Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes night, is just around the corner where people all over England burn bonfires and set off fireworks into the dark November sky to celebrate the 17th century capture of Guy Fawkes. In London there are plenty of firework displays taking place around the city on either the 3rd, 4th or 5th November whether it’s the North, East, South or West. However, a lot of these events charge for entry. For those on a budget, we’ve rounded up the best displays that won’t cost you a penny - so wrap up warm, get your jumpers and boots on and head to one of the free firework displays in London for Bonfire Night this year.
Fact: Guy Fawkes tried to blow up King James and the London Parliament building back in 1605. This evil plot failed and he was captured, and now every 5th November it is English tradition to put a fake Guy Fawkes made from straw on bonfires to represent Guy Fawkes’ treason
1 VICTORIA PARK
3rd November Grove Rd, Bow, London E3 5TB
This is our favourite free firework display in London in the Tower Hamlets. The nation’s favourite park as voted for in the People’s Choice is home to a tremendous firework display that you can attend this year. Get yourself to the East End’s Victoria Park this Sunday for the free firework display guaranteed to dazzle spectators watching from below. Treat yourself to some mulled wine before the fireworks kick off at 7pm. Don’t wear your best shoes as it could be muddy. Nearest tube station: Mile End or Bethnal Green.
2 SOUTHWARK PARK
Monday 5th November Gomm Rd, London SE16 2TX
This firework display is only free for Southwark residents, otherwise you have to pay £8.50 for a ticket. Get yourself to London’s Southwark Park for a fantastic free firework show and one of only a few events in the capital that actually takes place on the official Bonfire Night (Monday 5th November). Starting at 5pm, this marks the fifteenth pyrotechnic extravaganza that Southwark Council has held for the annual event. We reckon the Southwark Fireworks is one of the best in the capital. The nearest tube stations are Bermondsey and Canada Water, perfect for people who are staying at our .
3 BLACKHEATH
2nd November
Head over to Blackheath Common for an awesome early bird Bonfire Night extravaganza on 2nd November this year. The free firework display in London is one of the city’s absolute best, with a funfair starting at midday plus food stalls and bars opening at 5pm. Once you’ve got your cup of beer and found a good spot near the bonfire to keep warm, watch the rockets whizzing and sparks popping all over Greenwich!
Looking for somewhere to stay in Greenwich? Check out our
4 WALTHAM FOREST
5th November Chestnuts Field, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Rd, London E17 4JF
Known amongst locals for lighting up northeast London’s sky with one of the best fireworks displays in the area, Waltham Forest is a great option if you’re looking for a free show this 5th November. Head to Chestnuts Field after 6pm to grab a bite of food and a mulled wine or cider from the bar, and make the most of the funfair before the sky bursts into life at 8pm. The park isn’t the biggest in the city, making it easier than usual to meet up with friends. Take the Victoria line to Walthamstow Central, walk for 15 minutes following the crowds and music and you’ll make it to Chestnuts Field for an awesome night of incredible, free fireworks!
5 PRIMROSE HILL
5th November
There is no actual fireworks display at Primrose Hill, but wrap up warm, take a blanket, some drinks and head up the hill to watch some of the city’s most spectacular fireworks displays for free! The park stays open late for Bonfire Night so each year hundreds of the city’s locals flock to set up camp and watch London burst with colour right until the last bang sounds. Just a short walk from Chalk Farm Tube Station, Primrose Hill might not technically be a ‘display’ but it’s certainly one of the best place to watch the city’s most incredible fireworks for free over the city skyline!
Our Camden hostel is just a 15 minute walk from Primrose Hill,