There’s a special kind of magic that sweeps through the Cotswolds each
November. The air grows crisp, the last golden leaves cling to the trees, and
somewhere in the distance, a faint crackle breaks the quiet. Bonfire Night is here
— that old, glowing ritual of fire and light that warms both hands and hearts.
In Cheltenham and its nearby villages, Bonfire Night is not just about fireworks. It’s
about togetherness — wool scarves, mittens clutching mugs of hot chocolate, and
the hum of laughter beneath the smoke-swirled stars.
Cheltenham Racecourse often hosts one of the biggest fireworks displays in
Gloucestershire — a dazzling spectacle that lights up the horizon and draws
families from across the region. The grandstands echo with “oohs” and “aahs” as
colour bursts above the track, and the smell of toffee apples mingles with roasted
chestnuts from local stalls.
For those who prefer something more intimate, Bishop’s Cleeve and Tewkesbury
hold smaller, community bonfires — flickering gatherings where neighbours come
together, children wave sparklers, and the warmth of the flames feels almost
ancient.
Each event carries its own rhythm, but the spirit is shared: gratitude for
light in the dark.
The story behind the celebration — the thwarted Gunpowder Plot of 1605 — feels
distant now, softened by time. What remains is something simpler: the joy of a
night spent outdoors, faces lit by fire, the scent of smoke curling through the
November chill
If you’re staying nearby, it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up in layers, wander
through Cheltenham’s autumn lanes, and end your night with a local cider by the
fire. November is brief, but these evenings make it eternal — bright embers against
a darkening sky.
As the embers fade and the night draws in, retreat to the comfort of Cotswold
Grange. Nestled in the heart of Cheltenham, our elegant townhouse hotel offers
the perfect haven after an evening of fireworks and festivity.
Book your stay today and experience November’s glow from the warmth of
Cotswold Grange.