Guy Fawkes night has a bit of a special place in my heart. It’s just two days away from my birthday. Which means, I’ve had many a brilliant birthday weekend that has started off with fireworks (and usually ends with a bang…)
Wherever you live in London (or elsewhere), I’m sure you have a local fireworks display. But where are the best places to view the biggest fireworks displays in London this weekend? Here are our recommendations;
Parks and Public Displays
Back with a Bang at Alexandra Palace
Back after a 4 year hiatus, the fireworks display at Ally Pally is so much more than just a few firecrackers. From 2pm, there is a Winter festival which includes ice skating, a helter skelter and carousels (perfect for the kids) and for the adults? An amazing German Bier Festival with Bavarian Waitresses, live music and enough German sausage to satisfy even the hungriest among you. The fireworks are of course the highlight though – and to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Alexandra Palace, they’ve brought in Star Fireworks (British Fireworks Champions 2013)
Where? Alexandra Palace
When? 2nd November 2013 (Events starts 2pm, fireworks display 8pm)
How Much? Before event: £8 (adults) and £5.50 (children 10-16) On the day: £10 (adults) and £7 (children 10-16). (BUY)
I used to live right opposite the park and this is one of my favourite displays of the year. You need to buy tickets in advance, or if you’re really sneaky and don’t mind watching from a distance, just join the other hundreds on Chelsea Bridge for free.
Where? Battersea Park
When? 2nd November (Doors open 6pm, bonfire 7.30pm, fireworks 8pm)
How Much? From £6.50 in advance to £10 on day (BUY)
Join around 20,000 others watching Hammermith & Fulham’s fireworks display choreographed to “Superhero” music – along with a funfair, food-stalls and lots of other Autumn loveliness.
Where? Bishops Park
When? 1st November (Doors open 6pm, Children’s display at 7.15pm, main display at 8pm)
How Much? From £5.00 in advance to £7 on day (BUY)
Possibly the biggest display in South London, Blackheath fireworks attract around 100,000 visitors per year. There’s a funfair, food, beers and best of all? It’s FREE! Although the council do appreciate donations – either online or on the night.
Where? Blackheath
When? 2nd November (Doors/funfair open 4pm, main fireworks display at 8pm)
How Much? FREE
There’s a gentle kids display at 7pm, followed by a bigger extravaganza at 8.30pm. There’s also a funfair and food stalls – although no booze at this one.
Where? Crystal Palace Park
When? 5th November
How Much? £6
Lord Mayors Show and Fireworks
This historical, 3 mile procession winds from Mansion House through the streets of the Square Mile to the Royal Courts of Justice, and the fireworks start at 5pm from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges. The fireworks display can be seen for miles, but for the best view, head down to the riverside, either on Victoria Embankment or on the South Bank. This is a tradition dating back to 1215…so if you want a slice of history with your London fireworks display, this one is for you!
Where? Guildhall
When? 9th November (from 5pm, although more details on whole event can be found here)
How Much? FREE
Vauxhall Pleasure Garden Fireworks Display
The fireworks display is the climax of the Pleasure Gardens Fire Festival – and the night will see food, drink, and a theatre show telling the story of fire using gymnasts, artists and Parkour runners. The bonfire is lit at 7pm, and the fireworks start at 8pm.
Where? Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
When? 1st November (Bonfire at 7pm, main fireworks display at 8pm)
How Much? FREE
Restaurants and Bars with great views
The Angler – South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF
Michelin starred British seafood restaurant Angler, located within South Place Hotel, offers guests a stunning terrace in which looks over the City of London from its location near Liverpool Street station. Enjoy some seafood winter warmer dishes such as the Angler and lobster pie, while watching the sky light up and sparkle in between the skyscrapers. www.anglerrestaurant.com
Aqua Shard – Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Take in the views from one of the highest bars in the city – and avoid the viewing platform costs by treating yourself to a cocktail or 2 instead. You’ll see all the fireworks around from this gorgeous bar – floating high above the capital. Gorgeous.
Duck & Waffle – 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Perched high above the city on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle provides the wow factor with both it’s food, and the floor to ceiling windows providing a spectacular view of London’s skyline, and therefore all the fireworks going on over the sparkler season!
New Street Grill – 16, New Street London, EC2M 4TR
After tucking into a delicious steak at meat house and grill restaurant New Street Grill, head outside to the terrace shared by adjacent venue The Old Bengal Bar. Sip on some warming colonial cocktails, while snuggling up under blankets and enjoying the capital’s firework displays. www.oldbengalbar.co.uk
AD12 atT42 – Tower 42, Level 24, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ
Anthony Demetre’s three month pop up restaurant, located on floor 24 of iconic high rise building Tower 42, is the perfect venue to gaze at the stunning fireworks across the capital. Indulge in Demetre’s contemporary European menu which showcases his signature style from his restaurants Arbutus, Wild Honey and Les Deux Salons. Dishes include crisp pigs head, potato purée, pickled turnip; and turbot, butternut squash, girolles, shrimps, salted butter. https://ad12.co.uk/
So there you go. Our recommendations for where to spend bonfire night (and the adjoining weekends) and watch all the most spectacular fireworks in London.
Have we missed somewhere you recommend? Be sure to tweet us, talk to us on Facebook or comment in the box below!
