For one night every November, the UK collectively agrees that standing outside in the cold is an excellent idea.
Nobody seems to mind. There’s something magical about wrapping up warm, clutching a hot chocolate and watching fireworks burst across the night sky while a bonfire crackles nearby. Add a toffee apple, a portion of chips and that unmistakable smoky autumn smell, and suddenly November doesn’t feel quite so miserable.
Bonfire Night has been bringing people together for more than 400 years, although history hasn’t been entirely fair to one particular man. Guy Fawkes became the face of the Gunpowder Plot, but he wasn’t actually the mastermind behind it. That honour, if you can call it that, belongs to Robert Catesby. Fawkes was the explosives expert, discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder beneath the Houses of Parliament on 5 November 1605.
His reward? Centuries of having his name attached to Britain’s biggest autumn celebration and, for generations, being symbolically tossed onto bonfires. There are certainly easier ways to become famous.
Thankfully, Bonfire Night today is a lot less about political plots and much more about family traditions, spectacular fireworks and seeing who remembered to bring the marshmallows.
Image credit: the_crabbers | Canva Pro
The only thing that can take the shine off the evening is getting there. Traffic seems to develop a personality of its own, car parks fill up faster than the burger queue, and somehow everyone leaves at exactly the same time.
That’s where the train comes in.
Travelling by rail means you can relax, skip much of the traffic and simply enjoy the evening. Better still, TrainSplit could help you save money on your train tickets, leaving a little more in the budget for the important things. Like deciding whether one toffee apple is enough. (It rarely is.)
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.
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The UK’s best Bonfire Night fireworks displays
Lewes Bonfire Night, East Sussex
Lewes is home to one of Britain’s oldest and most famous Bonfire Night celebrations, with torchlit processions, bonfire societies and fireworks taking place across the town.
Important travel information: If you are not a Lewes resident, you are encouraged to attend a fireworks event closer to home and not travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night.
Significant travel restrictions will be in place on 5 November, including road closures and no trains serving Lewes during the evening. Please check the latest official travel advice before making any plans.
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, London
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Watching fireworks is great. Watching fireworks with one of London’s best panoramic views behind them is even better.
Alexandra Palace combines a huge fireworks display with live entertainment, an ice rink, street food and family attractions. Whether you’re visiting with children, planning a date night or meeting friends, there’s enough happening to turn Bonfire Night into a full evening out.
Bring your appetite too. From gourmet burgers to sweet treats, you’ll find plenty of reasons to arrive hungry.
Getting there: Travel into London by train before connecting to Alexandra Palace using local rail services or the Underground.
Glasgow Green
Image credit: munro1 | Canva Pro
Scotland’s largest city certainly knows how to put on a show.
Glasgow Green regularly hosts one of Scotland’s biggest Bonfire Night celebrations, with dazzling fireworks, live entertainment and plenty of space to enjoy the display. The atmosphere is welcoming, making it a great choice for families and groups alike.
Wrap up warm though. It is Glasgow in November, after all.
Getting there: Glasgow Central station is within easy reach of the city centre, with onward public transport available to the venue.
Warwick Town Bonfire, Warwick Racecourse
Looking for a classic Bonfire Night? Warwick Racecourse has you covered.
This much-loved community event has been lighting up Warwickshire for years, bringing together families, friends and visitors for a giant bonfire, two fireworks displays, live music and plenty of food and drink. An earlier children’s display makes it a great choice for younger families, while the main fireworks show provides the perfect grand finale. Better still, every ticket helps support local charities through Warwick Lions and Warwick Rotary.
Getting there: Warwick station is around a 15 to 20-minute walk from the racecourse, while Warwick Parkway is a short taxi ride away. If you’re travelling on Bonfire Night, book your train tickets early and allow extra time, as services and the event can both be busy.
Chatsworth Bonfire & Fireworks, Derbyshire
If you’re looking for Bonfire Night with a little extra sparkle, Chatsworth delivers.
Set within the stunning grounds of the Chatsworth Estate, this two-night event combines a blazing bonfire with two spectacular fireworks displays, including an earlier, gentler show designed especially for younger children. There’s live family entertainment throughout the evening, plus plenty of seasonal food and drink to keep everyone fuelled between the fireworks.
Fancy making a night of it? You can even book a pre-fireworks dinner at the Cavendish Restaurant before heading out to enjoy the displays. It’s Bonfire Night with a touch of country house charm.
Getting there: Travel by train to Chesterfield, then catch the Stagecoach 170 bus to Chatsworth or take a taxi. Alternatively, travel to Matlock and continue by bus or taxi. As this is one of the Peak District’s most popular Bonfire Night events, booking your train tickets in advance is recommended.
Looking for something a little different?
Not every memorable Bonfire Night happens in a major city.
Many towns and villages host fantastic community displays that are often less crowded, more affordable and full of local charm. They’re perfect if you’d rather spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the fireworks.
A quick search before 5 November could uncover a hidden gem much closer to home than you expected.
A few tips from people who’ve definitely underestimated the weather before
Wear more layers than you think you need
Every Bonfire Night there’s someone insisting they’ll be fine in a hoodie.
About twenty minutes later they’re borrowing everyone else’s gloves.
Check your train home before you leave
The fireworks are exciting enough without turning your journey home into an unexpected adventure.
A quick look at departure times before you head out can save a lot of standing around later.
Charge your phone
You’ll want photos, train tickets and probably a torch on the walk back to the station.
Besides, Bonfire Night has a funny way of making your battery disappear twice as fast.
Arrive a little earlier
The best viewing spots go quickly, and so do the shortest food queues.
Nobody wants to spend the grand finale wondering whether they’ll ever reach the burger van.
Save money on your journey with TrainSplit
Fireworks shouldn’t be the only thing lighting up your evening.
TrainSplit searches for split ticket combinations that could reduce the cost of your journey, often without you needing to change trains. It does the hard work behind the scenes, helping you find better value rail fares while you focus on planning the fun part.
That means more money for hot chocolate, fairground rides or finally saying yes to those chocolate-covered marshmallows you’ve been eyeing up since you arrived.
Make Bonfire Night one to remember
Whether you’re watching London’s skyline light up, enjoying a spectacular country estate display or heading to your nearest local event, travelling by train can help take some of the hassle out of the evening.
Wrap up warm, plan your journey in advance and let TrainSplit help you find great value train tickets.
After all, the only queues worth standing in on Bonfire Night are the ones for hot chocolate.
Buy a digital Railcard before you travel
If you’re planning a Bonfire Night trip, don’t forget your Railcard. Buying a digital Railcard through TrainSplit means everything is ready to go in one place, making travelling that little bit easier.
Whether you qualify for a 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, Senior Railcard or another option, having your Railcard stored digitally means no rummaging through wallets or wondering where you left it five minutes before ticket inspection.
If you’re travelling regularly, a Railcard could save you up to 1/3 on eligible rail fares, making it a great companion alongside TrainSplit’s split ticket savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Bonfire Night trip? These FAQs cover the UK's best fireworks displays by train, travel tips, Railcards and how TrainSplit can help you save on your journey.
When is Bonfire Night in the UK?
Bonfire Night is celebrated every year on 5 November. Many fireworks displays also take place on the nearest weekend, so check event dates before you travel.
What are the best Bonfire Night fireworks displays to visit by train?
Some of the UK's most popular displays include Lewes Bonfire Night, Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, Glasgow Green, Warwick Town Bonfire and Chatsworth Bonfire & Fireworks. All can be reached using rail connections and onward public transport.
Can I travel to Bonfire Night events by train?
Yes. Travelling by train is a great way to avoid traffic, busy car parks and the stress of driving home after the fireworks. Many major Bonfire Night events are located close to railway stations or have convenient onward bus or taxi links.
How does TrainSplit help me save money on train tickets?
TrainSplit searches for split ticket combinations that may reduce the cost of your journey. In many cases, you stay on the same train while paying less than the cost of a standard through ticket.
Should I book my train tickets in advance for Bonfire Night?
Yes. Bonfire Night is a busy travel period, especially for larger events. Booking in advance can give you more choice and may help you secure cheaper fares.
Will trains be busy after the fireworks?
They can be, particularly after popular displays finish. Check your return train before you travel and allow extra time at the station, as many people leave events at the same time.
Can I use a Railcard when booking with TrainSplit?
Yes. If you have an eligible Railcard, simply add it when booking with TrainSplit to receive any applicable Railcard discounts alongside eligible split ticket savings.
Can I buy a digital Railcard through TrainSplit?
Yes. You can buy a digital Railcard through TrainSplit via Rail.cards and keep it stored on your phone, making it easy to show alongside your train tickets when you travel.
What should I take to a Bonfire Night fireworks display?
Wrap up in warm layers, wear comfortable shoes and fully charge your phone before leaving. It's also a good idea to check your train times in advance and carry a portable charger if you're travelling later in the evening.
Are smaller Bonfire Night displays worth visiting?
Absolutely. Local community displays are often less crowded, more affordable and full of atmosphere. They can be a brilliant alternative if you prefer a more relaxed evening closer to home.