Fireworks events in the south west

Best bonfire night displays in London and the South West

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Remember, remember the fifth of November...and with so many incredible places to celebrate bonfire night, you won’t be forgetting this date any time soon! From small-scale firework displays to enormous festivities and centuries-old traditions, this 500-year-old tradition is celebrated far and wide in all manner of ways.

Most displays take place on bonfire night itself or on the weekend before or after, and most are suitable for people of all ages. So whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a family activity or a fun way to celebrate with your friends, you have loads of options to choose from.

Make this bonfire night an unforgettable one with one of these spectacular bonfire night displays in London and the South West – all easy to get to with South Western Railway.

Best bonfire night events in London

If you’re planning a trip to London for some bonfire festivities, there’s something for everyone around the capital!

Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace

Head to north London for the spectacular Fireworks Festival at Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally as it’s called by those who know it), which has been standing for over 150 years! People of all ages will love the sense of occasion at this incredible event – expect huge bonfires, fairground rides for that nostalgic bonfire night feeling and the chance to get your skates on and take to the ice rink.

Fireworks display at Alexandra Palace

On top of all that you’ll find some of London’s best street food and a Bavarian bier festival carrying on the Oktoberfest celebrations in London, so you can eat, drink and be merry as you soak in the atmosphere that’s unique to this day of the year. Enjoy live music, sets from high-profile DJs and even film screenings, all before the main event: the legendary fireworks display.

Battersea Park Fireworks

For an option south of the river in the capital, head to the bonfire night celebrations in Battersea Park. Each year, a huge bonfire lights up the beautiful park, while thousands of revellers get all wrapped up to enjoy the cosy atmosphere. There are plenty of food and drink stalls to choose from, or stroll over to Battersea Power Station for even more options.

Fireworks display at Battersea Park

The fireworks are particularly photogenic, with the dazzling display illuminating the sky over the River Thames, so cameras at the ready! The event is suitable for all ages, but adults can also attend the after party - you might be lucky enough to catch a famous DJ!

The nearest SWR stations are Clapham Junction and Queenstown Road, which are just a short walk to the park.

Wimbledon Park Bonfire & Fireworks

Why settle for one firework display when you can enjoy two in one night? Wimbledon Park celebrates bonfire night with an earlier display for children, followed by the main event later on. Both combine pyrotechnics with music, resulting in a spectacular show that you and your friends or family will love.

The young and young at heart can get their pulses going and play for prizes at the funfair, and you’ll also find plenty of food stalls serving up bonfire night specialities, from hot dogs and burgers to toffee apples and candyfloss.

Wimbledon is the nearest SWR station and from there it’s a 20-minute walk to Wimbledon Park. Alternatively you can take the District Line to Wimbledon Park station. 

Best bonfire events in the South West

Jump on a South Western Railway train and celebrate bonfire night at one of these amazing events in the South West of England.

LEGOLAND Fireworks Spectacular, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

If you’re thinking of ways to spend bonfire night with your kids, then look no further than LEGOLAND® Windsor's Fireworks Spectacular! There’s all the usual rockets and Catherine wheels, but with a special LEGOLAND® twist... Watch your children’s faces light up as the fireworks turn into exploding bricks! All thanks to the magic of the special brick glasses you’ll be given to wear.

Fireworks display at LEGOLAND Windsor

Tickets to the show include park entry, so spend the day enjoying the exciting rides and exploring the themed lands before ending the day on a high in the sky!

To get there, take the train to Windsor & Eton Riverside, then take the 702 or 703 bus for 15 minutes to get to the theme park.

The Tar Barrels of Ottery St. Mary, Devon

For a bonfire night like no other – and one that will certainly be unforgettable – take a train to Devon, to the small town of Ottery St. Mary. To celebrate bonfire night, men, women and children of all ages run through the town carrying – wait for it – flaming barrels of tar on their backs! The tradition has been alive since the 17th Century, and nobody quite knows where it started, though many believe that it began as a pagan ritual that cleanses the streets of evil spirits.

Flaming tar barrel being carried at the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

If you’d prefer to stay away from the blazing barrels, or you want to wind down after all the excitement in the streets, there’s also a fairground, a fireworks display and one of the biggest bonfires in the south west for people of all ages to enjoy.

Discover more quirky things to do in the south west of England.

The nearest station is Cranbrook, and from there it’s a 20-minute ride on the number 4 bus.

Now that you know the best bonfire night activities and events happening in London and the South West, start planning your trip and book your train tickets with South Western Railway. Explore our flexible range of ticket types, as well as Railcards and GroupSave to help you get the best deal possible.

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