10 Alternative Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve

From a murder mystery event to paddle boarding under the stars...

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Celebrate the New Year in style with one of these eccentric and unforgettable experiences…

Find out ‘who done it’ at New Hall Hotel & Spa’s immersive Murder Mystery evening

For an alternative take on the New Year celebrations, delight in an immersive murder mystery evening with Killing Game at Sutton Coldfield’s spectacular 13th Century New Hall Hotel. Indulge in festive aperitifs, a four-course dinner and celebratory disco until 1am, but not before solving a murder… £210 per person with an overnight stay, handpickedhotels.co.uk

Ring the New Year in Old School style

There’s nothing like hosting a legendary house party at New Year’s Eve, but if you’re worried about the champagne spills, head to 640East at The Arches instead for the ultimate Old School House Party. There will be free-flowing prosecco, tasty street food from the Piadina Project, live music, retro party games and plenty more to see in the New Year. From £35, designmynight.com

The Best Champagne Cocktails for NYE

Take to the skies at the i360 Brighton

See brighton sparkle 450ft up in the British Airways i360 on the 31st. The perfect way to ring in the New Year with a special someone, guests will enjoy a fantastic five-course meal with wine, canapés and toasting drinks amongst the beautiful backdrop of the seaside city before taking to the skies in the i360 pod. £150 per person, prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com

Paddle board after-dark in Beaumaris, North Wales

No need to dress up for this one. Swap the glitz and glamour for enchanting tranquility with an exclusive after-dark SUP experience in Snowdonia, North Wales. A magical way to spend New Year’s Eve, you’ll have a hand in stand-up paddle boarding under the stars amongst one of the only dark sky reserves in the world. From £75pp, psychedpaddleboarding.com

Indulge in Cantonese dishes at Hakkasan Hanway

See in the New Year at Michelin-starred Hakkasan Hanway Place for with an evening of drinking and dining to the electronic sounds of House DJ Seb Fontaine. Indulge in delicious Cantonese dishes – think roasted silver cod with champagne and honey and ok-fry lamb cannon with black garlic sauce – and champagne cocktails whilst you party in style until 2am. From £98 per person, hakkasan.com

The Best Restaurants in Mayfair

Attend a jungle-themed party at Rockwell

Do NYE a little differently this year at Rockwell’s jungle-themed extravaganza, replete with plenty of Veuve Clicquot champagne – a complimentary glass upon arrival and at midnight – tasty cocktails and delicious jungle-esque plates. Expect snake charmers, acrobats, and live DJs spinning through till 2020. From £39 per person, rockwellsw1.com

Escape to the White Lion in Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Escape the city for the North Sea coast and ring in the New Year with a two-night stay at the White Lion Hotel, Aldburgh. Arriving on either 30 or 31 December, enjoy a romantic dinner in the hotel’s Brasserie, inclusive of canapés and a glass of fizz, or if you’re in the mood to party, the hotel will transport you to Thorpeness Country Club, located close by, for a New Year’s Eve Winter Wonderland ball comprising of a delicious five-course meal, live music and fireworks at midnight. What’s more, you can nurse your hangover on New Year’s Day with a wintry walk along the coast. Book for 30 or 31 December from £303 per person, including breakfast and a three-course dinner. whitelion.co.uk

Rent a London home away from home

If very-merry crowds, 3am struggles to get a taxi and extortionate drinks prices have deemed you the Scrooge of New Year’s Eve, ditch the excessive parties and dress to impress in the comfort of your own home away from home. Private rental company Onefinestay have an impressive portfolio of charming London properties in a number of desirable locations, from Belgravia to Primrose Hill, the perfect place to gather with friends and mark the New Year in style. onefinestay.com

15 Unique Rentals for New Year’s Eve

Party like it’s the 1950s at Soho’s Boulevard

Head to Soho’s snazzy theatre-come-restaurant, Boulevard for a New Year’s Eve spectacular you won’t forget (depending on the champagne consumption). The art-deco style venue – which recently returned to the West End after 20 years – will be hosting a fizz-infused, immersive celebration, taking guests back to the 1950s. Feast on retro cocktails and delicious antipasti, marvel at contortionists, cabaret acts and burlesque dancers, and revel in 1950s decadence with champagne and jazz until 2am. Tickets £69, boulevardtheatre.co.uk

Boulevard Theatre Returns to Soho

Sing and dance in suit and tie at The Piano Works

Don your best suit and tie this New Year’s Eve for The Piano Works’ annual black-tie party. Cocktails, live music and the chance to get all glammed up; the perfect combination for an unforgettable celebration. Prices vary upon entry. Visit the website for more details. pianoworks.bar