Five of the best venues to welcome in 2025
New Year’s Eve deserves to be a celebration to remember, and our handpicked guide to the best venues in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire does just that. From grand gala dinners to enchanting countryside retreats, these expertly vetted destinations promise exceptional experiences to ring in 2025 in style.
With our experience in showcasing the finest events, we’ve scoured the region to bring you only the most dazzling parties and luxurious getaways. Trust our selection to make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable.
Where to go for New Year’s Eve Parties in Buckinghamshire 2024
How often do you chat to someone about the joy of Christmas, but when the conversation turns to new year’s eve, invariably there is an air of disappointment? Well, it seems as if Berkshire and Buckinghamshire didn’t get the memo. Both counties are serving up a whole host of events that will make the end of 2024 and start of 2025 a memorable one. Here we look at five parties ramping up the celebrations, starting at that most decadent location: Crazy Bear
CRAZY BEAR
Watch the clock strike 12 in the decadence of the Crazy Bear Stadhampton or Beaconsfield, with a host of different experiences available. From an incredible DJ spinning the right tunes to get the party started, to a Brazilian bongo player livening up any flagging spirits, via a stunning meal in one of the two restaurants, either location will serve up a night to remember.
Book your tickets at Crazy Bear
To get us into the spirit, Absolutely sat down with Crazy Bear’s managing director, Tom Etridge, to find out about the origins of the group and what lies in store at the end of the year.
Where does the Crazy Bear story begin?
The Crazy Bear story started in 1993, building a reputation for decadent interiors, extravagant events and high quality restaurants.
Do you know the origins of the name itself, Crazy Bear?
The first Crazy Bear was originally a pub called the Bear and Ragged Staff, 1 Bear Lane, Stadhampton and was the first property in the Crazy Bear portfolio, opening in South Oxfordshire in 1993, followed by Beaconsfield in 2008.
What first impressions are you looking to make when someone steps into one of the sites for the first time?
Providing unique and high quality experiences means balancing the flamboyant look with an immaculate level of service. First impressions should be surprise and delight and most importantly a sense that you will be looked after during the stay.
How would you describe the different styles of rooms available?
Our signature eccentricity extends across our four room types – decadent, boujee, cosy, and snug. Original architectural details such as exposed Tudor beams are combined with eclectic, indulgent finishes. Rooms feature chandeliers, mirrored walls and ceilings, as well as copper roll-top baths.
Do you think Crazy Bear is just made for NYE parties?
We are known for hosting incredible New Year’s Eve parties, however it’s just as important that couples can enjoy a quiet midweek date night. Throughout the year we put on a show with various Crazy Bear parties featuring talented performers and exceptional musicians, and we also host a wide range of our guest’s events – weddings, corporate events etc.
What can you tell us about the NYE parties at both Crazy Bear sites?
Crazy Bear Beaconsfield and Stadhampton are great places to ring in the New Year. This year, both properties will host special NYE events with a six-course English or Thai sharing menu and an evening filled with incredible entertainment, including stilt artists, aerial performers, burlesque dancers, a live sax player and bongo player, as well as DJs playing all night. It should be quite a night.
As we head into 2025, what are the aims for the Crazy Bear Group?
2025 is set to be an exciting year for Crazy Bear, with two new restaurant openings in the early part of the year which will be announced shortly.
DANESFIELD HOUSE
Danesfield House that we see today was completed in 1901 as a family home for Robert William Hudson. The house stands amidst 65 acres of formal gardens with outstanding views over the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills beyond. It’s an historic place to see in a new year, and 2024 promises to offer something special.
Their New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Package will enable you to celebrate in style with a fabulous evening of exquisite food, live music, dancing and fireworks. Arrive to Taittinger Champagne and canapés, followed by a five-course dinner. There will be live music from 10.30pm, before Champagne and fireworks display in the grounds bang on midnight.
One night from £449 per person including Champagne and canapés, five-course dinner, live music, fireworks, overnight accommodation, full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities.
Book your tickets at Danesfield House
THE VINEYARD
A member of Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain hotels, The Vineyard in Newbury is a spectacular wine destination, and a foodie one too. They are not what you would expect from a luxury 5 red star hotel – relaxed, informal and contemporary – with a team that have individual personalities that shine through.
There are some real stand out features: an outstanding wine cellar of more than 30,000 bottles, incredible creations from Executive Chef Tom Scade, a private art collection like no other, and a private spa with Irene Forte skincare who pride themselves on sustainability and zero waste.
They will be offering a two-night New Year Package, from £849.50 per person. Join them from Monday 30th December and your break will include: a glass of Champagne Taittinger upon arrival; a delicious three-course dinner so you can settle in the night before the main event; a fantastic night’s sleep in a Luxury Double room; start new year’s eve with a cooked and continental breakfast, with a traditional afternoon tea and wine tasting later in the day, before an evening including a decadent five-course dinner paired with spectacular wines; all followed by DJ and dancing, and another glass of champagne at the stroke of midnight whilst they light the sky with fireworks.
Book at The Vineyard
CLIVEDEN HOUSE
Cliveden House, owned by the National Trust and part of Iconic Luxury Hotels, is a five AA Red Star award-winning hotel, located in the heart of Berkshire. Their story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of intrigue and glamour and makes for the perfect romantic setting, for those couples looking for a retreat. Now, their Grade I stately home set upon 376 acres of beautifully presented National Trust grounds is a luxurious five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa, ready and waiting to welcome you to create your own moment in Cliveden’s history.
Ring in the new year at Cliveden House with a very special party. Guests are invited to arrive on new year’s eve to a champagne reception, followed by a black-tie gala dinner and dance, fireworks, and a 4am carriage ride to make the evening extra special. The next day, guests can indulge in a brunch with live jazz, before an afternoon to explore the grounds followed by cocktails and canapes, and to finish the night is a New Year’s Day dinner paired with the finest wines from the estate’s wine collection. The House Party package starts at £3,425 per room.
Book tickets at the Cliveden House
HARTWELL HOUSE
One of England’s stately homes, set in over 90 acres of gardens and parkland designed by a contemporary of Capability Brown, Hartwell House is located within the Vale of Aylesbury and on the edge of the Chilterns, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The National Trust-owned Grade I listed Jacobean and Georgian house provides all that is best in country house hospitality and service. Hartwell House is one of the three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust.
The New Year’s Eve House Party at Hartwell House has always been a wonderful time to enjoy the marvellous atmosphere and the best of everything in this remarkable country house. A two-night celebration to welcome in the New Year from £1,150 per person, based on double occupancy includes the following: cream tea, welcome dinner, cooked English breakfast, Champagne reception, four-course black tie dinner with fine wines pairing, fireworks, DJ and dancing, and a Hartwell Brunch on new year’s day.
See what’s happening around town with what’s on in Buckinghamshire in December and make the most of the season.
