Where to Watch London's New Years Eve Fireworks Display for Free

A new year is just around the corner, and that means London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display on the Thames is drawing near once again.

The official Mayor of London display takes place in Westminster, near the London Eye and Big Ben, and is a ticketed event with crowd controls. Only people with valid tickets can enter the designated viewing areas along the river. 

So what if you’ve missed out on tickets but still want to catch a glimpse of the show? Or what if you'd rather not fork out for one in the first place but still enjoy the sights over the London skyline?

The primary areas along the Victoria Embankment, Westminster Bridge, South Bank, Waterloo Bridge and nearby streets are reserved for ticket holders and will be heavily controlled by stewards and police. However, there are still alternative spots scattered across London where you can enjoy views of the midnight fireworks without paying for a ticket – as long as you’re happy to be a bit further away.

Below we’ve rounded up some popular free viewpoints outside the ticketed zone, plus essential tips to help you stay safe, legal and prepared for New Year’s Eve 2025–26.

Cannon Street and Monument | Central London

Sat between St Paul’s Cathedral, Mansion House and Bank, the streets and riverside areas around Cannon Street and Monument can offer partial views towards the London Eye and the Thames while keeping you just outside the main ticketed zone.

You’re close enough to feel part of the action without paying for an official viewing area, and recent guides still highlight Cannon Street, Cannon Street Bridge and the east side of Monument as strong free options – though more “glimpses between buildings” than front-row seats.

Because these spots sit near the ticketed footprint:

• Expect it to be very busy and aim to arrive well before 10pm.

• Be prepared for road closures, barriers and diversions – stewards may move people on, and you’re not guaranteed a view if areas become overcrowded.

• Follow all instructions from police and event staff.

Nearest stations: Cannon Street, Mansion House, Bank, Monument, St Paul’s (all likely to be very busy and may have special entry/exit arrangements).

Alexandra Palace | North London

Looking for big views without central-London crush levels? Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) in North London is a classic choice.

Perched high above the city, the palace grounds offer sweeping panoramic views of the London skyline, so you can see the central fireworks in the distance along with countless smaller displays across the capital.

A few things to know:

• The main display will look far away – think “sparkling skyline” rather than filling your entire field of vision.

• There’s an uphill walk to reach the best viewpoints, but the payoff is huge.

• Alexandra Palace holds its own ticketed fireworks events on other dates in the year, but on New Year’s Eve you’re there for the view, not an organised show.

Nearest stations: Wood Green (Piccadilly line) or Alexandra Palace (National Rail), then a walk or bus up the hill.

Parliament Hill (Hampstead Heath) | North London

Standing around 98 metres above sea level, Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath offers a classic vantage point over London’s skyline, making it a popular spot for those who want to watch the city light up without heading into the thick of the riverfront crowds.

What to expect:

• A wide, panoramic view of central London with the New Year’s Eve fireworks visible in the distance.

• A more relaxed, semi-rural feel – you’re in a big open space rather than packed between buildings.

• Plenty of space to bring a blanket and fold-up chairs, though it can still get busy near midnight and you should be respectful of other visitors.

Some visitors note that you won’t see every detail of the main display from here – it’s more about the big-picture skyline than close-up effects.

Nearest station: Hampstead Heath (Overground) or Belsize Park / Hampstead (Northern line) with a walk.

Telegraph Hill & Hilly Fields | South London

If you’re based in South London, the Brockley / Lewisham area offers two excellent hilltop options: Telegraph Hill and Hilly Fields.

Telegraph Hill

Telegraph Hill (especially the upper park off Kitto Road) is a well-known local secret for skyline views, with a community feel and a more chilled vibe than central London. Recent guides still recommend it as one of South London’s best free spots for NYE.

Hilly Fields

Sitting around 53 metres above sea level, Hilly Fields offers long views towards the city, with multiple fireworks displays visible across the horizon. You won’t get a close-up of the main London Eye show, but you can often see several displays going off at once, which is pretty spectacular in its own right.

Both parks are popular with families and locals, so:

• Arrive early if you want a prime spot.

• Bring warm layers, blankets and maybe a camping chair.

• Be considerate of noise, litter and local residents.

Nearest stations:

• Telegraph Hill: Brockley or New Cross Gate.

• Hilly Fields: Ladywell, Brockley or Crofton Park (note: it’s Ladywell, not “Ladyfield”).

Greenwich Park & Primrose Hill – Important Update

These used to be very popular suggestions for free views. However, as Royal Parks, they now operate with strict opening hours and NYE rules that make them unsuitable as a midnight viewing point:

• The Royal Parks list Greenwich Park’s general opening hours as 6am–6pm, and the park has explicitly reminded visitors that the gates close at around 6pm on New Year’s Eve – well before the fireworks.
  They have also stressed that there are no official viewing areas in Greenwich Park for the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, and that lighting your own fireworks or flying lanterns in the park is not allowed.

• Royal Parks has also confirmed that Primrose Hill will be fenced off from the afternoon of 31st December until the morning of 1st January, so it must not be used as a fireworks viewing spot. 

If you want a hilltop feel in the south-east, consider Hilly Fields or Telegraph Hill instead, and always check the latest local guidance.

Always double-check park opening times and any NYE-specific announcements before you make plans.

Epic Tips for a Safe (and Actually Enjoyable) NYE in London

If you’re aiming to catch the fireworks display, here are some essential pointers to consider:

Tickets are essential for the official event.
Access to the main viewing areas along the Thames is strictly ticket-only. Tickets are sold exclusively via Ticketmaster on behalf of the Mayor of London. Resale or transfer is only allowed through Ticketmaster’s official system at face value; tickets bought anywhere else may be invalid. You will not be allowed into the viewing zones without a valid ticket.

Arrive early at your chosen free spot.
Popular locations like Cannon Street, Parliament Hill, Telegraph Hill and Hilly Fields can fill up quickly. Aim to arrive well before 10pm if you want a good view, and be prepared to stand for a while.

Plan your travel in advance.
TfL usually runs late-night and overnight services, but many central stations switch to exit-only, have one-way systems, or close for crowd control. Free Tube travel on New Year’s Eve is no longer offered, so normal fares apply – check Oyster/contactless caps and Night Tube routes in advance. Roads around the city centre may be closed, leading to bus diversions and pricier cab journeys. Use the TfL website or app to plan and check for live updates on the day.

Avoid the busiest central stations if you’re not in the ticketed zone.
Stations near the main event – such as Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo and Charing Cross – are usually extremely congested and may have restricted access. If you’re heading for hilltop or outer-zone viewing spots, route yourself via less central stations where possible.

Respect park rules and opening hours.
Royal Parks such as Greenwich Park and Primrose Hill now have clear guidance around NYE: early closures, no organised gatherings, and no personal fireworks or lanterns. Hampstead Heath (Parliament Hill) and local parks like Hilly Fields have their own bylaws too – always follow signage and council guidance.

Prepare for the weather (and assume it’ll be cold).
You’ll likely be standing around for hours on a winter night. Think layers, hat, gloves and waterproofs rather than fashion-only outfits. Check the forecast on the day: high winds have led to cancellations and changes at NYE events across the UK in recent years.

Travel light.
Pack only what you need – phone, wallet, keys, warm layers, maybe a small blanket. Large bags are a pain on busy transport and may be restricted in or near the ticketed zone.

Bring snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks.
A small picnic, water and a flask of something hot can make the evening far more comfortable, especially if you’re on a hill with no shops nearby. Always check local rules on alcohol in parks and public spaces.

Take your rubbish home.
Whatever you bring with you, take it away again. Overfilled bins and litter are a huge issue on New Year’s Day – especially in parks. If you can carry it there, you can carry it back out.

Wherever you decide to watch the fireworks from, we hope you have a fantastic and memorable New Year’s Eve celebration in London.

If Crowds Aren’t Your Thing… Do NYE Your Way

You don’t have to wedge yourself into a city crowd to have a spectacular New Year’s Eve. Many of our customers skip the crowds altogether and create their own show at home — something loud, colourful, and entirely free of queueing for loos.

At Epic Fireworks, we stock the UK’s biggest range of consumer fireworks, including garden-friendly barrages, rockets, quiet fireworks for nervous pets, and full DIY New Year’s Eve display packs.

Our NYE packs come with a professional firing order, so you don’t have to think — just light, step back, and enjoy.

Browse our New Year’s Eve Firework Packs