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Tower Bridge & London Bridge a bad choice for New Year’s Eve fireworks

Steer clear of Tower Bridge and London Bridge and avoid a disappointing start to the New Year. The New Year’s Eve fireworks cannot be seen from either bridge.

London Bridge at night. The sleek, concrete side of the bridge is lit in purple red, with other bridges visible in the distance, also lit in different colours.
London Bridge at night

If you are planning to come into central London to watch this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, please DON’T go to Tower Bridge or London Bridge. You won’t see the fireworks due to the bend in the river and tall buildings in the way.

In recent years there have been large numbers of people on both of these busy bridges at midnight, trying unsuccessfully to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

The bridges have become congested with thousands of disappointed people, posing a risk to pedestrians and motorists.

Our stewards will be on patrol on both bridges, along with a significant police presence to reassure the public and ensure people stay safe.

Access to all of our five bridges may be closed at short notice. After 7pm, Blackfriars Bridge and surrounding roads will only be accessible to ticket holders. The Millennium footbridge will be closed to all pedestrians from 8pm until after midnight.

Where to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks display

The New Year’s Eve fireworks display is a ticketed event run by the Mayor of London’s office, with dedicated viewing areas along Victoria Embankment, Waterloo and Westminster bridges and parts of the South Bank.

Those without a ticket are encouraged to join millions of viewers in watching the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer, or to celebrate the New Year in the capital’s bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

Visiting Tower Bridge over the festive season

Tower Bridge does not provide a view of London’s New Year’s Eve firework display, but it’s still a fabulous place to visit for a festive treat.

Discover iconic views of the capital from the Walkways, dare yourself to cross the spectacular Glass Floors and be amazed by the powerful machinery in the Bridge’s Engine Rooms.

The Tower Bridge visitor attraction is open daily over the festive period from 9.30am to 6pm, apart from 24–26 December 2024, when the visitor attraction is closed. On New Year’s Day, the Bridge opens slightly later at 10am. 

We recommend pre-booking your tickets in advance at towerbridge.org.uk. Tower Bridge is fully accessible.

A family admiring the views and signage on the Tower Bridge Walkways.
The Tower Bridge Walkways offer breath-taking, panoramic views of London

Tower Bridge and London Bridge, along with Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and Blackfriars Bridge, are owned and maintained by City Bridge Foundation at no cost to the taxpayer.

London Bridge image by Jill Mead.
Tower Bridge image by Jayne Lloyd Photography.