There’s nothing like the excitement of wrapping up warm and heading out to a bonfire celebration – and Cumbria has some that are hard to beat.
You can join thousands for the spectacular fireshow by Carlisle Castle, watch fireworks sparkle over Britain’s most famous lake or visit community firework extravaganzas with everything laid on from mulled wine and candy floss to fire eaters and live music.
Professionally organised family events like these are not only the safest way to celebrate but offer a buzz and spectacle non-professionals can’t match.
To top it off admission is often just a modest fee or even free, and you don’t need to worry about driving or parking because Stagecoach buses can take you there and back – which also means all the grownups can enjoy a drink.
Adult bus fares are capped at a maximum of £3 for a single journey, which makes bus travel a bargain for fireworks fans.
Stagecoach also offers a great deal for families where up to five people can head out for a full day of fun by taking advantage of their group bus tickets.
Below is a list of some of Cumbria’s best loved bonfire nights that you can reach by hopping on a Stagecoach bus, including routes and nearest bus stops.
Don’t forget to check event details before you go. Leave dogs safely at home and remember many organisers also ban bringing sparklers or your own fireworks onto the site for safety and some events are cash only.
Check times online or download the Stagecoach app to plan your journey, buy tickets and get real-time information on bus running.
Saturday 31 October
Carlisle Fireshow, Bitts Park
Bus routes: 79, 104, 300, 600, 685 and all Carlisle City Centre services
Join Carlisle’s 37th Fireshow which celebrates the Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Cumbria next year. This is the biggest, most spectacular show in the region with an expected 35,000 spectators for the huge bonfire and more than 2,000 fireworks set to music. Admission is free and the show starts at 6.30pm.
More info here.
Sunday 1 November
Cockermouth Fireworks Display, Memorial Gardens
Bus route: X4, X5 & 600
Bus stop: Cockermouth, Main Street
This is a free event organised by the town council on the opposite bank of the River Derwent to the town. A family focussed event which is perfect for anyone wanting to avoid huge crowds. Access is over Gote Bridge which will be closed to vehicles during the show. Admission is free. 5pm – 7pm with fireworks from 6pm.
More info here.
Thursday 5 November
Bonfire Night and Fireworks at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere
Bus route: 555
Bus stop: Low Wood Hotel
Want to see fireworks sparkling over Windermere? Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is once again hosting its beautiful ‘over the lake’ fireworks display. There will be a floating bonfire and fire pits. The display is scheduled for approximately 7.30pm-7.45pm. Tickets are £12.50.
More info here
Furness Rugby Club Bonfire Night Bonanza, Croslands Park, Barrow
Bus route: 6, 6A & X6
Bus stop: Abbey Road, Croslands Park
Join a traditional family bonfire celebration at Furness Rugby Club’s annual bonfire. There will be hot food and a bar. The gates open at 5.30pm with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks from 7pm. Admission is £3, or £10 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. Cash only on the gate and it’s all in aid of the club funds.
More info here.
Hawcoat Park RUFC Bonfire Night, Hawcoat Lane, Barrow
Bus route: 1
Bus stop: Parkside, at Hawcoat Lane
Great local food, hot drinks, bars inside and outside. Gates open 6pm, bonfire from 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Adults £5, children £3, on the gate or in advance.
More info and tickets here
Penrith Young Farmers Bonfire, Old Football Pitch, Inglewood Rd, Stoneybeck, Penrith
Bus route: 104
Bus stop: Stoneybeck Inn
Penrith Young Farmers Club returns with their annual bonfire ready to welcome back the local community and all who wish to join in the fun. The fire will be lit at 6.30pm with fireworks to follow. Hot food and drinks will be available. Cash is preferred, donations on the gate.
More info here.
Friday 6 November
Community Fireworks, Kendal Rugby Club, Mint Bridge, Shap Road
Bus Route: Multiple routes to Kendal Bus Station (approximately a 25-minute walk to the Rugby Club), plus services 43 and 43A. Please note that there are no return bus services to Kendal after the fireworks display.
Bus Stop: Kendal Bus Station, or Mint Bridge, opp Morrisons
Another great family night out with a professional fireworks display. There will be food vendors, stalls, a beer tent and funfair. You can also purchase VIP tickets giving access to the Clubhouse, balcony and Lounge Bar with pie supper and a glass of mulled wine. Gates open at 5pm with the firework display at 7.30pm. Admission is £4 or £4.50 on the gate. It’s advisable to book.
More info here.
Swanfire Night, The Swan Hotel and Spa, Newby Bridge
Bus route: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Newby Bridge
Two separate firework displays over the scenic River Leven and a traditional bonfire at this friendly get together. There will be a barbecue, pizza van and outside bar. 5pm to 8pm. Admission is £5
More info here
Saturday 7 November
Windermere Fireworks, Bonfire and Music. Windermere RUFC, Dawes Meadow, Longlands Road, Bowness
Bus routes: 6 & 555
Bus stop: Bowness, Royalty Cinema
An all-out fireworks extravaganza with three live bands, street food, three bars, real ale and mulled wine, plus an ice cream van and a fire eater. Tickets are £10 adults, £5 children (ages 5-14), £25 family (two adults, two children). Gates open and entertainment from 5.30pm.
More info and booking here