New Year is a time of change and rejuvenation as we celebrate the beginning of a brand-new chapter. So, there is no better time for a change of scenery – begin your New Year somewhere a little bit different and experience something exciting. Perhaps you’d like to revisit an old favourite destination or whisk your loved ones away somewhere brand new to inspire your new resolutions or to witness the best New Year’s fireworks displays.
If you can’t decide where to ring in this January 1st, these are some of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK to make the refreshing, inspiring feeling last all year long.
Seaside New Year’s Eve, Weston-super-Mare
Weston-Super-Mare is a famous Somerset seaside town beloved for its classic British charm, but it is not only for summertime tourists. With events and attractions on offer for all ages, this is an ideal destination for friends, couples, and families to celebrate the beginning of a new year in style. Find all the best seaside attractions in Weston – from arcades and amusements to long walks on the beach and comfort food. For your New Year staycation, why not watch firework displays or attend a masked ball for something unique?
There are plenty of accommodation options around Weston-Super-Mare, which cater to all budgets and party sizes. For families, you can find whole barns and cottages to rent to really feel at home and cosy. For couples, why not indulge in luxury hotel rooms in classic seaside architecture? Explore the whole range that Weston-Super-Mare has to offer this New Year period.
Trains to Weston-Super-Mare:
Weston-super-Mare is just outside of Bristol, and you can get to it on the CrossCountry network by travelling directly to Weston-super-Mare station. Hop on board at a variety of CrossCountry stations to kick off your celebrations in comfort
New Years 's swimming in Aberdeen
Whether you’re celebrating the New Year or Hogmanay, Aberdeen is the perfect destination for a New Year getaway. Stroll down the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen and spot the famous leopard street art around the city, with a myriad of food and drink options to keep you going as you explore! With a celebratory mood in the air, the stunningly beautiful city of Aberdeen is an ideal place to spend such a special time of year.
If you’re feeling courageous, join hundreds of Scottish swimmers on their New Year dip on January 1st – a refreshing start to the year! Maximise your endorphins and get a rush from a chilly New Year’s Day dip in the North Sea – every year more people are discovering the benefits of a winter swim, so why not join the fun?
Trains to Aberdeen:
Aberdeen station is easy to reach from all around the UK, whether you’re travelling from inside Scotland or further afield in England or Wales. Catch a direct CrossCountry train from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, or even Penzance to reach one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve.
Fiery New Year in Northumberland
We all know that the festive period is the best time of year for getting cosy, sitting by a fire, and drinking hot chocolates – New Year is no different! Heading away on a New Year’s break is the perfect way to recharge after the excitement of Christmas, and the best place to do that is somewhere secluded and quaint, like Allendale in Northumberland. With plenty of countryside walks, boutique shops, and tea rooms to explore, this is a lowkey staycation for couples and families who want their New Year to be relaxed and laid back.
But New Year’s Eve has to have a little bit of excitement, right? There is nothing more uniquely exciting to be part of on New Year’s Eve than the flaming Tar Bar’ls of Allendale. In a tradition dating back possibly as far as the Middle Ages, men with soot-covered faces parade through Allendale carrying flaming whisky barrels with burning hot tar. This sizzling procession is something special to behold. What better way to look to the future than celebrating with an age-old tradition in a beautiful part of the UK?
Trains to Northumberland:
Northumberland encompasses a large area in the Northeast of England, and is easily accessible from CrossCountry stations like Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Durham.
Frosty Walks in Oxford
One of the UK’s oldest cities, with gloriously decadent architecture and cobbled streets for wandering, Oxford is the perfect destination for a getaway at any time of year – especially in the chill of winter. In the frosty mornings of December and January, nothing could be better than a family walk around Oxford’s many parks, along the Thames, or through the unique shops and cafes the old city has to offer. With so many museums to visit and stunning sights to take in, why not book a stay in Oxford; one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve.
Trains to Oxford:
Finding your way to Oxford station is super easy with CrossCountry, with trains running along a variety of routes from around the UK. Come on board at stations like Bournemouth, Doncaster, Sheffield, and many more, for a smooth journey to a delightful NYE getaway.
New Year’s Party in Manchester
New Years Eve in Manchester is set to be the perfect destination for party lovers. This busy and beautiful city has a thriving music scene that suits every taste, from disco to drum & bass, and jazz to jungle. If you’re looking to dance to the night away, the famous Northern Quarter is a hub for nightlife, with favourites like SOUP and Matt & Phreds Jazz Club excited to welcome you for a midnight boogie.
And if a more sophisticated celebration is on your agenda, why not, quite literally, elevate the evening at 20 Stories ? Every year, this sky-high restaurant offers a curated five-course dining experience with live music, all with the backdrop of breathtaking city lights. If you’re celebrating with a significant other, you may want to check out our favourite date night restaurants in Manchester. This is certainly a stylish welcome to the New Year in the heart of Manchester.
Trains to Manchester:
Getting a train to Manchester is easy with CrossCountry, as Manchester Piccadilly station is well connected to cities and towns across our network.
If you’re planning a New Year’s getaway, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia