Bonfire Night Breaks – Fireworks and Sparkling Escapes
10 October 2025
Every November you step into crisp night air, coat buttoned tight and breath visible, waiting for that exhilarating crack when the first firework lights up the sky.
Bonfire Night UK hails back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators failed in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Their capture sparked a wave of relief, and Londoners lit fires to mark the king’s survival. Over time the custom grew into today’s dazzling Bonfire Night celebrations, bringing communities together in warmth, food and wonder.
We all remember the old rhyme “Remember, remember the fifth of November.” Once a stern warning, now it speaks of firelight, gathering and spectacle. These are nights of shared stories and sudden bursts of light, tying us to history while reminding us of the joy of the present.
Here are six standout Bonfire Night events across the UK, from capital-city drama to coastal magic, each lighting up November in its own way.
Alexandra Palace Firework & Drone Festival
(Friday 31 October & Saturday 1 November 2025)
This time of year sees London’s Alexandra Palace go all-out. Also timed to coincide with Halloween so a little ahead of the traditional 5 November, fireworks collide with drone art as music rolls through the park, food stalls tempt the crowd and costumes add flair. The view stretches across the city, the skyline lit first by rockets then by glowing drones, tradition fused with technology in unforgettable fashion.
Where to Stay: The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences brings Mayfair polish with stylish suites, art-filled interiors and views across Green Park. Its mix of elegance and refinement makes it the perfect counterpoint to the spectacle at Ally Pally.
The Hari in Belgravia meanwhile pairs modern glamour with boutique charm. Velvet seating, striking artwork and a secluded terrace create a pocket of indulgence that feels worlds away from the November crowds.
And for classic Knightsbridge style with a playful twist, The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse blends refined comfort with unique dining. After a night of fireworks, swap muddy fields for martinis and sink into effortless London luxury.
Bath Racecourse Spooky Spectacular Fireworks
Friday 31 October 2025
Combining Halloween fun with Bonfire Night spirit, Bath keeps things playful. Costumes, seasonal food and fairground rides accompany a sky filled with fireworks. The Georgian city’s outline glows against the night, creating a scene that’s equal parts theatre and tradition. It’s a spirited evening where laughter rises as brightly as the display.
Where to Stay: The world-renowned Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa delivers elegance softened with warmth. When the night winds down you can drift into a serene spa, sip a nightcap in the elegant lounge or simply admire the architecture that has defined Bath for centuries. Every corner feels steeped in heritage yet dedicated to comfort, a timeless homage to Bonfire Night UK.
For a more eclectic countryside escape after the fireworks, Homewood Hotel & Spa offers a playful, design-led retreat. Expect hot tubs under open skies, vibrant interiors and a sense of fun – the perfect spot to prolong the festivities.
Sparks Firework Festival, Newquay
Saturday 1 November 2025
Imagine waves crashing, salty air, a bonfire blazing on the shore and November fireworks reflected in the surf. That’s Newquay. The beach comes alive with sparklers, music and laughter, while the combination of sea spray and firelight feels elemental, as if the coastline itself is celebrating.
Where to Stay: Sitting proudly on the shore, The Headland Hotel & Spa is a place where Victorian grandeur meets modern comfort. You can watch the waves by moonlight from clifftop terraces, then step inside to oak-panelled halls, cosy bars and an award-winning spa. It’s an escape that turns the drama of the coastline into a pure indulgence.
Fireworks at Newcastle Racecourse
Saturday 1 November 2025
For a northern spark, Newcastle Racecourse delivers a high-energy Bonfire Night festival with rides, live entertainment and a showstopping display. Families and friends gather for one of the region’s biggest events, bringing atmosphere and scale in equal measure.
Where to Stay: A seriously splendid five-star country estate, Matfen Hall brings sweeping Northumberland parkland, a championship golf course and interiors made for pleasure. Between the spa, the fine dining and the stately setting, it’s the sort of place that turns Bonfire Night from wellies and smoke into champagne and sparkle.
Clinging to the dramatic Durham coast, Seaham Hall is a Georgian mansion turned luxury playground. Think sweeping sea views, an award-winning Serenity Spa and restaurants worth lingering over. Add in the salty tang of the North Sea and you’ve got an escape that’s as bracing as it is indulgent.
Sophiaworks Fireworks Display
Cardiff (Wednesday 5 November 2025)
Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens Stadium is Wales’s biggest Bonfire Night event. Fairground rides, sizzling food and music build the excitement before the fireworks burst across the sky. Smoke, sugar and sound mingle as you hold a hot drink and join the city in merriment.
Where to Stay: 40 minutes north of Cardiff, The Angel in Abergavenny is perfectly placed to combine the thrill of a capital-city display with the calm of a country retreat. You can wander period streets by day before setting off to the city for the show. For a more intimate celebration, the Abergavenny Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza, also on 5th November, lights up the skies above the town. Either way returning to The Angel will feel like stepping into warmth – polished Georgian style, award-winning food and the quiet of a market town a delightful contrast to the hubbub of Bonfire Night.
Cheltenham Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza
Saturday 8 November 2025
Cheltenham Racecourse stages a show of cinematic scale. Fireworks choreographed to famous soundtracks dominate the sky while live music and street food draw the crowds. With Regency streets behind and the Cotswolds beyond, the spectacle feels larger than life.
Where to Stay: A manor house with more than 500 years of history, Ellenborough Park is the grand neighbour to Cheltenham Racecourse. After the display fades you’ll be welcomed by glowing hearths, oak beams and supremely comfortable rooms, the ideal retreat after experiencing one of the region’s best firework displays.
A Night of Connection and Joy
Bonfire Night is more than rockets in the sky. It’s the glow of fire on your face, the taste of toffee apples and the collective gasp that rises from a crowd. Each spark ties you to centuries of history while igniting the present with connection, revelry and joy.
From London’s drama to Bath’s playfulness, Newquay’s wild coastline to Newcastle’s northern buzz, the tradition comes alive in every corner of the country. As the flare arcs into the November dark, lift your eyes and let the night carry you through the year’s most memorable firework nights.
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