While there are no organised displays in most Wiltshire towns this year, you can still check out these firework viewing hotspots.

In 2023, many towns in Wiltshire have chosen to swap out their usual New Year’s Eve displays for parties and discos instead.

This is likely due to the growing concern about the impact of fireworks on animals and the environment, as well as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

But with individual households and pubs still set on lighting up the skies, we’ve compiled a list of some of the viewing spots for fireworks in Wiltshire.

It should be noted that due to the lack of organised fireworks displays this year, fireworks cannot be guaranteed at any of these viewpoints.

Swindon Advertiser: Most of the fireworks this year will be set off by individuals households and pubs with gardens.Most of the fireworks this year will be set off by individuals households and pubs with gardens. (Image: Getty Images)

Where to view fireworks in Wiltshire from up high

Liddington hills, Swindon

Although you’re always sure to spot the odd few fireworks from your back garden, the best place to view Swindon’s fireworks is the hills above Liddington.

The viewing spot comes highly recommended by locals in Swindon’s Community Facebook group, with one person stating: “You can look down at the town and see probably just about every firework from there.”

However, the Liddington hills are not a hidden secret, and visitors have been warned that parking on New Year’s Eve could be limited.

“You get a good view and there is a decent layby to park up in just off the junction, but it does get busy from memory,” warned another.

Hackpen Hill, Swindon

For Swindon locals wanting a bit more of a drive out, Hackpen Hill near Broad Hinton is Swindon’s highest point and provides views across Wroughton, Swindon and towards Oxfordshire.

The hill is located approximately 260m above sea level and parking is free at both Hackpen Hill and the nearby Barbury Castle.

Uffington White Horse

Although the Uffington White Horse is located in Uffington, Oxfordshire, the pre-historic mound offers views over parts of Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire so there is a good chance of seeing some fireworks from up there.

The car park, which is run by the National Trust and costs £2 for two hours, is a regular meeting spot for avid stargazers due to the lack of light pollution and stunning views over several towns.

But if you're heading here in the hopes of seeing fireworks - don't forget to take a torch.

Cley Hill, Warminster

Cley Hill, located on the edge of Warminster, is owned by the National Trust but is open 24 hours a day and free to enter.

The hill offers breathtaking views across West Wiltshire and Somerset, if you don’t mind the walk up to it.

Legend says the hill was formed by the Devil who was angry with the people of Devizes for converting to Christianity, so he travelled to Somerset and dug up a huge sack of earth, with which he planned to bury the town.

The sack of earth was supposedly dropped and formed Cley Hill instead.

Heaven’s Gate, Warminster

Located near Warminster in Wiltshire, Heaven’s Gate is a beauty hotspot near to King Alfred's Tower that looks out over the Longleat Estate.

This year, Longleat is not hosting its annual fireworks display and has instead opted for a festival of light throughout November and December.

However, the height of Heaven’s Gate means that it should still provide an excellent viewpoint for any fireworks being let off in the nearby area, with little light pollution.