REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot – so the saying goes.

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 saw Guy Fawkes and a group of English Catholics fail in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I.

6

With the conspirators discovered, people lit bonfires around London to celebrate the King’s survival. We’ve been lighting bonfires – and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes – ever since.

And while Halloween may have eclipsed our traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, there is still plenty of fun for all ages across the country.

Here Lisa Minot explores the best of the firework displays and bonfires throughout the UK.

Gisburne Park, Lancashire

6

BILLED as the largest bonfire in the north of England, the bonanza at Ribblesdale Park on the Gisburne estate promises all the family favourites on Saturday, November 2.

As well as a firework display, there’s a sparkler area, fire dancers, food and drink, a bubble machine and glitter station, followed by an after party with a DJ and dancing.

The bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and fireworks start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.96 for adults, £11 for kids aged three to 12. Under-3s are free. See gisburneparkestate. co.uk/bonfire.

STAY: The Stirk House Hotel has rooms on November 2 from £160 a night. See stirkhouse.co.uk.

Alexandra Palace, London

6

Advertisement

ONE of the capital’s oldest and biggest Bonfire Night celebrations, there’s even more to enjoy this year over the weekend of November 1 and 2.

As well as the pyrotechnic displays and bonfire, The Cuban Brothers will be playing on Friday, and Artful Dodger on Saturday.

There’s also ice skating, a fun fair, bonfire and beer festival – as well as a new drone show for 2024.

Gates open at 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday, with fireworks at 9pm and 8pm respectively.

Entry is £18 for adults, £12 for children aged 11-15 and £6.50 for under-11s. See fireworks.london.

STAY: Travelodge London Wood Green has rooms available over the weekend for £114, based on up to four sharing. See travelodge.co.uk.

The Hoe, Plymouth

6

ONE of the most popular events in Devon, Bonfire Night at The Hoe on Plymouth’s waterfront will return for 2024 with a vast bonfire, fireworks, above, and plenty of family-friendly fun on November 5.

The scenic spot is supposedly where, in 1588, Sir Francis Drake first heard about the invading Spanish Armada and, as the story goes, continued his game of bowls.

The fairground opens at 4pm and there’s food from 5pm. The bonfire is lit at 7pm with fireworks from 7.30pm. See visitplymouth.co.uk.

STAY: The imposing Victorian gem, the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, is close to The Hoe and has rooms from £67.50 the week of November 3. See thedukeofcornwall.co.uk.

Mayfield Park, Manchester

6

Advertisement

MAYFIELD Park, with food and entertainment venue Freight Island, has all the fireworks fun over the weekend of November 1-3.

There are fireworks each night as well as music, entertainment and free sparklers for kids.

Fuel up with mulled wine, hot chocolate or candy floss in the park or enjoy street food favourites, including pizza, burgers and ribs at Freight Island.

Gates open at 5.30pm each evening with two firework displays on Saturday. Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children. Under-3s are free. See escapetofreightisland.com.

STAY: Rooms at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly are from £144 over the weekend with family rooms for four from £186.

See marriott.com.

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

6

THE Fawkes Festival, held at Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, the Royal Highland Centre, provides a unique Guy Fawkes Night experience on Sunday November 3.

It has choreographed fireworks and live entertainment including the sensational street theatre troupe Spark!

Visitors can dance the night away with the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and enjoy fairground rides, a variety of food stalls and, of course, a roaring bonfire.

Tickets are £18 for adults and £14 for children. Under-3s go free. See royalhighlandcentre.co.uk.

STAY: Hotel Indigo Edinburgh has rooms from £132 a night. See ihg.com/hotelindigo.

SOME seriously creepy characters have found their way into Chessington World of Adventures this month.

As part of Chessington’s Howl’o’ween extravaganza, a bunch of Vile Villagers have taken over the Wild Woods, lurking behind trees and ready to pounce on visitors.

2

2

Advertisement

My brother and I were visiting the theme park in Kingston upon Thames, South West London, with my son Leo, eight, and his six-year-old cousin Buddy, who fancied themselves as teenage ghostbusters.

But little Buddy went running for his daddy’s hand when the ghouling got too tough.

The attraction’s young actors put in Oscar-worthy performances and their make-up, prosthetics and props made for a genuinely unnerving experience.

It’s a live, immersive experience, next to the famous Vampire ride, and horribly blood-soaked.

A wonderful thing about most Merlin attractions – but especially Chessington, perhaps because of the zoo’s many and wonderful animals – is how enthusiastic and knowledgeable the staff are.

Silent disco

It was too dark to see most of the name badges but every time we got lost, or needed to know a ride’s height restriction or a toilet location, we were saved by a member of the faultless team.

If your little trolls and ogres are not ready for the PG-12 frights, there are plenty of other options to entertain younger and softer souls.

Banyan: The Final Flame is an hypnotic fire-and-special effects show taking place at Adventure Point.

It was an action-packed afternoon and us fat dads needed a rest, but instead we were dragged away to more rides.

All the rides, like Mandrill Mayhem and Kobra, feel extra-thrilling after dark and the summit of Croc Drop gives a super-spooky view of nighttime London before sending you hurtling back to earth.

Our little terrors claimed to be too big and cool for the Wilf and Violet show on the Mini Stage and the appearances of Cocomelon’s JJ and Cody. But everyone else seemed to be loving the action.

The Pumpkin Patch is a brilliant spot for family photos – no matter what your age or fear factor.

And another success of our visit was the silent disco, which got our football-mad rough-housers dancing and singing like an Abba tribute act.

Our boys have not been old enough to do an after-dark theme park before but now inform us that they ONLY go on rides at midnight.

Mummify yourself in warm clothes and check out the timings of all of the shows so you can catch every scene. Then, strap yourself in as it’s guaranteed to be a spooktacular night.

(credit: VistaJet)

As the global leader in private aviation for 20 years, VistaJet – a part of Vista, the world’s first private aviation ecosystem – has announced a new suite of experiences through Private World. Offeringonce-in-a-lifetime adventures all around the world, a gift for all VistaJet Members, to fully immerse in the iconic silver and red legacy, the company takes care of every detail of their guest’s itinerary so they can make the most of their special vacation. From exclusive looks into the cacao plantations of the Amazon and a helicopter safari following humpback whale migration in Mozambique and more, see the full list of new experiences below. 

(credit: VistaJet)

Botswana with Belmond

Belmond’s Southern Africa escapes embrace two thrillingly different safari experiences in Northern Botswana. Eagle Island Lodge is in the heart of the Okavango Delta and Savute Elephant Lodge sits beside the mysterious Savute Channel. Experienced guides, rich wildlife encounters and unique activities will enchant even the most seasoned safari traveler. Breathlessly captivating, this corner of Botswana has long been associated with the world’s greatest explorers, including David Livingstone. Follow in their footsteps at Savute Elephant Lodge and head out to a unique viewing hide at dusk or dawn, overlooking the watering hole, to see elephants, hyenas and cheetahs in their element. Returning to the lodge, receive a serene welcome while the eco-friendly design immerses you in harmony with the stunning landscape.

Eagle Island Lodge’s high-ceiling tented rooms in the Botswana wetlands are flooded with light, and each has a plunge pool and oversized bed with views of the Delta. Get closer to the wildlife of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a silent glide past hippos in a traditional canoe, as fish eagles soar overhead.

(credit: VistaJet)

Luxury Cacao Experience in Ecuador with The Cacau Club

Indulge in the ultimate luxury cacao travel experience in Ecuador, where the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest meet the rich cultural heritage of cacao cultivation. Embark on a sensory journey, exploring exclusive cacao plantations nestled within the pristine rainforest, where expert guides unveil the secrets of premium chocolate production. Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences, from harvesting ripe cacao pods to the intricate chocolate-making process. Delight your taste buds with an exquisite tasting at Toak, the ‘Hermes of Chocolate.’ Toak, renowned for its dedication to Amazon conservation while producing exceptional cacao and chocolate, opens its doors to VistaJet for an intimate exploration of their exquisite creations.

Delve into the artistry behind each bar, savoring the distinctive flavors that have earned Toak its prestigious reputation in the world of luxury chocolates. Beyond the plantations, discover the vibrant local communities that have sustained cacao traditions for generations. Engage with indigenous artisans, gaining insight into their time-honored techniques for crafting artisanal chocolates. Personalized culinary experiences await, featuring unique cacao and chocolate-infused dishes prepared by skilled chefs.                  

(credit: VistaJet)

Spectacular Humpback Helicopter Safari in Mozambique with Kisawa

Experience the magic of the ‘Great East African Blue Migration’ up close, witnessing hundreds of adult and newborn humpback sightings at Kisawa Sanctuary, Benguerra Island. For a truly unforgettable perspective, take to the skies above the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park for a private helicopter safari led by the science team at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS). You will weave around the stunning blues of the archipelago with the best chance of watching these traveling pods from above.

Kisawa Sanctuary is an award-winning island resort, celebrating the unbreakable bond between people and land. Located on 300 hectares of pristine tropical coastline, rolling dunes and coastal forest, Kisawa has been created to ensure maximum privacy, with minimum impact on the natural environment, showcasing a design culture that celebrates craft and heritage.     

Private Champagne Billecart-Salmon Dinner in Mareuil-sur-A¨y, France

An immersion of timeless elegance and artisanal craftsmanship of Champagne-making, enriched by the personal insights and expertise of Mathieu Roland Billecart himself. VistaJet Members can enjoy an exquisite estate and cellar tour at Champagne Billecart-Salmon, followed by an intimate private dining experience within the domaine, graciously hosted by Mathieu Roland Billecart, the 7th Generation CEO at this celebrated vintner’s family champagne house.        

A HUGE £200m water park with a 500-room hotel and bowling alley has moved one step closer to opening in the UK.

Great Wolf Resorts (GWR), which has sites in the US and Canada, is now prepping to open Great Wolf Lodge in Chesterton, near Bicester.

8

8

Advertisement

8

8

After planning was initially approved in 2021, Europe’s first taste of the monster resort is now even closer to opening.

“Some infrastructure improvements” have recently been made, GWR said, pushing the development further.

A spokesperson for the company said: “The potential of bringing a Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort to families in the UK is exciting, and we’re exploring the best possible ways to bring our beloved family entertainment brand to this market.

“We recently completed some infrastructure improvements to the Chesterton site, and we continue to explore the potential for additional resorts within the UK to reach more families and provide our strongest entry into the market.”

An exact opening date has not been given.

The resort will bring in a £200m investment for the area as well as creating 600 jobs.

It will be a 498-room hotel with themed rooms, featuring an indoor water park with twisty slides and a variety of pools.

And a second resort is hoping to open in Basingstoke.

While official ticket prices haven’t been revealed, day passes would be available for anyone wanting to visit the indoor waterpark and restaurants, along with discounts for locals.

The 45-acre attraction will also have miniature golf courses.

Guests will also be able to book overnight stays at the resort too, similar to Butlin’s and Center Parcs.

A one-night stay for a family of four at a Great Wolf Resort in the US starts from $199 (£157) a night.

Basingstoke councillor John Izett said: “A Great Wolf indoor water park resort in Basingstoke would bring some £275 million of investment, many new visitors to our borough, many good job opportunities and a material and long term for the local economy.

“It would put us on the map as a UK visitor destination, and, I would expect, attract the best, most exciting leisure operators for the new leisure park. 

8

8

8

8

Advertisement

Omni La Costa

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa provides a perfect getaway for golf lovers, spa enthusiasts, families, couples and anyone wanting to enjoy stunning beaches, perfect weather and luxurious accommodations. Located just 2 hours from Los Angeles in the secluded charming Carlsbad, the resort houses more than 600 guest rooms, suites and villas.  Guests can enjoy eight swimming pools, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a Kidtopia kids’ club, a huge fitness center, six food venues, an exceptional spa and 17 tennis courts. The resort just completed a multi-million dollar renovation taking its signature appeal to new heights. This highly-anticipated refresh not only updates the resort’s aesthetics but also reimagines the overall guest experience to cater to modern travelers while maintaining the charm that has made it a classic for decades.

Modernized Guest Rooms and Villas

The resort’s guest rooms and villas have been completely redesigned to reflect a modern yet timeless elegance. Drawing inspiration from Southern California’s natural beauty, the updated interiors feature a soft, coastal color palette, with light blues, greens, and neutral tones evoking the nearby Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes.

Accommodations have been designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation, with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and high-end amenities that cater to today’s tech-savvy traveler. In keeping with Omni La Costa’s reputation for luxury, the villas also offer private patios or balconies with views of the resort’s lush gardens, golf courses, and scenic rolling hills.

Omni La Costa

Award Winning Spa Expanded and Enhanced

La Costa was the first resort in the country to offer a full spa service and now the renamed Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is world-renowned for its stunning state of the art spa and amenities. Guests can easily spend an entire day at the beautiful spa enjoying the healthy al fresco restaurant, lounging in the relaxation room by the fire; getting pampered at the nail and hair salon or with massages, facials and body treatments; destressing in the huge Jacuzzi and sauna; hanging out under the Roman waterfall; walking barefoot on the reflexology path and learning about fragrance at the free aromatherapy classes.

As part of the recent refresh, the spa has been expanded and upgraded to offer an even more indulgent experience. The newly renovated spa features additional treatment rooms, updated relaxation areas, and a fresh, contemporary design that enhances the serene ambiance. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments, from traditional massages to cutting-edge wellness therapies, all while surrounded by the calming natural beauty of the resort’s gardens. The spa’s renowned vitality pools, private cabanas, and tranquil courtyards remain a key part of the experience, but with the addition of new wellness-focused amenities such as infrared saunas and hydrotherapy stations.

Championship Golf Redesign

Home to two championship courses—the Legends Course and the Champions Course—the resort has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including PGA Tour events. As part of the resort’s refresh, these iconic golf courses have undergone a substantial redesign aimed at preserving their historical significance while introducing modern enhancements that meet the expectations of today’s golf enthusiasts.

The courses, originally designed by renowned architects Dick Wilson and Joe Lee, have been updated to enhance playability and sustainability. The new course layouts feature improved greens, better water management systems, and upgraded turf that aligns with eco-friendly practices, ensuring a top-tier golfing experience that harmonizes with the surrounding Southern California landscape. The resort has also integrated state-of-the-art practice facilities, including an expanded driving range and short game areas, allowing golfers of all levels to perfect their swing before hitting the course.

For fitness minded guests, there are also 17 clay and hard tennis courts, the adult Edge pool for relaxation or laps and a wide range of classes through their fitness camp and Athletic Club.

Kids will love the two 100-foot waterslides at the Splash Landing pools, the sandy beach pool, Kidtopia kids’ club, outdoor evening movies by the pool, s’mores and a cool game lounge.

Foodies can enjoy the huge portions at Bob’s Steak & Chop House, offering dinner dishes including onion rings, crab cakes, salads, ribeyes, filets, pork chops, lamb and a variety of seafood.

For all day dining, Vue provides pretty al fresco dining with views of the rolling green hills and golf courses. Breakfast and brunch highlights include daily variations on Benedicts and brunches; breakfast burrito bowls, French toast and chilaquiles.

My favorite part of the resort is the gorgeous Spanish Colonial style courtyard where kids can play, adults can lounge and savor a cappuccino and couples can stroll under stars and moonlight around beautifully lit fountains. The resort also updated their Coastal Events Center to accommodate a variety of events in the 100,000-square-foot space.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad. For reservations, visit www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa  or call 760.438.9111.