticketed areas.

Hilly Fields

Located in Brockley in south London, this is a great spot to catch the New Year's Eve fireworks as the highest point has incredible views across the city. For those not fussed about the central London offerings, there are also local fireworks which are free. You can get to Hilly Fields via Ladywell or Crofton Park stations.

Home

For those wanting to watch the fireworks from the comfort of home – avoiding crowds and the cold – the display will be shown live and in full on BBC One.

Related