Nowhere in the world does a country celebrate their Houses of Parliament “nearly” being blown up!

But every year on the 5th November, the UK spends the evening in the freezing cold, donning woollen hats, scarves and gloves, looking up at the sky as it explodes into a magnificent array of colours, whizzes and bangs. So we have a lot to thank Guy Fawkes for, when his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 with barrels of gunpowder whilst King James I was inside,  was foiled!

So where in the capital city can you watch Guy Fawkes fireworks on Bonfire night either on the 5th November or over the weekend?

On Thursday 5th November in Wimbledon Park there will be two firework displays with two bonfires; one lit 15 minutes before each display commences. A great event for both children and adults, there will also be a fair and stalls.
On Streatham Common at 7.30pm, there will be a fantastic firework display with free entry which is the same time as the fireworks on Clapham Common.

At the weekend on Saturday night (7th), head to Alexandra Palace, where for a small entry fee you can enjoy the funfair, stalls, live music, a German Beer Festival and a fireworks display which starts at 7.30pm.

At Battersea Park on the River Thames, the gates open at 6pm for a spectacular display of fireworks at 8pm, with Ealing Cricket Club’s firework spectacular starting at 7.30pm accompanied by music and sing-along tunes.
There will be many more Guy Fawkes fireworks in London but be sure to check the local press to confirm exact locations, times and prices.

The biggest display of fireworks in London however, will take place the following weekend on Saturday 14th November at the end of the Lord Mayors Show. Find a position anywhere along the River Thames between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, for a spectacular free performance from 5pm.

Hiring a car in London is very popular either for those who wish to travel around the great city but don’t usually require a car, or for those wishing to explore further afield.  The main London airports Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City are where easyCar car hire is easily collected, as well as at the train stations such as Euston, Waterloo, Kings Cross and St Pancras.

Famous Fulham, Marble Arch, Kennington and Vauxhall (the latter both near the Oval cricket ground) are ideal for collecting car hire in central London with locations such as the Finchley Road, Bayswater and Streatham, Earls Court and West Hampstead easily accessible too.

If travelling into central London by hire car do be aware of the Congestion charge of £8.00 if paid during the day of travel either online, by sms, by phone, at a shop or by post (correct at 6/7/09). A charge of £10 is made if paid on the first charging day after travel, but pay later and penalty charges could be imposed.  However, this charge does not cover the whole of London and the Congestion area is clearly marked in the road and on signs depicting a red circle with a white “c”.

There are so many places to visit in London for all ages, at any time of the year. The Science Museum in South Kensington is a fantastic day out with interactive exhibitions, a selection of IMAX 3D shows and a simulation theatre (selected dates). London Zoo is a personal favourite for many Londoners and will definitely fill a day with visits to see the wild animals, mammals, birds and reptiles. The Royal Parks in London are simply stunning and definitely worth a visit. They incorporate Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Richmond Park, The Green Park and Bushy Park (near Hampton Court Palace) and are often where shows, walks and other events are arranged during the summer.

Of course the accommodation in London is plentiful with many deluxe hotels standing side by side with budget accommodation.  The well known chain of Hilton has a number of hotels in London including the Hilton London Kensington hotel, Hilton London Hyde Park hotel and The Trafalgar Hilton.