While many of the bigger Bonfire Night celebrations happened last weekend, there are plenty of smaller, more intimate affairs happening in or near the National Parks of England and Wales tonight. Here’s our round up of night walks from which you’ll be able to see fireworks.
As Carey Davies explains in this article, Hill skills: how to go hillwalking at night, “Seeing the silvery glimmer of moonlit rocks or watching the sunrise from a summit is a rare and wonderful thing, like discovering a whole new side to a friend you’ve known for years.” Those who have never been on a night walk: obviously start small — perhaps walking partway up a mountain and returning the same way. Check out the article for plenty of useful tips.
After watching the fireworks, you could head to see the bonfire and get some grub and a drink: often these events are fundraisers for local causes. Do check ahead in case the event is cancelled due to weather.
Snowdonia
Just west of Llanberis, Caernarfon Castle will provide quite the backdrop for a spectacular display tonight. If you've time to head up one of the Snowdonian giants before heading there, great. Otherwise, why not simply take a walk out west from Caernarfon along the Wales Coast Path, looking back at the fireworks. Return the same way or make it a circuit by turning inland along footpaths. The fireworks begin at 7pm. Alternatively, over on the north of Holy Island, there will be a bonfire on Penrhos Beach. It's a 7pm kick off for the fireworks. Tickets: £3 per adult, children go free.
Pembroke
If you're lucky enough to be near Pembroke, you could head for a walk along the coast path, out to Broad Haven beach and back via St Govan's Head, before heading to the professional fireworks display at the famous St Govans Inn. Cheeseburgers and hotdogs available from 6.30pm. Evening meals available as usual in the inn from 5.30pm — booking essential. Fireworks will start at around 7pm. If it is raining or very windy, telephone ahead to check it’s still happening: 01646 661311.
St Govan's Chapel. Photo: Shutterstock
Brecon Beacons
A big bonfire and fireworks are planned in Talybont-on-Usk tonight. Perhaps walk up to the hill fort behind the village, or for something longer, head up Carn Pica, the most easterly Brecon Beacon, from Talybont Reservoir. There will be homemade soup, hot chocolate, burgers and hot dogs waiting for you in the valley. Entry prices: adult £3, child £2, family of four £8. There will also be fireworks above Abergavenny — expect a big crowd, music and stalls. Gates at Belgrave Park open at 6pm. Prices: adults £5; children £3.
Northumberland
If you've time, why not walk out to the famous Holy Island, before returning to see the fireworks on Spittal promenade, just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, at 7.50pm. Holy Island, a mile offshore, is linked by a causeway, and cut off twice daily by fast incoming tides. Safe crossing times for the road and adjacent path today are 11:05am - 7:40pm and 11:20pm - 8:40am. If you haven't time, you could just enjoy Spittal Beach, one of Northumberland's best beaches. Alternatively had to Segedunum Roman Fort, the easternmost point of Hadrian's Wall, where fireworks begin at 6.30pm. Free entry, although donations are welcome.
Lake District
The slopes of mighty Blencathra (868m) should offer gallery seats over the firework display happening at Keswick Golf Club, Threkeld tonight (near Keswick). You can walk up from Threkeld. The fireworks start at 6:30pm. Afterwards, admission charges are: £5 adults; £3 children; £15 family. For something more sedate, for £22.50 per adult, £15 per child, Armathwaite Hall Hotel are offering a bonfire (lit at 6.30pm) and fireworks (7pm) followed by a warming supper of steak and ale pie, then apple crumble (veggie option available). Call 017687 76551 for tickets.
Sunrise from Blencathra. Photo: Shutterstock
Peak District
Most displays in the Peak happened last weekend, but there’s a bonfire and display at Dove Holes tonight. Why not head up for a walk along Combs Edge before dropping down for snacks, which will be on sale in the village hall. The bar will be open, too. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and fireworks start at 7.30pm. Buxton Mountain Rescue volunteers will be marshalling. Alternatively, head to the Plough Inn, Matlock. Admission from 6pm: adults £4 and children £1. There will be an outside bar, BBQ and snacks from 6pm. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks start at 7.30.
Yorkshire
Something a little different. Why not walk along Cattersty Sands, a spectacular beach sheltered behind high crags and a grassy meadow, before heading to the infamous bonfire held in the small coastal village of Skinningrove. Each year a spectacular bonfire is painstakingly built around a special theme, from ships to gothic castles. Shortly after the bonfire’s lit, there’s a brilliant fireworks display. Bring your sparklers and wrap up warm.
Norfolk Broads
You’ll be able to see the Grand Firework Display held in Fitzmaurice Park, Thorpe St Andrew (just outside Norwich), from miles around tonight — we suggest a walk along the the River Yare. The bonfire and fireworks are between 7pm and 7.45pm. If you fancy getting a bit closer to the event, there’s all kinds going on in the village, from pizza to hog roast, waffles to a brewery bar. Cost: £3 adults, £2 children under £16, under 2s free. Expect food, drinks, stalls and live music.
Exmoor and Dartmoor
In between Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, something a little different is happening tonight. While the rest of the country are commemorating Guy Fawkes, the village of Shebbear are taking part in a slightly different and much older tradition. Turning the Devil's Stone is based on a local legend that a certain stone must be turned annually to ward off the devil. It’s an event that everyone should attend at least once, and highlights some of North Devon’s amazing culture and heritage.
Don't forget your headtorch!
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