Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cornwall

Why not try something new for your New Year’s Eve this year? Cornwall doesn’t shut up shop as soon as the last tourist leaves at the end of the summer, far from it. Destinations across the county to put on a big show for the final night of the year and you can be there when you book a holiday in Looe. Towns from Newquay to St. Ives erupt with life, where local and travelling holidaymakers come together to shake off the wintery cobwebs and welcome in the New Year.

The most southerly corner of England offers an array of nights, from family-friendly events to parties than run on until the early hours. You can celebrate at the local pub, but in case you wanted to check out your options, here is our guide of where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cornwall.

Looe

If you find yourself in Looe as you welcome 2018 then make sure you have packed your fancy dress costume. The locals consider it an absolute necessity, as herds of people make their way through town in the most creative and colourful outfits. Even the town itself gets in the spirit, with buildings, boats and the harbour adorned in bright lights and displays.

Begin your evening with a fireworks display at 6.00pm which is ideal for young families, or hold out for the traditional midnight show. Both are held at Looe’s Banjo Pier, where the best views are to be had along the seafront promenade. Visiting a town like Looe for New Year’s Eve is really an exciting experience. Whereas in larger locations there are separate clusters of people, the entire town here commits to the celebrations, with thousands of people making their way through the streets in good cheer. If you are looking for some food then do book in advance, otherwise come down and mingle amongst the locals in this historic fishing town. Once you have been, you will understand why Looe regularly features as one of the top ten places in the country for New Year’s Eve.

Falmouth

For the first time the skies over Falmouth will sparkle with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Pendennis Castle will be the base for the display, following sponsorship from The Royal Duchy of Brend Hotels and a number of other donors. This means that those visiting Falmouth for the New Year will be able to see them, no matter where you are in town or along the seafront. Although you cannot visit the castle itself, its location overlooking the surrounding area means that everyone will be able to see the fireworks for free.

But it isn’t just about the fireworks in Falmouth. If you need something to fill the time you will be able to find plenty going on around town. For those who like a dance Toast will be hosting a party sure to go on well into the early morning. DJ Nate Valentino will be the host, having played at Glastonbury Festival and making regular appearances in Ibiza.

For a more refined evening you can book a luxury meal at a number of restaurants. Many are hosting drinks receptions and special menus for those looking to celebrate over a nice glass of champagne and some delicious food.

St. Ives

Looe isn’t the only destination famous for its end-of-year party. Each year St. Ives outdoes itself with a bigger and better fireworks display which is put on thanks to very generous donations made by local businesses.

A massive 30,000 people rung in 2017 in this quaint seaside town, a figure that is said to be the highest attendance since the Millennium. Unsurprisingly that year also saw the town’s largest ever fireworks display, a feat that is sure to be bettered this year. The firework displays kick off at 8.00pm and go on well into the night, presenting a beautiful backdrop to a really unforgettable evening. Fancy-dress fans will feel right at home in St. Ives, as crowds of dressed up revellers make their way from bar to bar.

Leave your car outside of town if you are planning on visiting St. Ives for New Year’s Eve, as the roads down by the harbour front are completely closed to traffic. This allows for a larger and safer area to enjoy all of the events and festivities. If you get lucky and both the weather and the tide are in your favour, the street parties have been known to spill out onto the beach to make for a typically Cornish celebration. Roads begin to close around 6.00pm so be sure to find your space before then.

Newquay

Another beautiful New Year’s Eve destination in Cornwall, Newquay has a whole host of different ways for you to see in 2018. Its thriving party atmosphere can be felt year-round, but it is certainly amped up on the build up to the biggest night of the year. Another must for fancy-dress lovers, everyone heads down to the half-hour long firework displays that kick-off at midnight.

Frankly, fireworks don’t come much better than the ones on offer in Newquay on New Year’s Eve. Set off in the harbour they illuminate the skies and are visible from miles around. A place of many bars, pubs and a few clubs if you are planning a tipple or two you can kick it with the locals in a rustic pub or dance until the early dawn at a number of venues. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk along the harbour and the beach with your family before heading home.

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, where friends and family gather to ring in a fresh year full of opportunity. Whether you want to be in the middle of a lively dance floor or a family trip to the fireworks during your holiday in Looe, we hope you now feel prepared for your New Year’s trip to Cornwall.