The Best Places to Spend Bonfire Night in the West Country
Dig out your hats, scarves and gloves and wrap up warm, it’s nearly time to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in the West Country this bonfire night, you have a great choice of dazzling fireworks to choose from.
So grab some sparklers and a warming drink, and venture out for a chilly November night of flickering fires and spectacular skies.
Here’s our round-up of the best bonfire events and fireworks displays in the South West…
Fireworks displays in Dorset
Bridport Leisure Centre Firework Display, Bridport
Saturday 4th November from 7:00 pm
Public fireworks with burgers, candy floss, sparklers and entertainment. Fireworks start at 8:00 pm. Tickets are £4 on the gate. Kids under 12 go free.
Lyme Regis Fireworks & Bonfire Night
Saturday 4th November from 6:30 pm
Fantastic free fireworks display on the Cobb, with a bonfire on the beach to warm you up afterwards.
Weymouth Fireworks & Bonfire Night
Sunday 5th November from 6:30 pm
One of the area’s largest community events, local families gather on Weymouth Esplanade to enjoy this free annual event. Traditional Guy Fawkes competition, beach bonfire, funfair and fireworks over the moonlit bay.
Firework displays in Devon
Tar Barrels, Ottery St Mary
Saturday 4th November from 7:00 pm
Quirky tradition dating back hundreds of years, featuring local families carrying large flaming tar barrels through the streets. This annual event draws huge crowds and is not to be missed if you’re in the area!
Big Sheep Fireworks Display, Bideford
Sunday 5th November, main bonfire and fireworks from 7:00 pm
Fun-filled event for the whole family. Junior fireworks from 6:00 pm and the main event from 7:00 pm. Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, toffee apples, candy floss and much more to enjoy. Tickets are £5 and kids under 3ft go free.
The Hoe, Plymouth
Sunday 5th November from 7:30 pm
Annual fireworks display and bonfire held in this lovely wide open space with the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse as the backdrop. Fairground rides, refreshments and entertainment from Heart FM from 6:00 pm.
Westpoint Arena Charity Fireworks Display, Exeter
Sunday 5th November from 7:30 pm
The largest pyro-musical charity firework display in Devon, with fairground rides, refreshment stalls and free parking. Tickets on the gate: £8 adult, £5 child (3-16). Proceeds go to a range of local charities.
Frogmore Village Fireworks, near Kingsbridge
Sunday 5th November from 6:30 pm
Bonfire with traditional Guy Fawkes in Perraton field followed by free fireworks display. Refreshments available in village hall afterwards.
Fireworks displays in Cornwall
Tencreek Holiday Park Fireworks, Looe
Saturday 4th November, first firework 7:30 pm
Family entertainment and cabaret available after the fireworks. Adult £4, children under 16 £1. All funds go to Local Youth Charities.
Peak Rock Fireworks Display, Polperro
Saturday 4th November from 6:30 pm
Enjoy a BBQ on the quay, a best Guy competition and fireworks reflected on Polperro’s stunning harbour.
Bonfire & Grand Firework Display, Priory Park, Bodmin
Sunday 5th November from 7:00 pm
Bonfire, funfair, food and drink stalls, live music entertainment and, of course, fabulous fireworks. On the gate: adult £5, child £3.
Bude Rugby Club Fireworks Display, Bude
Friday 3rd November
Lighting up the Cornish night sky with a spectacular display. Hot dogs and burgers, sweets and drinks will also be available. Adult £5. Child £3.
If you haven’t already booked an early November holiday in the South West, why not book a holiday cottage near one of these fantastic firework displays?
Find your perfect South West holiday cottage here.
Firework Safety Tips
Here are a few essential fireworks safety tips to make sure your bonfire night is fun and safe for you and your family…
- Stand a safe distance away from both fire and fireworks.
- Don’t go near a firework after it has been lit.
- If you are responsible for lighting fireworks, remember to keep a bucket of water nearby.
- Only use sparklers if supervised by an adult.
- Only use sparklers if wearing gloves.
- Light only one sparkler at a time and do so at arm’s length.
- Show children how to hold sparklers safely.
- Keep lit sparklers away from face and body.
- Never touch the end of a sparkler even after it has burned out.
Don’t forget to keep your dogs safe too!
Here are our top tips to help make bonfire night less scary for your four-legged friend…
- Feed your dog early as they may not feel relaxed enough to eat once the noise starts. Also take your evening walk earlier before dark to avoid being frightened.
- Close the windows and draw the curtains to muffle the sounds and block out the bright flashes.
- Put on the TV or radio fairly loudly (especially if you are going out) to help distract from the bangs outside.
- Make a safe den for your dog where he can hide if he feels frightened.
- Maybe give him one of your old jumpers to snuggle up with for reassurance, as he will feel comforted by your scent.