Top 5 places to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK

It’s officially the party season so if you haven’t made plans for New Year’s Eve already, you might want to get thinking about it soon!

There’s nothing worse than building up to the big day, getting excited, planning your outfits and then when it gets to it, you don’t have a set plan, you can’t get a taxi to town and there are queues at every bar.

Don’t be disappointed again this year; take control and take off on a last minute UK break. Here are some top suggestions of places to visit where you can be sure to have a great time on December 31^st.

Edinburgh

Photocredit: Robbie Shade 

Edinburgh is a popular choice for UK mini breaks with great transport links and so much choice of accommodation. Arguably, the best time of year to visit is over Christmas and new year. The world famous Hogmanay event takes over the city on New Year’s Eve and thousands flock here to enjoy the festivities and fireworks. With dancing, food and music; this notorious street party is something everyone needs to experience.

London 

PhotoCredit: Sean MacEntee 

England’s capital always has a lot to offer and on New Year’s Eve you can guarantee there are plenty of good times to be had here. If you’re looking for something a little different to the standard plans of drinks and fireworks then why not try out the Southbank Centre?

Vintage fans, get very excited because New Year’s Eve at the Southbank Centre is set to see the venue transform to become a glimpse of partying past, stepping back in time to celebrate throughout the decades. From 20s glamour to the swinging 60s, travel through time and explore all the different themed pop up bars and clubs, learn traditional dances and sample the popular flavours of the different eras.

Northumberland – Tar Bar’l Festival

Photocredit: 96Tommy

The annual Tar Bar’l festival in Allendale, Northumberland, offers the opportunity to experience New Year’s Eve in a whole new, or rather old, light.

This traditional festival comes from the Dark Ages and sees a procession of costumed men carry on their heads flaming barrels of tar as they make their way through the town, marching to the beat of the band before ceremoniously throwing the barrels on a bonfire and ringing in the new year.

It’s certainly something different to enjoy!

St Ives – Fancy Dress

Photocredit: Ross Tucknott 

To really make the most of the holiday season, take this opportunity to enjoy an extended break and explore Cornwall. With the great deals you can get with Parkdean Holidays you can take advantage of their well-placed holiday parks to see the best of this stunning county.

For revellers looking to party the night away on NYE, try an evening in St Ives, but don’t forget your costume! This friendly town has a fancy dress extravaganza every year to celebrate the occasion and the whole community gets into the spirit of things.

Legoland

Photocredit: Dave Catchpole 

For all out family fun then there really is no better place to see in the new year than at Legoland. You can have your New Year’s Eve sorted in just one click and treat the kids to a trip to see all the amazing lego sculptures, rides and shows.

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? We would love to hear more top tips on how to celebrate.  

In Association with Parkdean holidays.

Bonfire Night 2013

*Bang* went a firework.

*Bang, Bang, Bang* went some more...

It was November 5th 2013 and Leo was incredibly excited.

He had heard the big bangs over head and flown off the sofa to look out of the window. 

'Neoooooooooooo', BANG' Leo said anticipating the next firework, before asking for more in his very next breath.

That morning I had headed out of the door for work, telling Leo that when the moon and all of the stars came out in the nights sky, we would be wrapping up warm and heading out to see some real fireworks.

Leo's excitement was apparent for all to see.

The car journey to the local fireworks was filled with excited squeals and shrieks of delight, as he spotted fireworks out of the windows.

We parked up and walked the rest of the way to the event. He held my hand and walked so proudly by my side telling me all about the 'Oush' that he was going to see.

The walk took longer than it usually would due to a big project of stabilizing the town's bridge, and we actually had to take a detour over a foot bridge that has been erected... and then walk through the park and over the road to get to the fireworks display. In all it was quite a long walk, but Leo's excitement carried his little legs all the way there. 

As soon as we arrived we stumbled into the toys I knew we would. The bright twirly whirly lights that I knew Leo would be after the moment he set eyes on them. So the first point of call before any fireworks or bonfires could be seen, was to get Leo the light he so craved. It was actually my compromise for sparklers, as although I know he would love them... I cannot imagine anything more that I would hate for him to play with.

The bonfire was lit and the crowds gathered around. Leo smiled from ear to ear as the light of the flames danced across his face. We stood in the warmth of the fire for a little while and then it was time for the main event.

The firework show.

James Blunt's Bonfire Heart played for all to hear, and Leo's smile grew ever wider. The wonder flickered across his face engulfing his eyes, and in the moment of that very first bang in the sky, Leo had me truly captivated.

From start to finish Leo stared at the sky, gasping with excitement. There was not even a hint of fear regardless of how loud the fireworks popped in the heavens. It would seem the louder the fireworks exploded, the bigger Leo's smile grew.

And that is how we spent Bonfire Night...