Top 5 places to watch fireworks in the UK

A tradition dating back to 1605 – when Catholic dissident Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament – Bonfire Night (5th November) is one of the UK’s most atmospheric and sensational annual celebrations.

With fireworks displays, massive bonfires, toffee apples and plenty of mulled wine, it’s a jovial and thrilling event. Here are the top five places to celebrate.

Bonfire Night, Lewes

The locals in Lewes go all out for this annual spectacle. A quiet, medieval town in East Sussex, on the 5th November Lewes suddenly looks like a scene from Game of Thrones. People don period costumes, march through the cobbled streets with flaming torches, light bonfires and set off fireworks. At the end of the night, those with a death wish place their burning torches on the ground across the high street and attempt to leap through the flames. But the best bit by far is when the ‘enemies of the bonfire’ (mightily-impressive effigies of controversial political figures and the odd councillor who has tried to shut down the event) are set aflame after being paraded through the streets. Stay at the 16th-century Shelleys Hotel, right in the middle of the action on the High Street.

Various locations, London

Take your pick from the multitude of Bonfire Night celebrations all over the capital. For the best fireworks and overall pomp and ceremony, you can’t beat the Lord Mayor’s Show on the banks of the Thames. A tradition that dates back to the 13th century, this event encompasses a flotilla, a procession and a big-budget fireworks display. For atmosphere, south London’s Blackheath attracts around 100,000 people each year, filling this enormous and deeply historic green space with a funfair and sparkler-wielding revellers. For east Londoners, there’s Victoria Park and up north, you’ve got Alexandra Palace. The latter does require a ticket purchase (all the others mentioned are free) but it also boasts an incredible panorama of the city as a backdrop to the fireworks display.

For the Lord Mayor’s Show, book a night at the Park Plaza on the river, for Blackheath, stay at the Clarendon Hotel and for Victoria Park, check into one of these nearby apartments.

Or, click here for the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience, spending Bonfire Night staying on top of The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of London with the sky lit up in a stunning display of colour.

Sparks in the Park, Cardiff

This is the biggest fireworks display in Wales and all the proceeds from the 20,000-odd ticket sales go to charity. A huge fireworks display illuminates the sky and the Gothic Cardiff Castle but there’s a gentler version for children who might find the main event a bit overwhelming. From 4.30pm onwards, Cardiff’s Coopers Field fills up with entertainment, food trucks and, after a ceremonial lighting, a massive bonfire. The glamorous Sophia Gardens Apartment is only a few minutes’ walk from Coopers Field.

Midsummer Common, Cambridge

Dotted with old oak trees and bordered by the gently-flowing River Cam, Midsummer Common in Cambridge is an appealing spot for an outdoor gathering. The annual pyrotechnics extravaganza attracts around 25,000 people (though it manages to retain its friendly, community atmosphere) offering a funfair, toffee apples, mulled wine, fire dancers and a huge bonfire, alongside the fireworks. Instead of an entry fee, visitors are asked to make a recommended donation of £3. Check into the delightful Camstay Riverside just minutes away.

SkyFi – A Galactic Gathering, Tamworth

For fans of sci-fi and fireworks, the market town of Tamworth near Birmingham has just the event for you. Set to a galactic theme, this fireworks display in Drayton Manor Theme Park will be accompanied by a laser show, sci-fi soundtrack and appearances from Doctor Who, Star Trek and Star Wars characters with many of the theme park’s rides remaining open late on the night for added thrills. A 10-minute drive from Drayton Manor Theme Park, Oaktree Farm is a 17th-century country farmhouse with views of the River Tame.