New Years Eve on the tidal Thames

[JorgeinLondon]

Has anyone ever attempted to watch the fireworks display from their boats? I know there's an exclusion zone, but it is only 100m from Westminster Bridge, I would imagine you could get a pretty good view.

Thing that puts me off is the prospect of sharing a small amount of water with a lot of quite big commercial traffic. I would also need to make sure I had a place to moor overnight as the tides don't work for the marina lock.

 

[rosssavage]

No, but I would love to!

The annual lock closures always prevent me from going - a few years ago the right locks were open, but I had to go to bl**dy work

Be great to get a trip report and the obligatory photos if you manage it...

 

[rosssavage]

And to answer the questions - yes, big traffic. I have been out in town late at night and it's no biggie. There's loads of ambient light, and everyone seems to display the regulatory illuminations.

I would plan on a late night, and head up towards Putney pier or even back up to teddington after the events. But that would be my direction home anyway, sounds like that might not work for you. Imperial wharf may be an option too.

 

[JorgeinLondon]

I was thinking Chiswick Pier as its only 15 mins from my home mooring (Chiswick Quay Marina). They get booked up quickly so I suppose I should attempt to book it today..

 

[Forbsie]

I have only ever done it a couple of times from my mates' 98' Dutch barge. There is a huge amount of commercial traffic because, obviously, the whole affair is just organised for them. Even though Mark had booked space along side a passenger boat that wasn't being used, he was bullied by another who just moved alongside us and blocked some of the view. A great time was had, but I wouldn't want to be Mark and he owned a boatyard and knew many of those involved.

We moored on a large buoy at Greenwich but had to move early the next morning as they removed to buoy.

 

[JorgeinLondon]

I've wimped out...
1) the weather looks well dodgy
2) no space on Chiswick Pier

Must be quicker reserving the place next year!

 

[Thallac]

Made it down, conditions were good although had to pick up and tow a stranded boat back to Kew who lost one of their fins on their prop.

Video can be seen here https://www.amazon.co.uk/clouddrive...zx5syVCyW5N?v=grid&ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

 

[No Regrets]

Not really worth the bother then!? :nonchalance:

 

[Thallac]

Not really worth the bother then!? :nonchalance:

Yes, not worth it, better off watching it on TV

 

[Brayman]

Yes, not worth it, better off watching it on TV

Or from a distance, I never see the point of getting close to where they are let off - even in Henley.

 

[Actionmat]

One of the best views is from the hill in Greenwich. We've done it for the past 2 years as friends live locally. Hundreds of locals gather and there's often a piper playing, it's much nicer way to see it IMO.

 

[Loggo]

We had a great night a few years ago moored at Newark opposite the castle to watch the fireworks on November 5th.

Woke the next morning to find the boat covered in a layer of grey ash.....................

 

[byron]

We had a great night a few years ago moored at Newark opposite the castle to watch the fireworks on November 5th.

Woke the next morning to find the boat covered in a layer of grey ash.....................

GOSH! You could see all the way to London from there. WOW!

 

[JorgeinLondon]

I spent NYE at the Middle Temple Gardens. They go right down to the embankment. Quite far away from the fireworks but still close enough to enjoy them.

 

[JeffNev]

It is a shame that it gets so busy but I suppose its because they are so good! I watched them on TV and they certainly looked impressive, as always.

I was looking up a way for me and my wife to bring in the New Year on the Thames but its so expensive and even then, I couldn't find a suitable one for us in time. I had considered a DIY job but seemed like it is a lot of hassle. Thanks for sharing though, Greenwich sounds like a good idea for next year by the sounds of it!

Thanks

Jeff