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Want to wave goodbye to 2023 in style? The South West will be alight with New Year’s events, from Bournemouth to the Isle of Wight.
Whether you’re looking to keep it casual with an evening meal or go all out with a night on the town, there are endless options to choose from. To help you get inspired, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in the South West to celebrate the biggest night of the year!
New Year’s Eve in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a lively nightlife thanks to its buzzing university and beachside attractions. If you’re planning to spend NYE in Bournemouth, there are plenty of events to choose from, and trains to Bournemouth are a breeze with South Western Railway.
Gala Dinner at the Pavilion Ballroom
Westover Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2BU
Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom is hosting a gala dinner featuring live music and entertainment from local swing and jive band, The Boogie Bumpers.
The dinner kicks off at 19:30, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and polish off your four-course meal before midnight – which you’ll ring in with a complimentary glass of bubbly!
When? 19:30 – late
Price: £82.50
The Wonderland Masquerade Ball at Key West
Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
What better place to usher in the new year than this unique venue at the head of Bournemouth Pier? Throw on your best black tie and celebrate in style with live music and a DJ until 01:00. You’ll receive welcome drinks, your masquerade mask on arrival, a delicious four-course meal, and a prosecco toast at midnight.
When? 18:00 – 01:00
Price: £95
Moulin Rouge party at Canvas
45 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW
Canvas and Glitterati are teaming up to ring in the New Year with feathers and sequins. Paint the town red at their Moulin Rouge-themed party featuring burlesque dancers and live DJs. A complimentary glass of bubbly, three rooms and seven hours of partying: you do the maths!
When? 21:00 – 03:00
Price: £7+
New Year’s Eve in Portsmouth
Heading to Pompey this New Year’s? Leave the car behind and enjoy seamless travel with trains to Portsmouth.
UTOPIA at PRYZM
Connaught Drill Hall, Stanhope Rd, Portsmouth PO1 1DU
UTOPIA warns that ‘the unknown awaits…’. You know what to expect from PRYZM: high-quality sound systems, three themed rooms and packed dance floors. It’s one of Portsmouth’s biggest and most popular clubs, so you’re guaranteed a great night out!
When? 21:00 – 03:00
Price: £5+
Gatsby Casino at Spinnaker Tower
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth PO1 322
Suit up, slick your hair and get ready to party like it’s 1922! Spinnaker Tower is hosting a night of glitz and glamour inspired by the Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby. Enjoy spectacular views from 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour in this iconic landmark, and expect a fun casino, live music, a disco and prosecco!
When? 20:00 – 01:00
Price: £70
New Year's Eve in Southampton
The city centre comes alive on New Year’s, and you’ll be there in no time if you’re getting the train to Southampton.
New Year’s Eve Party at Ottoman Kitchen
36-37 High St, Southampton SO14 2DF
Enjoy a prosecco on arrival at Ottoman Kitchen before tucking into a Middle Eastern menu, including humus, stuffed vine leaves, chicken or lamb shish and homemade baklava. A magician provides entertainment, while a live DJ plays the late-night post-meal disco.
When? 17:00 – 02:00
Price: £39.95+
New Year’s Eve Soul Spectacular at The 1865
The 1865, Southampton SO14 3AR
The 1865 is hosting a spectacular night of northern soul on the south coast. Let loose to your favourite Motown sounds in this intimate music venue in the heart of Southampton. Rewind time, gliding, kicking and shuffling into the new year!
When? 19:00 – late
Price: £12+
New Year’s Eve Party at the Ageas Bowl
Botley Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3XH
Whether you’re cricket-mad or just keen to enjoy some great food in a spectacular venue, head to the Ageas Bowl and send off 2023 in style with a night of contemporary fine dining at BEEFY’s by Lord Botham. You’ll be greeted with an arrival drink before being seated for a seven-course (yes, seven!) meal. Raise a toast with a complimentary glass of bubbly at midnight and enjoy a live DJ until 01:00.
New Year's Eve on the Isle of Wight
It’s not just beautiful coastal scenery and a rich fossil heritage that the Isle of Wight has to offer; it’s also got a thriving events scene.
NYE at The Boathouse
2 Springvale Rd, Seaview PO34 5AW
Dig out the old tie-dye and bell bottoms, perfect your peace sign pose and head to The Boathouse to say hello to 2024. It’s throwing it back to the ‘Summer of Love’ with a night of food, drink and ‘60s-inspired fancy dress.
Best of all? Entry is free, and there’s no need to book in advance!
Weird and Wonderful NYE at Ventnor Exchange
11 Church St, Ventnor PO38 1SW
Calling all fancy dress enthusiasts, Ventnor Exchange invites you to ring in the new year in your best costumes! It’s welcoming everything from steampunk to the supernatural, so raid your fancy dress box and prepare for a Weird and Wonderful New Year’s Eve (a fitting send-off for 2023)!
When? 18:00 – 01:00
Price: TBC
New Year's Eve in Exeter
Exeter has a thriving nightlife and plenty of New Year’s activities. Plus, South Western Railway offers trains to Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids, so getting there is a breeze.
NYE at The Terrace
Unit 19, 19 Queen St, Exeter EX4 3FB
The Terrace is Exeter’s best bottomless brunch spot, but after dark it transforms into one of the city’s best nightclubs. This NYE at The Terrace, prepare for two floors of dancefloor classics, 2-4-1 cocktails and confetti! Dance until dawn with DJ Mark Allen in the club from 19:00 and live music on the rooftop from MAMMOTH from 22:30.
When? 19:00 – 03:30
Price: £5+
NYE Party at Exeter Phoenix
Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS
Exeter Phoenix is one of the city’s most beloved multi-arts venues, home to cinema, comedy, gigs, galleries and, returning this year, a New Year’s Eve mirrorball party!
There will be live music, a silent disco, a rave room, a cocktail lounge, and karaoke. The dress code is ‘silver sparkle’, so dust off those space suits and Tin Man outfits and get down to Exeter Phoenix.
When? 20:00 – 02:00
Price: £20+
NYE at The Bootlegger
162-163 Fore St, Exeter EX4 3AT
Inspired by the day in 1933 when Prohibition ended in America (and the inevitable party that ensued), The Bootlegger is throwing a ‘30s-themed night of drinks and dancing 90 years after the repeal. You’ll get a free drink on arrival and a free shot at midnight to toast the new year and set you up for the live DJ until late.
When? 18:30 – 02:00
Price: £19.95
Looking for more inspiration this winter? Visit some of the best Christmas destinations in the South West. Or, check out our guide to New Year’s Eve in London for even more ways to ring in the New Year.
With so much to do in the South West for New Year’s Eve, why not plan your journey today? Browse our various ticket types to find the right fare for you and discover cheaper tickets by travelling off-peak and using a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
