Sightseeing and things to do in London at night
There’s never any shortage of nocturnal activities for Gay and Lesbian visitors to London, but there’s more to life than drinking and dancing the night away in gay bars (isn’t there?!). Here we take a look at other things to do in London on a Spring night!
MUSEUM & GALLERY ‘LATES’
National Portrait Gallery
London’s National Portrait Gallery is open until 9pm on Fridays to get an after-dark look at the dazzling array of portraits, including Great Gays of Old such as Noel Coward and Oscar Wilde and modern portraits of royalty and celebrities. These “Late Shift” evenings (6pm-9pm Fridays) often include live music and special talks and tours.
National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE
Cost: FREE (special exhibitions: see website)
T: +44 20 7306 0055
W: National Portrait Gallery website
Tate Modern
Open on Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm, Tate Modern, in a former power station on London’s Southbank, has grown to become one of the world’s most popular art galleries.
Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
Cost: FREE (special exhibitions: see website)
T: +44 20 7887 8888
W: Tate Modern website
V&A
Open until 10pm on Fridays for their V&A Lates session (from 6pm), including special events, talks, music, food and drink
V&A, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
Cost: FREE (special exhibitions: see website)
T: +44 207 420 9736
W: V&A website
WALKING TOURS AFTER DARK
London Horror Story
At night the ancient City of London is deserted… and eerie. Explore its shadowy back streets and dimly lit alleys in this tour. Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
The last tour starts at 6pm for this infamous London walking tour – which in winter means that you are walking through London’s streets at night. But fear not, this fascinating tour guides you through the back streets of the City and the East End to discover more about the notorious London serial killer.
BOOK TICKETS TO THE JACK THE RIPPER WALKING TOUR
LONDON ATTRACTIONS AT NIGHT
London Zoo
Go to London Zoo on a Friday night in the Summer for Zoo Night to see another side to Zoo life, plus live entertainment and more.
London Zoo, Regent’s Park, Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
BOOK TICKETS TO LONDON ZOO
London Eye
The London Eye is open late on selected days in the Summer months – allowing you to take in London at night. General closing times are: in winter until 8.30pm, and in summer until 9pm (9.30pm Fridays/Saturdays) – check website for details.
London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
BOOK TICKETS FOR THE LONDON EYE & RIVER CRUISE
The View from the Shard
One of the latest editions to the London skyline is Western Europe’s tallest building – The Shard – featuring breathtaking views of London from a number of viewing platforms. Thursday to Saturday The Shard is open late to enjoy a spectacular night-time look at the capital.
The View from the Shard, Joiner Street, London, SE1 9QU
BOOK TICKETS TO THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD
Tower of London – Ceremony of the Keys
The only way to gain access to the Tower of London at night is to join the free Ceremony of the Keys tour. The ceremony has been held every single night of the year for the last 700 years. See website for information on applying for tickets.
The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
Cost: FREE
T: +44 20 3166 6000
E: visitorservices.TOL@hrp.org.uk
W: Tower of London website
OR BOOK TICKETS TO THE TOWER OF LONDON
TOUR LONDON AT NIGHT
See London by Night Bus Tour
See London all lit up at by taking a guided open top bus tour of London that includes the Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, Harrods, Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Waterloo Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower Bridge then makes it’s way back along the Embankment to Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket and back to Green Park.
BOOK TICKETS TO THE SEE LONDON BY NIGHT BUS TOUR
Thames Dinner Cruise
Spend a civilised evening cruising along the Thames and having dinner courtesy of the Bateaux London cruise boats, taking in the sights of London at night.
MORE AFTER DARK
Somerset House: The lovely Fountain Court within Somerset House is open late Wednesdays to Fridays Website
Wellcome Collection: Fascinating free galleries and exhibitions much about the history of medicine, open late on Thursdays Website
Barbican Art Gallery: Open til 9pm on Thursday and Fridays Website
Royal Academy of Arts: Open til 10pm on Fridays Website
National Gallery: Open til 9pm on Fridays Website
Science Museum: Open til 10pm (from 6.45pm) for adults only on the last Wednesday of each month Website
Natural History Museum: Open late the last Friday of the month for their Lates session Website
British Museum: Open til 8.30pm every Friday Website
Whitechapel Gallery: East End institution with expansive galleries of modern art, open til 9pm on Thursday Website