Discover top locations to enjoy the stunning displays of Bonfire Night and unmissable firework events across London.
What’s it all about?
Bonfire Night, which is also referred to as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated throughout the United Kingdom annually on 5 November. This event marks the remembrance of the Gunpowder Plot, a failed attempt to kill King James I by attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
Spectacular firework displays, bonfires, and festivities celebrate this date in history. London offers some of the most dazzling events, from grand paid displays to hidden free vantage points perfect for soaking in the city’s skyline ablaze with colour.
The Big, Spectacular Displays – Paid for Events
Battersea Park
Battersea Park presents a professionally organized and choreographed weekend of fireworks. This event is among the largest firework displays in London, drawing in thousands of visitors annually. It’s a family-friendly occasion, featuring delicious food stalls, vibrant bars, and fantastic entertainment.
Guests attending the Saturday show can look forward to live music, pre-show acts, and a few eerie surprises for the Halloween season. Sunday is dedicated to families, featuring a wonderful ambiance and entertainment for children.
Advance tickets are mandatory, and it’s worth the price for the show and atmosphere.
Dates: Sat 1 & Sun 2 Nov
Battersea Park Fireworks website
Nearest tube station: Battersea Power Station (Northern Line).
Blackheath Bonfire night
This year Blackheath is hosting a Bonfire night spectacular after a 6 year wait it’s going to be a one big event. Lewisham council have partnered up with Slammin Events to bring the Bonfire celebrations back in 2025.
The line-up includes DJ Spoony from BBC Radio 2 and the Heavy Beat Brass Band as he main attraction. Additionally the Big Top will host live games, singalongs and stand-up comedy along with fairground rides. There will be a variety of food and drinks available, showcasing cuisines from across the globe, along with bars serving local craft beers.
Date: Sat 1 Nov
Blackheath Fireworks website
Nearest tube station: North Greenwich then No 108 bus to Blackheath.
Nearest overground station: Blackheath (Southeastern Railway).
Bus service: Plan your bus journey with TFL
Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival (“Ally Pally”)
Known as one of the largest and most impressive displays in London the “Ally Pally” Halloween and Bonfire night are celebrated in spectacular style with both breathtaking fireworks and impressive drone displays across the sky’s of London.
Moreover, there are plenty of family-friendly activities available, such as eerie ghost tours, a funfair, fancy dress competition, live music, and renowned DJs to keep everyone entertained all night long.
The beauty is that your ticket grants you access to the grounds, and the display is set off from the hill behind the palace. This means you get a stunning, panoramic view over the display with the iconic palace silhouetted and all of London twinkling in the background. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
Tickets are required and often sell out fast, so make sure to book in advance.
Dates: Fri 31 Oct & Sat 1 Nov
Alexandra Palace website
Nearest tube station: Wood Green and Finsbury Park.
Nearest overground station: Alexandra Palace Station.
Bus service: The W3 bus picks up from Wood Green and Finsbury Park tube stations and Alexandra Palace Station. For other services, Plan your bus journey with TFL
Parking
There are three car parks located within walking distance of Alexandra Palace.
East Court car park: Open from 05:30am-00:30am*
Grove car park: Open from 06:00am-19:00pm*
The Paddocks car park is available exclusively for certain events.
*Excluding events days when hours will vary.
Wimbledon Park and Morden Park – Fireworks in the Park
Showcasing an exciting new firework display for 2025, perfectly synchronized with uplifting music.
Organised by Merton Council, with facilities for all, these displays are known for their themed shows, fairground rides, street food stalls and bars. There is an earlier show for younger children at 6:45pm and another later in the evening for adults 8:30pm.
Tickets are required for the displays and funfair. Advanced booking is recommended.
Dates:
Morden Park – Wed 5 Nov
Wimbledon Park – Sat 8 Nov
Merton Fireworks website
Nearest tube station:
Wimbledon Park – Wimbledon Park Station and Southfields Station (District Line).
Morden Park – Morden Park Station (Northern Line).
Fantastic Free Viewpoints for Bonfire Night
Thinking about planning your own evening? London offers fantastic locations to enjoy the spectacular firework displays. Grab some warm beverages, a cosy blanket, and find a place with a view of the London skyline. You’ll witness numerous displays lighting up the city – it’s a free, one-of-a-kind, and romantic experience.
Primrose Hill
Offering one of the most famous panoramic views of London. You’ll see the main displays like Ally Pally to the north, and many smaller local shows across the city, all with the city centre skyline as a backdrop. It gets busy, so go early to claim your spot!
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday and Sunday: 06:00 – 22:00 (until October).
Nearest tube station: Chalk Farm (8 minute walk).
Bus service: Plan your bus journey with TFL
Nearest car park: On-street parking only (chargeable). See Park Map
Parliament Hill (Hampstead Heath)
Similar to Primrose Hill but even higher! The view is spectacular, stretching from Canary Wharf to The City and beyond. You’ll feel like you’re at the centre of a circle of fireworks. Wrap up warm, as it can be a bit blustery!
Nearest tube station: Belsize Park and Kentish Town (Northern Line).
Bus service: Plan your bus journey with TFL
Nearest car park: Hampstead Heath
Greenwich Park (by the Royal Observatory)
The view of Canary Wharf and the Docklands financial district is incredible. Many companies in those skyscrapers put on their own private displays, so you often get an unexpected, immersive show right in front of you. You’ll also see displays from South and East London.
Opening hours:
Pedestrian Gates: 06:00 -21:00
Vehicle Gates: 07:00 – Park closing time. See park webpage
Nearest tube station: There is no underground station within easy reach of the park.
Nearest train: Maze Hill and Greenwich rail service. Docklands Light Railway has stops at Greenwich and Cutty Sark stations.
Bus services: Plan your bus journey with TFL
Nearest car park: Blackheath Avenue. See park map
Blackheath
Though Blackheath often hosts its own paid display the wide open space also makes it a great vantage point for seeing fireworks from all directions.
The massive open common means there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out with a blanket and a thermos or flask. For the best experience, find a spot on the slight slopes for a raised view. The nearby village of Blackheath has lovely pubs and cafes to pop into beforehand.
Located in Southeast London alongside Greenwich Park.
Nearest tube station: North Greenwich (Jubilee Line), Lewisham (DLR).
Nearest train: Blackheath
Bus services: Plan your bus journey with TFL
South Bank and Thames Path
Along the South Bank, especially near Waterloo Bridge or the Tate Modern, you can catch glimpses of several displays along the Thames. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll with fireworks erupting across the city skyline.
If you get there early, consider spending some time wandering along the pedestrian-friendly Queen’s Walk promenade on the South Bank of the river. You can check out the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market.
Waterloo Bridge or Victoria Embankment
For a more urban, riverside experience. You’ll see launches from Battersea Park and other South Bank events, with the reflections shimmering on the Thames. It’s a beautiful, classic London setting for the nights entertainment.
Bonfire Night River Cruises
Why not enjoy Bonfire Night with a cruise on the Thames? Stay warm while relishing a hot meal and drinks, all while taking in the city’s spectacular firework displays from the comfort of a cosy cabin.
Thames Dinner Cruise
Embark on a 3-hour Dinner Cruise, starting at Temple Pier Victoria Embankment and heading towards Battersea Park whilst admiring London’s famous landmarks along the way.
Relax with a complimentary drink from the bar when boarding and enjoy a bowl of chili and rice on route to Battersea Park, all while being entertained by a live DJ spinning a fantastic mix of music.
Arrive at Battersea Park and step onto the deck to enjoy the stunning firework display from your own spot, away from the crowds. Once the show concludes, keep the party going as you head back to Temple Pier.
Date: Sat 1 Nov
Thames River Cruise website
Nearest tube station: Temple (Circle and District Lines).
River Thames Cruises – Bonfire Night: Fireworks on the Thames
This 4-hour family friendly cruise departs from Festival Pier Westminster close to the Houses of Parliament where it all began, to Battersea Park for a night of firework festivities.
Savor a delicious hot buffet, a well-stocked bar, and enjoy the entertainment of a live DJ and a magician performing incredible close-up magic. You can also buy popcorn, candy floss, and other goodies on board. Tickets also include unlimited soft drinks (under 18’s) and 2 drink tokens for adults (18+).
Cruise to the stunning firework show at Battersea Park aboard a heated boat featuring outdoor viewing decks, providing you with the best vantage points of one of London’s largest firework displays.
Date: Sat 1 Nov
River Thames Cruises website
Nearest tube station: Waterloo (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines).
Visit our Scheduled river services on the River Thames page for more information on river cruises.
Our tips for a great Bonfire night
- Book Early: If you want to go to a ticketed event like Ally Pally or Battersea, sign up for their newsletters and be ready to buy tickets the second they go on sale. They vanish in a flash!
- Dress for the Weather: November evenings can be cold. Wear layers, a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. You’ll be standing around for a while.
- Plan Your Journey: Public transport is always very busy on Bonfire Night. Check TFL.gov.uk for any planned engineering works and allow plenty of extra time.
- Check Event Times: Always double-check the event times on the official website the day before, just in case of any last-minute changes.
- Respect Local Rules: Many events do not allow personal fireworks, sparklers, dogs, or alcohol. Always follow stewards’ instructions.
Staying over
Why not make a weekend of the festivities and visit some of London’s famous attractions.
| London Eye | Amazing panoramic flight on the world’s highest observation wheel. » Fast track tickets available. |
| The Shard | Tallest building in Western Europe with viewing of London from the top. » Fast track tickets available. |
| St Paul’s Cathedral | Cathedral of the Diocese of London, venue for royal weddings. » Pre-book to guarantee entry. |
| Westminster Abbey | Along with St Paul’s, England’s main religious building.» Pre-book to guarantee entry. |
| Tower of London | Home of the Crown Jewels and a rich thousand year history. » Fast track tickets available. |
| Madame Tussauds | See wax statues of the most famous people in the world. » Fast track tickets available. |
| London Dungeon | The creepiest attraction in town, the London Dungeon. » Fast track tickets available. |
| Hampton Court Palace | Henry VIII Medieval Palace set in vast grounds. » Pre-book to save money. |
| The London Zoo | World class zoo in the centre of London. » Flexi tickets available. |
The London Pass
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The London Pass is an excellent choice for anyone looking to visit a variety of London attractions, whether it’s in a single day or spread across 10 days.
The more attractions you visit, the more you save.
Visit our London Pass page for more information.
Accommodation
London has a vast variety of accommodations to suite most budgets, from backpacker stays to grand luxury hotels. Visit our Guide To The Best Hotels in London page for more information.
However you choose to celebrate bonfire night, you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like a London at this time of year. Have a sparkling time.
