Best London firework displays

Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunfire, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.

And it’s certainly not been forgot. Over 400 years after Guy Fawkes’ treacherous plot to blow-up The Houses of Parliament, in an eccentric flourish only we Brits could manage, we still dedicate a night every year to commemorating the event.

On 5th November each year, Britain lights up with firework displays and bonfires, on which effigies of Guy Fawkes are burnt. But it’s not as serious as it sounds. Bonfire Night ( also known as “Fireworks Night” or “Guy Fawkes Night”) is a chance to snuggle up in a big coat, marvel at awesome pyrotechnic displays and nibble on toffee apples – a real family occasion.

Here are our top 3 favourite London firework displays (together with a conveniently-located hotel handy for each). Just be warned though, oohs and aahs are compulsory whichever you choose…

Battersea Park

Designed by the team behind fireworks for the Thames Festival and the Disney Concert Orchestra in Dubai, this will certainly be an impressive display and arguably the best in London. Add stalls fuelling kiddies with toffee apples and candy floss to the mix, as well as a bar fuelling adults with mulled wine, and you’ve got the formula for a perfect bonfire night.

Need somewhere to stay nearby? On the outskirts of Battersea Park is the Pestana Chelsea Bridge. With its decadent spa - equipped with a top-notch sauna and steam room - it’s the ideal spot to thaw off icy fingers and toes after an evening of firework watching.

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Ealing Cricket Club

Ealing’s rock ‘n’ roll night features a huge bonfire and a pyrotechnic display set to a soundtrack by the likes of Queen, Oasis and the Kings of Leon. You’ll also get the obligatory mulled wine, barbecued munchies and sweet delights, as well as rides to keep the children entertained.

Need somewhere to stay nearby? Crowne Plaza Ealing is a well-placed haven after the show and also conveniently close to Westfield Shopping Centre, where you can entertain your little ones the next day.

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Lord Mayor’s Fireworks

If you can’t make it out on November 5th, there’s a second chance to join in the fun with the Lord Mayor’s fireworks a week later. An unrivalled display beginning at 5pm sees fireworks shooting up high from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. Watch from the banks or, if you’re especially lucky, secure a prime position on one of the bridges.

Need somewhere to stay nearby? You won’t even need to leave your hotel to see the fireworks if you stay in the Marriott County Hall Hotel, which is right on the South Bank and overlooks the London Eye.

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Photo credits: ajps2, Ewan Monro, Jim Sher, adam.

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