Top 5 places to spend bonfire night

Extravagant fireworks displays, sparklers, marshmallows, and of course, bonfires, it's that time of year again! When it comes to Nov 5th in the UK, there is no shortage of options, with every village, town, and city hosting at least one celebration.

From the traditional to the frankly bizarre, and everything in between, we've put together our top 5 places to spend bonfire night.

Lewes

The UK's largest and most famous bonfire night celebration, the Nov 5th festivities in Lewes are truly spectacular. Every year thousands descend on the usually tranquil East Sussex town for a night of fireworks, flames, and entertainment, including the famous 'Grand Procession' where costume-clad locals march down the high street, carrying an array of burning effigies. Burning crosses (representing the 17 Protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake in Lewes in the 16th century) are a striking, and frequent sight, though previous years have also included, Viking longboats, and depictions of politicians.

Alexandra Palace

The best of the capital's many impressive bonfire night displays, Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is the place to be in London on November 5th. Along with the traditional bonfire, and a breathtaking fireworks display set against panoramic views of the London skyline, the event features a wide range of attractions and entertainment; this year these include, a German 'Bier' festival, an ice disco, and a Spice Girls tribute act!

Edinburgh

Fancy a city break this Nov 5th? Then we recommend heading to Edinburgh and making your way to the ancient Castle, or, the viewpoint at the top of Calton Hill, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the city's picturesque skyline, illuminated by a mosaic of colourful fireworks.

Though this year many of the larger displays have been cancelled, you can expect a host of smaller unofficial ones in their place, and, there are few better places in Europe to spend a weekend than Scotland's charming capital!

Ottery St. Mary

For a bonfire night with a difference, look no further than the Devon town of Ottery St. Mary (situated some 10 miles east of Exeter) whose November 5th celebrations are like nowhere else in the country.

The small town has become renowned for its annual 'Tar Barrels festival, which gets its name from the centuries-old tradition that is still continued to this day: every year, in the days leading up to the event, local pubs and breweries offer up barrels which are then soaked in tar, and, on the evening of Nov 5th, set alight and carried through the streets by brave (or perhaps borderline crazy) locals!

Alton Towers

For the thrill-seekers among us, what could be a better setting for a spectacular bonfire night display than the UK's best-loved theme park, Alton Towers?

From Nov 5th-7th the Stoke-on-Trent site plays host to a three-night extravaganza, complete with spectacular fireworks displays, and a variety of entertainment, and, if that's not enough, as the park is open late, you also have the option of enjoying some of the adrenaline-pumping rides of amazing into the night!

VISIT LONDON

With 4 World Heritage Sites, 170 museums, 3,000 parks, and an endless array of eateries and attractions, London truly has it all. This winter why not enjoy a fun-filled weekend in one of the most exciting cities on earth?

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