Is Primrose Hill Open on New Year’s Eve?
• December 30, 2025
Watching London’s skyline from Primrose Hill has long been a New Year’s Eve tradition for many, but plans will need to change this year.
So, is Primrose Hill open on New Year’s Eve? No, Primrose Hill will be closed on 31 December 2025, with gates locked from 8:00 PM on 30 December and reopening at 6:00 AM on 1 January. The closure forms part of updated safety measures following recent public safety concerns.
To help you plan ahead, here are the key points:
- The closure decision was made by the Royal Parks charity.
- It follows safety reviews after the 2023 fatal incident.
- Reduced crowd control capacity influenced the decision.
- Visitors are advised to choose safer, ticketed alternatives.
Below, we explain why the closure was introduced and what options are available instead.
Is Primrose Hill Open on New Year’s Eve 2025?
Primrose Hill, one of London’s most iconic panoramic viewpoints, will not be open for public access on New Year’s Eve 2025. Traditionally a go-to location for watching the city’s official fireworks, the hill has welcomed as many as 30,000 people in previous years.
However, this year, the gates will be shut from 8:00 PM on 30 December and will remain closed until 6:00 AM on 1 January. The closure marks a decisive shift in how city authorities are managing large public gatherings, especially in unsupervised or open-access areas.
With heightened focus on safety, this measure is part of a broader campaign to avoid overcrowding and ensure public well-being across London during what is historically one of the busiest nights of the year.
Why Has Primrose Hill Been Closed for New Year’s Celebrations?
The decision to close Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve stems from multiple compounding factors. Chief among them is a deep concern for public safety following a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve 2023, where 16-year-old Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed during celebrations at the hill. The case led to the conviction of an 18-year-old, who was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison.
This event raised serious questions about the ability to monitor and control crowds in such a large, unfenced public space, particularly during an unorganised gathering like NYE.
Disbanding of Royal Parks Police
Adding further complexity to the situation is the disbandment of the Royal Parks police, a dedicated team responsible for policing green spaces in London, including Primrose Hill.
This move was part of a wider cost-cutting measure aimed at addressing a £260 million funding gap. The absence of these officers significantly reduced the park’s capacity to handle large-scale events safely, especially where security and crowd control are critical.
Lack of Organised Infrastructure
Unlike other official events such as the Mayor of London’s NYE fireworks along the Thames, celebrations at Primrose Hill are not ticketed or managed by any event organiser. As a result, the park falls into a grey area, where thousands gather without the infrastructure to support emergency protocols, security checks, or controlled entry.
A spokesperson for the Royal Parks stated: “The decision to close Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve was not taken lightly. We have limited controls that we can deploy to ensure public safety.”
Who Made the Decision to Close Primrose Hill?
A common misconception is that the Metropolitan Police ordered the closure of the park. In reality, the decision was made solely by the Royal Parks charity, which manages Primrose Hill.
The Met Police have publicly clarified that they did not instruct the closure, nor was it directly linked to the disbandment of the Royal Parks policing unit.:
Clarifying the Police’s Role
While the Royal Parks police unit did assist in park security in previous years, they only made up 15 of the more than 145 officers deployed to Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve 2024. Therefore, the withdrawal of that specific unit was not deemed critical enough by the Met to be the sole reason for the closure.
Crowd Control Limitations
Instead, the central issue lies in the inability to safely manage large crowds in an open setting. With no ticketing, fencing, or entry checkpoints, the Royal Parks team and the general police presence would be stretched beyond safe operational levels.
What Are the Alternatives to Primrose Hill for Watching the Fireworks?
With Primrose Hill closed for New Year’s Eve, it’s important to explore safer, accessible alternatives to enjoy London’s world-famous fireworks. While the official Mayor of London’s fireworks event at the London Eye is the main attraction, tickets are sold out, leaving many to consider other locations or options. Here’s a comparison of some popular alternatives and how they stack up in terms of access, visibility, and safety:
London NYE Fireworks Viewing Alternatives – A Comparison
| Viewing Location | Access Type | Fireworks Visibility | Ticket Required | Safety Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primrose Hill | Closed | Panoramic (if open) | No | Not Accessible |
| Mayor’s Fireworks Event | Ticket Only | Direct & Excellent | Yes | High |
| Tower Bridge | Open, discouraged | Poor (obstructed) | No | Medium Risk |
| Rooftop Bars/Restaurants | Paid Entry | Varies (can be great) | Often | High |
| Home via BBC One | Digital Broadcast | Excellent (TV view) | No | Safest Option |
Consider indoor venues, BBC’s coverage, or attending community celebrations to enjoy a memorable New Year’s Eve while avoiding large crowds and unmanaged public areas.
What Are the Met Police and City Officials Saying?
City authorities have taken a firm but cautionary tone this year. Commander Nick John of the Metropolitan Police offered a clear message:
“Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible.”
The police are encouraging both residents and visitors to opt for organised events and to avoid impromptu gatherings in parks or on bridges.
London will see an increased number of officers deployed city-wide, not only in tourist-heavy areas but also across key transport routes and boroughs, to ensure public safety throughout the night.
Furthermore, authorities have asked the public to reserve 999 calls for genuine emergencies only, as non-urgent calls could delay assistance to those in immediate need.
What Is the Weather Forecast for New Year’s Eve 2025?
The Met Office has predicted a cold and clear evening for New Year’s Eve 2025. After widespread frosts earlier in the week, temperatures are expected to drop again as the evening progresses.
Mark Sidaway, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, stated: “It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of winter as we welcome in the New Year.”
While clear skies may make for excellent firework visibility, the winter chill will be significant, so anyone planning to be outdoors, whether at organised events or travelling to and from them, should dress warmly and prepare for low temperatures.
What Should Londoners Do Instead?
With key viewing points either closed or ticketed, planning ahead is vital. Here’s how to celebrate safely and legally this New Year’s Eve:
- Attend Organised Events: These are usually managed with security, facilities, and warm shelter.
- Avoid Non-Ticketed Gathering Spots: Most central London bridges and parks will either be closed or provide poor visibility.
- Travel Smart: Plan travel to avoid last-minute rushes or overcrowded tube stations.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from city transport and emergency services.
Overall, choosing a planned, ticketed, or at-home option is the safest way for Londoners to enjoy New Year’s Eve this year while avoiding closures, overcrowding, and unnecessary risk.
Final Thoughts on the Primrose Hill New Year’s Eve Closure
The closure of Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve reflects a growing concern around public safety in uncontrolled environments. As London continues to attract massive crowds for its iconic celebrations, balancing festive freedom with responsible governance has never been more important.
If you were hoping to catch the fireworks from the hill, it’s best to adjust your plans now. Choose safer, organised alternatives and stay updated with official guidance.
Whether you’re out on the town or tuning in from home, London’s New Year’s Eve can still be magical, with the right precautions in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Primrose Hill closed on New Year’s Eve 2025?
Due to safety concerns following past incidents and a lack of adequate crowd control after the disbandment of the Royal Parks police, Primrose Hill will be closed from 8 PM on 30 December until 6 AM on 1 January.
Can you still see the London fireworks from Primrose Hill?
No. The park will be locked and inaccessible. Authorities have advised people not to attempt to enter as access will not be possible.
What happened at Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve 2023?
Tragically, a 16-year-old boy named Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed during the 2023 NYE celebration, prompting tighter safety measures this year.
Who manages Primrose Hill and made the closure decision?
The Royal Parks charity manages Primrose Hill and made the decision to close it during NYE for safety reasons, not the Metropolitan Police.
Are other parks in London also closing for NYE?
Greenwich Park is also reportedly closed, and several central bridges may restrict access. Always check official updates before heading out.
What are the best alternatives to watch London’s NYE fireworks?
The official Mayor of London’s fireworks event (ticketed), licensed bars with river views, or watching the BBC broadcast from home are safer options.
Can I still walk on central London bridges during the fireworks?
Most major bridges may be closed or limited to ticket holders due to crowd control. Avoid relying on bridges for viewing the fireworks.
