While a lot of the world is focusing on upcoming Halloween, in the UK we’re all thinking about Bonfire Night! You may not be aware, but one of the best ways to celebrate this festive evening is through a campervan trip. We’re going to tell you all about the best way to go about this, and the best campsites for Bonfire Night displays. So read on and start preparing for this fun family night.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
Before celebrating with Bonfire Night displays, it is important to understand how this evening came about, and the Guy Fawkes history behind it. Bonfire Night is also known as Guy Fawkes Night, and is an annual commemoration on the 5th November. It is primarily celebrated in the United Kingdom, although British expats abroad often organise similar events for this day. The importance of the day began on the 5th November 1605 when Guy Fawkes was arrested as a member of the Gunpowder Plot. The Gunpowder Plot involved placing explosives beneath the House of Lords in an attempt to assassinate King James I. To celebrate the Kings life being saved, people lit bonfires around London, which resulted in an annual public day of giving thanks being named for the plot’s failure. This was the Observance of 5th November Act, but we know it now as Bonfire Night. You may be remembering this all from Primary school, but just in case that didn’t quite jog your memory, consider the famous poem of “Remember, remember, the fifth of November, the Gunpowder treason and plot…”
Enjoying Bonfire Night with your Campervan
Okay, so we understand why we celebrate this evening now, but that leads us to the question of how we will celebrate. You may think that camping or travelling by campervan would restrict you from celebrating Bonfire Night, but we believe it only adds to the fun! So before we consider where you’ll celebrate, we’ll give you a few tips to make the most of festivities from your campervan. Our biggest advice is to book ahead, this can be an extremely popular time at campsites, so don’t risk not having a spot! Especially if you need or want certain amenities, such as electrical hook up or the ability to have your own campfire. So play it safe and book ahead. Secondly, is to truly prepare for the cold. Nothing spoils fun like shivering teeth, so bring numerous layers to be safe. Have a nice blanket along, so you have something to all cuddle together under. We advise to leave your pets behind for this trip, as although it can be super fun to have your dog along, the noise and bustle may upset your pet and cause them a lot of distress. As for cuisine, you can enjoy all the festive delights for Bonfire Night from your motorhome. Plan ahead and bake some delicious treats to enjoy, such as cupcakes or blondies! On the night, keep everyone pleased with some campfire food, such as hot dogs or jacket potatoes. S’mores will ensure smiles all around, as will baked apples - yum! For more camping food tips, check out our blog dedicated to it.
1. Woodland Waters, Lincolnshire
Located in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Woodland Waters is renowned for its annual bonfire and fireworks display. It starts earlier than most, at around 6.30pm, making it one of the best bonfire night displays for children. The events include a huge bonfire and firework display, as well as serving plenty of food and drinks. The site itself is a great place to pitch at, set in a woodland valley covering 72 acres. The bar on site offers all the amenities you may miss while camping, from flat screen TVs to a pool table. Enjoy the ales of the region, and then head to the attached Lakeview restaurant for some home-made food.
Price starts from around £18 per night for pitch only, and an extra £4.50 per person for Bonfire night.
GPS: 52.980391, -0.547008
Willoughby Rd, Ancaster, Grantham NG32 3RT, UK
2. Loch Ness Shores Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Celebrate Guy Fawkes history on the banks of Britain’s most famous stretch of water. This spectacular display is organised and run by the local fire service, and will light up the sky for ages. Get the youngsters excited about catching a glimpse of the shy Nessie, or settle for seeing the variety of other wildlife present here, from deer to bats to otters. Loch Ness Shores Camping & Caravanning Club Site offers a variety of facilities, with a reception and shop to cater to your every need. If you’re feeling like treating yourself after the celebrations, spend a night in one of their wigwam glamping cabins.
Price starts from £8.65 per night
GPS: 57.255218, -4.500317
Monument Park Lower, Foyers, Inverness IV2 6YH, UK
3. Callow Top, Derbyshire
The celebrations at Callow Top aren’t restricted to a single night, as things kick off with a bingo night, ensuring fun for the whole family. Following this, the next evening is the traditional bonfire and fireworks display, with treats to go around. Boogie the night away in the family disco, and show your kids how it is really done. For the daytime, there is plenty to keep you busy here. Callow Top is renowned for their great cycle routes, ranging from the 13 mile Tissington Trail to the shorter options into Ashbourne. They offer a cycle hire service, so you don’t have to even transport your bikes along with all the camping gear.
Price starts from £37.50 per night for Bonfire weekend
GPS: 53.026176, -1.744756
Buxton Rd, Ashbourne DE6 2AQ, UK
4. Golden Valley Camping and Caravan Park, Derbyshire
Golden Valley Camping and Caravan Park has numerous Bonfire Night events to entertain all ages. Their huge firework display begins at 7.30pm, and promises to dazzle and delight. Throughout it, the onsite cafe/bar will be serving a variety of refreshments, in case your mouth has dried up in awe of the display! There will also be a disco upstairs and a variety of children’s amusements. This 26 acre woodland site is well organised and a great weekend destination. There are three play areas on site, as well as a fishing pond, bouncy castle and train ride around the park.
Price starts from £32 per night
GPS: 53.056727, -1.372877
Riddings, Alfreton DE55 4ES, UK
5. Herding Hill Farm, Northumberland
At Herding Hill Farm, Bonfire Night is combined with Halloween for a jam-packed weekend of fun! There are prizes for the best fancy-dressed child, parent, tent, caravan or wigwam. They pride themselves on having animal friendly fireworks, and serve hot soup and homemade pizzas to keep everyone smiling. During the day you can explore this gorgeous area, as the campsite is only one mile from Hadrian’s Wall! The rolling hills and never ending greenery are a walker’s paradise. But the highlight of this campsite is the luxurious facilities on offer, including a sauna for you to sweat your stress away. Whilst you do so, your children will be enjoying themselves just as much in the playground with a Roman fort or the petting farm!
Price starts from £28 per night
GPS: 54.981850, -2.449457
Shield Hill, Haltwhistle NE49 9NW, UK
Of all these wonderful Bonfire Night events to choose from, the hardest part will be choosing which to go to! Depending on your location and preferences, you are bound to find one that suits your desires. Hopefully you’ll now agree that spending Bonfire Night in a campervan is the best way to celebrate, and now you can find the campervan through our site!
