If there’s one thing we can thank that cheeky scamp Guy Fawkes for, it’s the fact that every 5th November we get to wrap up warm, have a party and let off crazy amounts of fireworks.
And while we can’t all use the Houses of Parliament as the foundation for our Catherine Wheels and rockets, there are far greater fireworks displays around than the odd whizz and bang over the local village hall. In fact, we think there are a number of super sparkly events worth travelling for.
Look no further than our guide to the most explosive and beautiful Bonfire Nights in the UK.
1. Lewes Bonfire, East Sussex
Let’s start with the Mother of all Bonfire Night celebrations. Part war zone, part Wicker Man, this is probably the strangest 5th November you would’ve experienced, but that’s the beauty of it!
Fires will light up at six locations around town. Different bonfire societies of Lewes join together in their own clans and march around the cobbled streets wearing their colours. Meanwhile, the villain of the year (think George W. Bush, Simon Cowell, etc.) will be immortalised as the Guy, who will be paraded through the town and set alight at the end of the evening.
So if you’re into loud bangs, fantastic fireworks and an almost-medieval take on Bonfire Night, stay at our Brighton Travelodge and take the 10-minute train ride to Lewes. You’ll have a 5th November to remember.
2. Leeds Castle Fireworks ‘Go Wild’
On to a much easier event for families to attend. What better setting for a fireworks display than the almost-too-fairytale Leeds Castle in Kent? This year’s extravaganza is named ‘Go Wild’ and features music inspired by creatures great and small.
The sky above the castle ramparts will be lit over two nights as a synchronised display of fireworks and music bursts over the watchers below. Imagine how gorgeous it looks reflected in the waters round the castle.
Get there early and you’ll also find animal-themed food and drink – just the thing for hungry kids. Crash out at the nearby Maidstone Travelodge after a long night craning your neck and raising your Smartphone to get the perfect video.
3. Midsummer Common, Cambridge
The ever-popular Midsummer Common in Cambridge attracts a whopping 25,000 people a year to its dazzling Bonfire Night display.
Like the Lewes celebrations, this spectacular is free to attend. The razzle-dazzle array of fireworks ends with the lighting of the bonfire, but make sure you stick around for the fire dancers and funfair that keep the party going well into the night.
Stay in our Cambridge Travelodge if you fancy exploring the history-soaked city. You can also test your flight skills on the Virtual Aviation simulator, explore the grounds of the famous university or even get in a bit of early Christmas shopping.
4. Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent
If you (or the kids) can’t get enough of fire and lights, head to Alton Towers for late-night rides and boisterous fireworks. The theme park is open late on 7th-9th November for those who’ve pre-booked tickets. Get in early so the children can tuck into fairground treats and catch the full-on eye-popping display. Then wizz around on daring rides by night for a standout theme park experience. Just make sure you book your Ashbourne Travelodge for a short trip home.
