Britain’s Biggest Bonfire Night: Lewes Fireworks & South Downs Night Adventure

DESCRIPTION
Experience Britain's biggest Bonfire Night with a unique South Downs adventure!
We'll spend Thursday and Friday nights at YHA South Downs, hike into Lewes to experience the world-famous torchlit processions, then enjoy the spectacular Cliffe Bonfire Society bonfire and fireworks display. Once the crowds begin to thin, we'll head back under the stars on a relaxed guided night hike to the hostel.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be optional guided hikes exploring the beautiful South Downs around Southease, Glynde, Peacehaven and the coast before heading home.

Highlights:
🔥 Britain's biggest Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes.
🎆 Entry to the Cliffe Bonfire Society bonfire & fireworks.
🥾 Guided riverside hike into Lewes.
🌙 A memorable guided night hike back to the hostel.
🛏️ Two nights' accommodation at YHA South Downs.
🌿 Optional guided South Downs hikes on Friday and Saturday.

Social media pic of this event previously:
New event

Before You Arrive

Recommended train ticket: Off-Peak Return (valid within one month return)
London Victoria → Southease
Depart: 12:54 | Arrive: 14:06
£32.30 with a Railcard (price at time of writing)
Nearby trains and roads including this one close after this time!

Before travelling:

Download the Google Maps area for offline use in case mobile reception is poor.
Bring a head torch, spare batteries, warm layers and waterproofs for the night hike.
Get fancy dress costumes!

🔥 Remember, Remember the 5th of November...
Thursday

2:30 pm | Arrive at YHA South Downs near Southease Station. Please arrive before nearby stations close for Bonfire Night. If rooms aren't ready\, we'll leave our bags at the hostel.
3:00 pm | Welcome briefing & kit check.
I'll share your Bonfire Society ticket in the WhatsApp group.
We'll run through the evening itinerary.
3:45–4:00 pm | Depart on foot. 6.5 km | Approx. 1½ hours. Easy riverside walk into Lewes.
5:30 pm | Arrive in Lewes.
Grab some food from one of the many street vendors or cafés.
Enjoy the famous torchlit processions before heading to the firesite. Cliffe Bonfire Society
9:00 pm | Enter the firesite📍 Mountfield Road\, Lewes\, BN7 2XD
Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kc6guFrd6sMwwkgZ6?gst=ic
10:15 pm | Cliff Society Fireworks display
11:15 pm–12:00 am | Leave the firesite once the crowds begin to thin.
Primary meeting point (12:00 am) | Cliffe Bonfire Society entrance.
Secondary meeting point (12:15 am) | https://maps.app.goo.gl/graJuizVzFtGdfKx7?gst=ic
Night Hike Back | 6.5 km | Approx. 1½ hours. A relaxed guided night hike back along the river. Please ensure you have a head torch\, warm clothing and spare batteries.
1:45 am | Arrive back at the hostel for a well-earned sleep.
Accommodation: Shared dormitory (6 beds)

Friday

A relaxed day after the Bonfire Night adventure.
Breakfast available to purchase at the hostel.
Lunch at the hostel or bring a packed lunch.
1:30 pm (Optional Hike) Glynde return walk | 15 km | 207 m ascent |
Approx. 4½ hours. Includes a pub stop for an early dinner (or dinner back at the hostel afterwards).
Accommodation: Shareddormitory (6 beds)

Saturday

Breakfast at the hostel.
Check out.
9:30–10:00 am (Optional Hike) At 10:00 we will pass Southease station and meet the Saturday hikers who have joined us for the day. Then a scenic South Downs adventure: 22 km | 269 m ascent | Approx. 6 hours. Lunch stop at a pub\, and a second Pub stop later in the hike. Walk via the coast\, Peacehaven\, the Meridian Line and the hidden village of Telscombe before returning to Southease for trains home.

Times might be slightly amended at the time.

Cost:
Your price includes:
🎆 Entry to the world-famous Lewes Bonfire Night street processions.
🔥 Entry to the Cliffe Bonfire Society firesite, including the bonfire and fireworks display.
🥾 Three days of guided hiking, planned and led by experienced AAA leader who is Lowland leader qualified, Wilderness First Aid qualified, Summer Mountain Leader trained.
🛏️ Two nights' accommodation (Thursday & Friday) in a shared 6-bed dormitory at YHA South Downs.

Please note: Clicking 'Attend' on Meetup does not reserve your place.
Your place is only confirmed once full payment has been received.

How to book

Make sure you have travel insurance.
Click 'Attend' on this Meetup event.
Make payment using the Monzo link below.
Send me a message on Meetup confirming travel insurance, and let me know you've paid so I can mark you as Paid and confirm your place.
Once you’ve RSVP’d, check the private comments section of this Meetup event for the invitation link to join the WhatsApp group. This is where we’ll share updates, and answer questions (particularly if I’m temporarily unavailable). I’ll share my live location on the day, return train times, and group photos after the event.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-paid, first-served basis.

Monzo Link Payment link: https://monzo.me/colingill/150.00?h=lTIre5&d=261105%20Lewes%20bonfire%20&accounttype=personal

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Travel
Food

RECOMMENDED KIT LIST

Suitable hiking shoes or boots
Packed lunch and snacks
Water - 2 litres a day
Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino
Towel
Head torch
Battery pack
Fancy Dress

I’m organising a group trip:

Accommodation is booked on behalf of the group;
Everyone remains responsible for their own travel insurance, belongings and personal expenses.
Participants will need their own standard travel insurance to attend (to cover cancellation due to illness, lost luggage, personal liability, medical expenses, travel disruption.
I reserve the right to change room allocations if someone withdraws.
I’ll try and match same sex rooms, but this can’t be guaranteed.

CANCELLING/REFUNDS
Payment is non-refundable. If you find you can no longer attend, you may sell your place to another member of AAA of the same gender, and arrange any money transactions privately.
If you want to do this, please inform the Host shown on this page before you start the process.

QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.
We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions.

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Photo by TobyHawkes.co.nz