Bonfire Night in London 2026: Watch the Fireworks from the Thames

Looking for something a little different to do in London for Bonfire Night 2026?

London comes alive every November with fireworks, illuminated landmarks and events across the capital. But instead of spending the whole evening standing in a park, there’s another way to experience Bonfire Night – from the River Thames.

On Saturday 7 November 2026, the Thames Bonfire Night Cruise sets sail from Festival Pier for a three-hour evening on the river, culminating with views of the Battersea Park Fireworks display from the Thames.

Bonfire Night on the River Thames

Your evening begins on London’s South Bank at Festival Pier.

Step onboard and you’ll be warmly welcomed with a complimentary drink — a glass of Prosecco for adults or orange juice for children — before setting sail through London after dark.

From the river, you’ll see some of the capital’s most famous landmarks illuminated for the evening, including the Houses of Parliament — particularly fitting on Bonfire Night, given its connection to Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.

While London provides the backdrop, hot food is served from the onboard buffet station and the resident DJ keeps the atmosphere going with a mix of commercial and chart music.

Watching the Battersea Park Fireworks from the Thames

Then comes the highlight of the evening.

As the boat approaches Battersea Park, we’ll take up position on the Thames ready for the Battersea Park Fireworks display.

Head out onto the vessel’s spacious outside deck and watch as the fireworks light up the night sky, with their colours reflecting across the water.

Rather than watching the display from inside the park, you’ll experience it from a completely different perspective on the river.

Please remember that viewing conditions from the Thames can be affected by tides, river traffic and the trees surrounding Battersea Park.

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What’s Included?

Your Thames Bonfire Night Cruise includes:

• Three-hour River Thames cruise
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Hot buffet food
• Views of the Battersea Park Fireworks display from the river
• Live DJ
• Warm indoor area
• Spacious outside viewing deck
• Onboard toilets
• Fully licensed bar

The cruise is family-friendly and designed as a relaxed, casual event.

There are occasional tables and informal seating onboard, but this is predominantly a standing event and there is no reserved seating.

What’s on the Menu?

The hot buffet includes jacket potatoes served with a choice of cheese, beans, chilli or Mexican bean stew, accompanied by coleslaw, mixed green salad, French bread and butter.

Dessert is the chef’s choice.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives can be provided when pre-booked. Please tell us about dietary requirements when making your booking.

Thames Bonfire Night Cruise 2026 – Times & Tickets

Date: Saturday 7 November 2026

Departure point: Festival Pier, South Bank, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XZ

Boarding: 19:00

Departure: 19:15 prompt

Return: 22:15

Adult tickets: £50 per person

Child tickets: £45 per person

The cruise operates to a strict timetable and unfortunately cannot wait for late arrivals, so we recommend arriving at Festival Pier in plenty of time.

A Different Way to Spend Bonfire Night in London

Bonfire Night is already one of London’s most atmospheric autumn evenings.

Add a cruise through illuminated London, a welcome drink, hot food, music and the sight of fireworks over the Thames, and it becomes a night to remember.

So wrap up warm, bring your family or friends and join us on the river for Bonfire Night in London 2026.

Thames Bonfire Night Cruise
Saturday 7 November 2026
Festival Pier | 19:15–22:15
Adults £50 | Children £45

Check availability and book your Thames Bonfire Night Cruise.

Check availability