It’s almost bonfire night once again and with so much going on around the city it can be difficult to decide which London firework display to spend your precious Saturday evening at. Well fear not because we have the solution – why not watch all of them? No, we’re not suggesting that you run around London, frantically hopping from tube to tube like some sort of bonfire night-crazed lunatic, that type of behaviour is reserved for weekday mornings and evenings. However, what you can do is check out London’s bonfire night illuminations from one of the city’s best vantage points.
Primrose Hill
Where better to watch the celebrations than from one of London’s highest natural points? It’s got panoramic views of the city skyline, which looks stunning as a backdrop to a fireworks display.
We spoke to Royal Parks who told us that Primrose Hill will be closing at 9pm as they’re expecting it to be seriously busy! So we’d advise you to get there early if you want to be guaranteed a good spot.
Closest tube: Chalk Farm – 8 minutes
Where to get a drink: If you’re feeling a pre (or post) fireworks pint then The Queen’s on Regent’s Park Road is your nearest option. As well as the obligatory beers and wines The Queen’s also offer a great cocktail menu, and their food isn’t to be sniffed at either.
Sky Garden
If you want to enjoy the displays in the lap of luxury then the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie-Talkie building is exactly what you’re after. Standing 155 metres above street level and boasting staggering views for miles across the city, you’d be hard pushed to find anywhere better.
Closest tube: Monument
Where to get a drink: We’re glad you asked! The beauty of this location is that you can get a drink right there. The Pod Bar at the Sky Garden offers a selection of cocktails, wine and beers. If you get hungry there are two restaurants too, just make sure to call in advance as they’re both already likely to be pretty booked up!
Greenwich Observatory
For a slightly quieter experience a good option is Greenwich Observatory which offers stunning views across the city, and with any luck will be slightly less busy than other locations. The perfect place to relax with a bottle of wine and enjoy the distant fireworks.
Closest tube: North Greenwich – 25 minutes
Where to get a drink: The Plume of Feathers is just a stones throw away and it’s a great little pub. It’s perfect for a wintry evening too as it was recently voted one of The Telegraph‘s top 50 cosiest pubs in Britain.
Dalston Roof Park
Dalston Roof Park is the hipster capital’s only rooftop garden and is 4 storeys up with views over London, making it the perfect place to catch the fireworks this Saturday.
Closest tube: Holloway road is your nearest underground station at 25 minutes away, but Dalston Junction overground is just a few minutes away.
Where to get a drink: Right there! Or if you fancy going elsewhere afterwards then you are spoilt for choice but we’d suggest The Three Compasses.
Aqua at The Shard
If you’re looking to go all out this bonfire night then you could do a lot worse than Aqua at The Shard. There is dining available, or if you just fancy a drink then their stunning three-storey bar offers some of the best views in the capital. Even the toilets are breathtaking (yes, we know that sounds weird), but don’t just take our word for it!
Closest tube: London Bridge
Where to get a drink: To be honest, once you’re all the way up there we’d imagine you’ll be quite happy to stay where you are, enjoying the panoramic views of the fireworks with all your drinks being provided via table service.
Feature image: Chung-Yung Chiu