Bonfire Night 2026: A Practical Guide

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November this year. Because it is midweek, many communities hold their displays on the Friday or Saturday either side, and demand for tickets and tables is spread over several days.

Sites that list events, such as Skiddle and the specialist fireworks suppliers publishing their UK Bonfire Night guides for 2026, are already promoting displays. If you want to go, now is a good time to look.

Start by finding your display

Organised displays are generally safer, easier and often better than a home display. Many are run by schools, rotary clubs, sports clubs and village committees, and they raise money for good causes.

When you find one, check:

• The date and gates-open time. Some start early to suit families.
• Tickets. Many events sell in advance and some do not sell on the gate.
• Parking and walking distance. Field car parks can be muddy after rain.
• What is provided. Food stalls and bars vary widely, so find out if you will need to eat beforehand.

We do not run our own display, as far as this website goes. Keep an eye on our offers and events page for any news.

Dress for a cold field

November evenings are cold and often damp. Dress in layers and choose sensible footwear.

• A warm hat and gloves matter more than you expect.
• Take a waterproof even if the forecast looks dry.
• Children may want ear defenders, as the bangs can be loud.
• A small torch helps in car parks and fields.

Pack a flask of something hot, and keep spare socks in the car.

Think about food

A late tea is a common problem. If the display starts at 6pm or 7pm, hungry children are likely to be unhappy long before the last rocket.

There are two simple approaches. You can eat first, so that everyone is fed before you head out, or you can plan a meal afterwards. If you choose the second, book a table: many places are busy on and around 5 November.

Our dinner service runs from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and the bar opens from 3pm. Details are on our menu page. If you are coming after a display, let us know your likely arrival time when you book, so we can say whether it will work.

Keep pets and neighbours in mind

Dogs and cats are often frightened by fireworks, especially in the days around 5 November. Keep pets indoors, close the curtains, and provide a quiet, familiar space.

If you are planning a display at home, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code, keep a safe distance and keep water close by.

Getting there and back safely

Fields and car parks are crowded at the end of a display, and everyone leaves at once. Agree a meeting point in advance in case your group gets separated, and make sure children know what to do if they cannot find you. A phone with a full battery is a sensible precaution.

If you are driving, decide who will not be drinking before you leave home. If you are travelling by public transport, check the last train or bus in advance, since services are often reduced in the evening and late-night options in rural areas can be limited.

Fun for the days around it

Bonfire Night does not have to be a single evening. Many families make a weekend of it: a morning walk, hot soup at lunch, then a display at night. Toffee apples, jacket potatoes and hot chocolate are all simple to prepare if you are hosting at home, and children enjoy helping.

Make an evening of it

For many people, the best part of Bonfire Night is the warm room afterwards. We have a spacious bar and dining area with a log fire on colder days, and on a cold night nothing beats it.

If you would rather not drive home late, you could stay over. We have eleven en-suite bedrooms and you can find out more on the accommodation page. Ashwell and Morden station is 250 yards away if you prefer to leave the car at home; our find us page has the details.

Booking for the week

If you would like a table, a room or a place for a group around 5 November, please contact us as early as you can and we will do our best to help.