Where to watch fireworks in North London on Bonfire Night, from the big Alexandra Palace display to free views across the city from Hampstead Heath. A guide with tips.
Bonfire Night in North London: Where to See the Fireworks
Bonfire Night, around the 5th of November, is one of the best evenings in the London year, when the whole city seems to crackle and bang for a week either side. North London does it well, with one of the capital's biggest organised displays at Alexandra Palace and some excellent free vantage points across the high ground. Here is where to go, whether you want a proper ticketed event or a free view from a hilltop.
The big one: Alexandra Palace
The headline event in North London is the fireworks display at Alexandra Palace, held around Bonfire Night each year. Ally Pally sits on a hill with a panoramic view over London, which makes it a natural spot for fireworks, and the organised event usually pairs the display with a bonfire, food stalls, a funfair and often a German-style beer festival or German market. It is ticketed and busy, so book ahead and expect crowds, but it is a proper big-night-out version of Bonfire Night with the city as a backdrop.
The free hilltop views
Here is North London's secret advantage. Because the area sits high, on a clear Bonfire Night you can stand on the high ground and watch dozens of displays going off across the whole city at once, near and far, for free. Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath is the classic spot, with its wide skyline view: on the night, the horizon flickers with fireworks in every direction. It is a different experience from a single organised display, more a panorama of the whole city celebrating, and it costs nothing.
A word of caution: the Heath is dark and unlit at night, and busy on Bonfire Night, so take a torch, wrap up warm, and keep track of the people you came with.
Smaller local displays
Beyond the big event, parks and clubs across North London often hold their own smaller organised displays and bonfires around the same weekend. These are more local, less crowded and often cheaper or free, and good for families who find the huge events too much. Check what local parks and community organisations are running each year, as the line-up changes.
Practical tips for the night
- For Alexandra Palace, book tickets ahead and expect big crowds and queues.
- For a free view, head up Parliament Hill or another high open spot and watch the whole city.
- Wrap up warm; standing still on a hill in November is cold.
- Take a torch for the Heath, which is dark and busy.
- Public transport is the way to go; roads and parking are chaos on the night.
- With young children, a smaller local display is often better than the big event.
A note on the date
Bonfire Night itself is the 5th of November, but the organised displays cluster around the nearest weekend, and fireworks go off across the city for the best part of a fortnight. If you want the big organised events, check the exact dates each year, since they move with the calendar. If you just want to stand on a hill and watch the city light up, any clear evening close to the 5th will deliver.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see fireworks in North London?
The biggest organised display is at Alexandra Palace, held around Bonfire Night with a bonfire, funfair and food. For free, the high ground of Hampstead Heath, especially Parliament Hill, gives a panoramic view of displays going off across the whole city.
Is the Alexandra Palace fireworks event free?
No, the main Alexandra Palace Bonfire Night event is ticketed and usually includes a bonfire, funfair and food stalls. Book ahead, as it is popular and busy.
Can you watch fireworks for free in North London?
Yes. On a clear Bonfire Night, the high open ground of Hampstead Heath, particularly Parliament Hill, lets you see dozens of displays across London at once for nothing. Take a torch and wrap up warm.
When is Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night is the 5th of November, marking Guy Fawkes. Organised displays usually take place on the nearest weekend, and fireworks go off across London for a couple of weeks around the date.
