There’s something uniquely thrilling about Bonfire Night in London. The crack and boom of fireworks echoing across the Thames, the smell of toffee apples and hot chocolate drifting through autumn air, and thousands of faces lit up by cascading sparks against the night sky.
If you’re planning to experience Bonfire Night in London in 2025, you’re in for an unforgettable evening. From massive organised displays drawing tens of thousands of spectators to intimate neighbourhood celebrations, London offers something for everyone on November 5th.
This complete guide covers the best spots to watch fireworks across London, tips for enjoying Bonfire Night safely, and where to stay to make the most of your visit.
When Is Bonfire Night 2025 in London?
Bonfire Night falls on November 5th every year, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. In 2025, November 5th falls on a Wednesday, which means you’ll find fireworks displays happening throughout the first weekend of November as well as on the actual night itself.
Many of London’s largest organised displays take place on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd to accommodate families and workers. Some venues also host displays on the actual night, Wednesday, November 5th, catering to those who want to celebrate on the traditional date.
If you’re planning your visit specifically for Bonfire Night, consider arriving for the weekend before November 5th. This gives you multiple opportunities to experience different displays across the city.
Where Are the Best Bonfire Night Fireworks in London?
London offers many fireworks displays, but the easiest way to plan your evening is by choosing a location based on the type of experience you want. To avoid repetition, the main displays are grouped below with clear guidance on who each one suits best.
Best All-Round Fireworks Display: Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace offers one of the most impressive Bonfire Night events in London. Its hilltop position provides panoramic views of the city, and the professional fireworks display is large and spectacular. Food stalls, entertainment areas, and designated viewing zones make it suitable for groups and visitors seeking a big event atmosphere. Alexandra Palace railway station and Wood Green station offer convenient access.
Best for Families: Battersea Park
Battersea Park’s event is ideal for families thanks to its friendly atmosphere, clear viewing positions, and a well-managed funfair. Children can enjoy rides and traditional treats before and after the display, and the park’s riverside setting adds extra charm. Battersea Park and Queenstown Road stations are the closest options.
Best Music-Choreographed Display: Victoria Park
Victoria Park is known for its fireworks synchronised to music, creating a more immersive experience. The event also includes one of London’s largest bonfires, family-friendly zones, and a wide selection of food vendors. Mile End and Bethnal Green stations provide easy access.
Best Funfair and Fireworks Combination: Wimbledon Park
Wimbledon Park offers a strong mix of funfair attractions and a professional fireworks display. Visitors can enjoy rides, games, and international food vendors alongside the main event. Wimbledon Park station sits directly beside the venue, making it very accessible.
Best Free Community Event: Blackheath Common
Blackheath Common hosts one of London’s biggest free Bonfire Night celebrations. The open grassy space gives visitors plenty of room to spread out, and the focus on local stalls creates a traditional community feel. Blackheath station is the nearest public transport option.
Best Central London Option: Southwark Park
Southwark Park provides a convenient option for visitors staying near central London. Fireworks are choreographed to music and the park layout makes it easy to find a good viewing spot. The area is well connected with Canada Water and Surrey Quays stations nearby.
Best Romantic Fireworks Views in London
Not all fireworks experiences require attending an organised event. These quieter locations offer beautiful skyline views perfect for couples.
- Primrose Hill – Offers sweeping city views where multiple displays can be seen at once.
- Greenwich Park – Elevated views near the Royal Observatory create a memorable setting.
- The Thames Riverside – Locations such as Westminster Bridge, Embankment, and the South Bank provide atmospheric riverside views with reflections on the water.
Which Bonfire Night Events Are Best for Families in London?
If you’re visiting London with children, certain displays cater particularly well to families.
Battersea Park stands out for family friendliness. The funfair rides suit various ages, crowds remain manageable, and viewing areas ensure even small children can see.
Wimbledon Park offers extensive family entertainment with its funfair section operating for several hours. Children can enjoy rides and games before the main display.
Victoria Park provides good family amenities with designated family zones offering slightly less crowded viewing areas. The musical accompaniment captivates children, and the massive bonfire adds traditional spectacle that kids love.
When attending with children, arrive earlier to secure good viewing positions. Dress children in bright colours or provide glow sticks so they’re easily visible. Bring ear defenders for sensitive young ears, as professional displays get genuinely loud.
The Best Romantic Spots for Bonfire Night Views in London
Couples seeking a more intimate experience should look beyond massive organised displays to locations offering beautiful views with smaller crowds.
Primrose Hill in North London provides one of the capital’s best views over the city. On Bonfire Night, you can see fireworks from multiple displays across London exploding simultaneously. The hill attracts couples and small groups rather than huge crowds.
Bring a blanket, pack a thermos of something warming, and enjoy the 360 degree spectacle. The hilltop location means no official display, just panoramic views of London’s skyline lit up by fireworks in every direction.
Greenwich Park offers another elevated viewpoint with the bonus of the Royal Observatory creating a spectacular setting. You can see central London spread before you with fireworks punctuating the skyline.
Pack a picnic and settle on the hill as darkness falls. The combination of historical surroundings, city views, and fireworks creates unforgettable romance.
The Thames Riverside in various locations offers romantic views of reflections on water. Westminster Bridge, Embankment, and the South Bank all provide good vantage points. You won’t see one concentrated display but rather fireworks from multiple venues reflected in the river.
Tips for Enjoying Bonfire Night Safely in London
Bonfire Night attracts huge crowds, so planning ahead ensures a safe, enjoyable experience.
Book Tickets in Advance for organised displays. Most major events sell tickets online weeks beforehand. Advance booking also usually offers better prices.
Arrive Early even with tickets. Gates typically open several hours before fireworks begin, and arriving early means better viewing positions and time to settle before crowds peak.
Plan Your Transport before leaving your accommodation. Check whether stations near venues will be open or if engineering works affect services. Public transport typically offers the most reliable option despite crowds.
Dress Appropriately for standing outside for several hours in November. Temperatures typically range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Layer thermal underwear, warm jumpers, waterproof jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves.
Bring Cash as well as cards. Some food vendors and fairground rides only accept cash, and mobile signal can become patchy with thousands of phones competing for bandwidth.
Protect Your Hearing, particularly children’s ears. Professional fireworks displays get extremely loud. Bring ear defenders for young children and anyone with sensitive hearing.
Stay Together in crowds. Establish a meeting point before separating, and ensure phones are charged.
Where to Stay Near Bonfire Night Events in London
Choosing accommodation near Bonfire Night venues makes your evening significantly easier. Crown Group of Hotels offers several well located properties perfect for accessing London’s fireworks displays.
Great St Helen Hotel provides comfortable accommodation in the City with good transport links to fireworks venues across London. The location works particularly well for accessing East and Southeast London displays.
The hotel’s proximity to Liverpool Street station means easy access via multiple tube lines and rail services. You can reach Victoria Park, Alexandra Palace, and other venues within 30 minutes.
Crown Group’s other properties across London all offer convenient access to various Bonfire Night displays. Staff at all locations provide local knowledge about the best displays, transport options, and timing advice.
Why Stay with Crown Group of Hotels During Bonfire Night 2025?
Crown Group of Hotels understands what visitors need when attending major London events like Bonfire Night.
The central locations mean you’re never far from multiple fireworks displays. Rather than limiting yourself to one venue, you can easily visit different displays over several nights if you’re staying for the weekend.
Comfortable rooms provide welcome retreats after standing outside in cold November air for hours. Return to warmth, comfortable beds, and peaceful surroundings after the excitement of fireworks and crowds.
Staff knowledge enhances your visit significantly. Rather than relying solely on internet research, tap into local expertise about which displays suit your requirements, optimal arrival times, and transport strategies.
The hotels cater equally well to families, couples, business travellers, and solo visitors. Whether you need adjoining family rooms, a romantic setting, or simply a comfortable retreat, Crown Group accommodations adapt to your requirements.
Plan Your Bonfire Night Stay in London Early
Bonfire Night weekend represents one of London’s busiest periods for accommodation. Hotels near popular display venues fill up months in advance.
Booking early with Crown Group of Hotels secures several advantages. You’ll access better rates before prices rise with demand. You’ll have wider room choice, ensuring you get exactly the configuration you need.
Early booking also lets you plan other aspects of your visit properly. With accommodation secured, you can book fireworks display tickets, make restaurant reservations, and plan other activities during your London stay.
Contact Crown Group of Hotels today to discuss your Bonfire Night accommodation needs. Book your stay with Crown Group of Hotels today and make Bonfire Night 2025 in London unforgettable.
