Best bonfire and firework events in London and the South West

If you’re planning to celebrate Bonfire Night in London or the South West with family or friends, 2025 offers a fantastic season filled with impressive firework displays, traditional bonfires, and exciting community events. Whether you are looking for a lively festival atmosphere or a family-friendly evening out, there are plenty of options to make your celebration memorable. 

This guide will help you explore the best firework displays and bonfire events across London and the South West, plus useful information on dates, history, and how to travel easily with South Western Railway. 

What is Bonfire Night? 

Bonfire Night, also called Guy Fawkes Night, is a traditional British celebration that marks the failed Gunpowder Plot, when Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. The plot was uncovered, and the king's survival was celebrated with bonfires lit throughout London. Over time, this event has evolved from a politically charged occasion into a widely enjoyed festival featuring bonfires, fireworks, and community gatherings across the UK. 

Today, Bonfire Night is a vibrant celebration enjoyed by people of all ages. Communities light large bonfires and organise spectacular firework displays that light up the night sky. Traditional customs include the burning of effigies known as "guys," which are often created by children in the weeks leading up to the event. Sweet treats like toffee apples and parkin cake add to the festive atmosphere, making it an enduring and beloved part of British culture. 

When is Bonfire Night 2025? 

Bonfire Night is celebrated annually on 5 November. In 2025, this falls on a Wednesday, but many firework displays and events take place on weekends before or after to allow more people to attend.  

Whether you choose to celebrate on the exact date or at a local community event nearby, late October through early November is the prime season for Bonfire Night festivities. 

Why is Bonfire Night celebrated? =

Bonfire Night commemorates the discovery and failure of the Gunpowder Plot, a plan to assassinate King James I and destroy the Parliament in 1605. The celebrations began as public thanksgiving for the king’s survival and have since become an annual tradition.  

Today, it is a time for communities to come together to enjoy bonfires, fireworks, and remembrance of British history, creating a festive atmosphere of light overcoming darkness. 

Staying safe on firework night  

Bonfire Night is a time for fun, but it is essential to stay safe. Always keep a safe distance from the firework displays and be aware of your surroundings. If you are attending with children, make sure they are supervised at all times, especially near open flames or large crowds. 

Only responsible adults should handle and light fireworks, and sparklers should be avoided by young children because of the intense heat. Never go back to a firework once it has been lit, and keep any naked flames, such as cigarettes, away. 

Make sure the bonfire is built in a clear, safe place, away from buildings and vegetation, and always have a bucket of water nearby to put out any unexpected flames. 

Best bonfire night displays in London

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

Battersea Park Fireworks

For a riverside celebration south of the Thames, Battersea Park’s annual Bonfire Night is a top choice. Thousands of people flock to this scenic park each year to watch the massive bonfire and dazzling firework display light up the night sky. With the fireworks perfectly reflecting over the Thames, it’s a photographer’s dream!

The event features food stalls and bars for a cosy evening, and for adults, there’s an afterparty with high-profile DJs spinning tracks late into the night. Battersea Power Station is also nearby, providing more dining and entertainment options to explore after the fireworks.

Date: 1 & 2 November 2025
Location: Battersea Park, South London
Price: Tickets cost £14.20 for adults, £9.50 for youths aged 5-15, and children under 5 enter free but still require a ticket.
How to get there: Battersea Park Station lies at the junction of the South London Line and the Brighton Main Line, from Waterloo trains take 10 minutes to Battersea Park Station and the park is a short walk from there. Alternatively, from Waterloo take the Northern line south to Battersea Power Station and walk 15 minutes 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 for a spectacular show that you and your friends and 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.

Date: 8 November 2024
Location: Wimbledon Park, South London
Price: Children under 4 go free, tickets for 5 – 15-year-olds are £9.54 and over 16’s tickets are £12.72. Family tickets available for 2 adults and 2 children for £37.10.
How to get there: Wimbledon Station is serviced by South Western Railway trains for Woking, London Waterloo, Guildford, Richmond and Hampton Court and is a 25-minute walk from Wimbledon Park. If you don’t fancy walking you can take the Northern line to Embankment then pick up the District line tube to Southfields.

Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace

For an unforgettable Bonfire Night experience, head to Alexandra Palace known affectionately as "Ally Pally". This iconic Fireworks Festival has been lighting up the skies for over 150 years, making it one of London’s most celebrated events. The festival features not only a stunning fireworks display, but also giant bonfires, street food, nostalgic fairground rides and an ice rink where you can skate before the big display over London’s iconic skyline.

Date:  31 October & 1 November 2025
Location: Alexandra Palace, North London
Price: Tickets range from £6.05 for children to £18.70 for adults.
How to get there: Alexandra Palace is located at the Wood Green Entrance to the park (15-20 minute walk). Direct services available from King’s Cross.

Best bonfire night 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.

Credit: Jamie Street - Unsplash

Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks

Winchester’s annual fireworks display, organised by the local Round Table, is one of the largest in the region. Starting with a torchlit procession from the city centre, this event draws crowds of up to 20,000 people. The fireworks show is set to music creating a breathtaking audio-visual experience. Be sure to grab tickets from the Round Table in advance as this popular event often sells out!

Date: 8 November 2025
Location: River Park, Winchester
Price: Tickets start from £8 per person

Trains to Winchester

Winchester is serviced by South Western Railway and is located just over an hour from London by train. Discover more information about Trains to Winchester.

Poole Quay Fireworks

Date: 5 November 2024
Location: Poole Quay, Dorset
Price: This is a free event.

Poole’s vibrant Quay comes alive on Bonfire Night with a fireworks display lighting up the historic harbour. The event is known for its lively atmosphere with street performers, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. While admission is free, donations are encouraged to support local charities.
For the best view, head to the waterside early to get a prime spot. Don't forget to explore Poole’s nearby attractions, including the Poole Museum and Brownsea Island.

Trains to Poole

Weston Park bonfire night

Weston Park Bonfire & Fireworks Night is a dazzling family event held in the historic parkland, featuring two spectacular firework displays and a giant roaring bonfire. The celebration includes a traditional funfair with rides and attractions that appeal to all ages, offering plenty of entertainment for everyone. Visitors can enjoy delicious street food from a variety of vendors serving everything from gourmet burgers to sweet treats, making it a vibrant and memorable evening for families and friends alike. 

Date: 2 November 2025 
Location: Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal  
Price: Adults are £16 and children are £10. 

Trains to Yeovil

South Western Railway has daily services to Yeovil from London Waterloo, Exeter St. David’s and Salisbury.

Guy Fawkes Night Celebrations, Weymouth

For a Bonfire Night with a stunning coastal backdrop, head to Weymouth’s seafront for the Guy Fawkes Fireworks Celebrations. This traditional seaside town puts on a fantastic display of rockets and fireworks lighting up the sky as they reflect off the sea. There’s also a funfair, party games, a Guy Fawkes competition and a huge beach bonfire providing a fun and festive atmosphere for the whole family.

We recommend arriving early to grab a spot on the beach and enjoy the full spectacle of fireworks over the water.

Date: 5 November 2025
Location: Weymouth Seafront, Dorset
Price: This is a free event.

Trains to Weymouth

The beach is just a 10-minute walk from the station, making it an easy and convenient journey. Plan your train journey to Weymouth.

The Tar Barrels of Ottery St. Mary, Devon

For a truly unique Bonfire Night experience, visit the small town of Ottery St. Mary in Devon, where you can witness the extraordinary Tar Barrel tradition. This centuries-old custom sees brave locals – men, women, and even children – running through the streets carrying flaming barrels of tar on their backs. The origin of this tradition remains a mystery, but it’s believed to have started as a pagan ritual designed to cleanse the town of evil spirits.

If you’d prefer to avoid the fiery action, there’s plenty more to enjoy. The event features a large bonfire, a fireworks display, and a funfair, offering entertainment for all ages.

Date: 5 November 2025
Location: Ottery St. Mary, Devon
Price: This is a free event.

Getting there by train

Cranbrook is the nearest station to the event. From there, it’s a 20-minute ride on the number 4 bus to Ottery St. Mary. Be sure to check train schedules in advance.

SWR Rewards

You can avail of special offers and deals on attractions in London and the South West with SWR Rewards. Check what’s on offer in your destination.

Travel with Ease on Bonfire Night

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. We recommend booking in advance to find cheap train tickets. We offer various ticket types, including Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the best option for your journey. Those travelling in a group can make the most of our GroupSave tickets.