Battle Bonfire

Every November 5th, the people of Battle set fire to their town in the most spectacular way possible. The Bonfire is the focal point of Sussex's fireworks calendar, drawing thousands to this small East Sussex market town for an evening of properly chaotic celebration. You'll see towering effigies - sometimes topical politicians, sometimes historical figures - go up in flames alongside a bonfire that reaches eye-watering heights.

The event centres on the High Street and surrounding areas, with processions, marching bands, and the local bonfire societies parading through town before the big burn happens. It's genuinely thrilling if you can handle crowds and the controlled madness of it all. Fair warning: if you're expecting a quiet fireworks display with a cup of tea and a sit-down, this isn't it. This is sweaty elbows, children on shoulders, and the smell of woodsmoke hanging over the town for days afterwards.

Families with older kids will find it exciting rather than tedious. Younger ones might struggle with the intensity and late hours. The whole thing is free to watch if you position yourself anywhere with a decent view, though some areas charge for reserved seating.

Battle itself is worth exploring on any weekend - the ruined abbey and High Street shops justify a proper visit. If you're staying at Beech Estate Campsite, just 2.2 miles out, you can head in without the parking nightmare. The Original Hut Company, further afield at 5.9 miles, works too if bonfire crowds aren't your scene but you fancy the wider area.