12 of the best Bonfire Night displays in the UK

Celebrate the true start of winter with these fabulous fireworks displays and Bonfire Night celebrations

Remember, remember, the 5th of November… a night for rugging up against the chill, heading out after dark and celebrating what truly feels like the start of winter, with roaring fires and rousing fireworks displays. 
What we in Britain now call Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, commemorates something far darker. November 5 marks the anniversary of the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a band of Catholic conspirators led by Robert Catesby had planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London and kill (the Protestant) King James I for refusing to grant religious tolerance to Catholics.
The now-infamous Guy Fawkes was caught the night before, hiding in a storeroom beneath Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder and fuses in his pockets. The plot was foiled, Fawkes was executed and Parliament decided to fix the date as an annual celebration (or warning, more likely).
Fast forward four centuries and here we still are, burning effigies of Fawkes atop bonfires and cooing at pyrotechnic displays that nod to the explosives that could have killed the king.
Although some events now feature bespoke musical soundtracks, lasers and even drone displays, others continue centuries-old traditions, from the fire-torch parades of Lewes and Rye to the flaming tar barrels of Ottery St Mary. Here’s our round-up of the best for 2024. 
North London’s biggest Bonfire Night knees-up adds a drone show to the fireworks this year. There’s also a beer festival, family funfair, ice skating and bonfire plus live music from The Cuban Brothers (Friday) and Artful Dodger (Saturday)
Roseview Hotel (020 8365 2535; roseviewhotel.co.uk) has doubles from £116 per night, including breakfast.
The team behind London’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display also orchestrate this one, South London’s finest. Sunday is the most family-friendly day, with earlier fireworks and more entertainment for the kids. 
Art’otel (0333 400 6154; artotellondonbattersea.com) has doubles from £204 per night, not including breakfast
The imposing stone castle is the backdrop to this huge fireworks display set to music, while pre-show entertainment includes live music and a fairground. Arrive early to enjoy the castle’s maze, play areas and adventure golf.
Leeds Castle (01622 765400; leeds-castle.com) has doubles from £295 per night, including breakfast and tickets to the fireworks
This traditional Bonfire Night event rivals the more famous Lewes extravaganza – which is now for locals only to avoid overcrowding – with ancient Bonfire societies from across Sussex parading with drums and fire torches. The fireworks display concludes the event (in theory) but this is one firecracker of a party and not well-suited to young children. 
The George in Rye (01797 222114; thegeorgeinrye.com) has doubles from £275 per night, not including breakfast
There’s a Disney theme to the south coast’s biggest fireworks display this year, with recent movie hits providing the soundtrack. You’ll also find live DJs on the main stage, street food aplenty and a fairground.
The Pig in the Wall (0345 225 9494; thepighotel.com/in-the-wall/) has doubles from £235 per night, not including breakfast
With an early start and bang-free fireworks, this is the ideal display for young children and the noise-averse. You’ll also find kids’ fairground rides, live music and food stalls. 
Old Church Farm (01454 418212; old-church-farm.co.uk) has doubles from £150 per night, including breakfast
The only town where flaming tar barrels are still carried through the streets, Ottery St Mary’s unique Bonfire Night event is a full-on fire festival, with barrels lit outside local pubs and hoisted onto the shoulders of so-called “barrel rollers”. Expect huge crowds and a bonfire, but no fireworks display. 
The Pig at Combe (0345 225 9494; thepighotel.com/at-combe/) has doubles from £245 per night, not including breakfast
As well as a fireworks display and a bonfire that claims to be northern England’s largest, this family-friendly event features fire dancers, a bubble machine and designated sparkler area. Plus an afterparty with live music and DJs until late. 
Stirk House (01200 445581; stirkhouse.co.uk) has doubles from £170 per night, including breakfast
Prefer not to stand? Grab tickets for this seated 25-minute fireworks display set to music, from the team behind outdoor theatre spectacular Kynren. There’s safe viewing for wheelchair users, while multiple firepits and a food court add to the atmosphere. 
The Saxon Inn (01388 662256; saxon-inn.com/) has doubles from £65 per night, not including breakfast
Kids get free sparklers at Manchester’s family-friendly three-nighter. Expect mulled wine, hot chocolate and candy floss, plus high-quality fireworks. 
The Reach at Piccadilly (0161 383 0033; marriott.com) has doubles from £93 per night, not including breakfast
Want to bring the dog? This canine-friendly event purposefully does not include fireworks, although you will find a large bonfire, roaming brass band and food cooked over fire. The medieval Hawarden Old Castle will also be illuminated. 
Hawarden Estate Holidays (07818 246118; hawardenestateholidays.co.uk) has self-catering accommodation from £300 for two nights
Lights and lasers add to Edinburgh’s showstopping fireworks display, themed around Scottish legends, plus there’s live music from pipe band the Red Hot Chili Pipers (6pm), roving theatre from Spark! and live DJs.
Norton House (01642 706606; handpickedhotels.co.uk) has doubles from £165 per night, including breakfast

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